Last week, the Charitable Giving Coalition, a diverse group of organizations, private and community foundations, nonprofits and others, sent a letter to President-elect Trump. The group requested that the charitable deduction be excluded from potential tax reform. The letter also went to staffers of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, the gatekeepers of legislation that affects tax policy in the United States.

The timing of this letter is important. We at the Foundation have heard from many local nonprofits about how nervous they are about proposed tax changes. They fear they will be forced to close their doors because individual and foundation giving will dry up.

The letter, here, outlines the importance of the charitable deduction. First, it is key to the community and economic health of the nation. Second, it is different than other deductions. The charitable giving deduction rewards a selfless act. It encourages those who can afford to, to give more than they might. The letter also makes the argument that, unlike other deductions, taxpayers adjust their level of charitable giving in direct response to how much tax benefit they receive.

Our take at the Foundation, as we’ve noted here is that policy makers are not going to do anything that injures the citizenry. It’s simply not in their interest to do so. And individuals and foundations won’t stop working towards the goals they believe in, either. The urge to make a difference doesn’t depend on tax breaks or tax bracket.

That said, we believe it’s equally as important for members of Congress and their staff to hear from us as individuals. We are their constituents. We give to and receive services from charitable organizations. We support vitality and growth in our community. We don’t want anything to prevent or discourage people from sharing their resources with organizations that provide important and necessary services in the community.

If you’re so inclined, send a note or call your Congressional representatives. Let them know how you feel. You can find their contact information here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials