FPN Advocacy & Public Policy Updates

FPN Members Meet With Florida Legislators on Capitol Hill
Florida Philanthropic Network led a team of 15 Florida grantmakers to Washington, D.C., on March 9, 2011, for visits with 25 members of Florida's congressional delegation and their staffs, as part of the annual Foundations on the Hill event, which was co-sponsored by the Council on Foundations and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.  [Read More]

New Florida Law, Resolutions Focus on Philanthropy
The Florida Legislature also passed resolutions in the 2010 session to support the formation and operation of charitable foundations in Florida and recognize Florida's charitable foundations for their important and innovative work to advance the quality of life in Florida.  Also, Governor Charlie Crist signed a new law on May 27, 2010, that prevents state or local governments from mandating Florida grantmakers' board composition or grantmaking decisions.  [Read More]

Rep. Posey Co-Sponsors IRA Charitable Rollover Bill
As the result of a Sept. 9 meeting with local foundations, Florida Congressman Bill Posey (R-15th) has signed on as co-sponsor of the Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2009 (H.R. 1250). The bill would make the charitable rollover incentive permanent and expand the incentive to cover IRA distributions to donor advised funds, supporting organizations and private foundations. The bill would also lift the $100,000 cap on distributions and allow planned gifts beginning at age 59.5, down from the current age limit of 70.5. [Read More]

FPN's Katie Ensign Appointed to Florida Advisory Committee on Economic Security
FPN President Katie Ensign has been appointed to a state committee that advises the Florida Department of Children and Families on its provision of safety-net services to Florida citizens - services that have become all the more critical in today's economic downturn. [Read More]

Florida's "Stimulus Czar" Reviews Recovery Act With State's Foundations, Nonprofits
At a June 16 FPN Webinar, Florida Economic Stimulus Special Advisor Don Winstead gave a detailed overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to more than 60 foundation and nonprofit representatives.  He described how Florida will receive $14.1 billion over the next three years from the Act, and identified several possible opportunities for private funders to help Florida maximize the federal stimulus dollars it receives. [Read More]

Rep. Suzanne Kosmas Introduces IRA Charitable Giving Act
Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, who represents Florida’s 24th District in Congress, introduced the IRA Charitable Giving Act on May 14, 2009, to extend the tax-free treatment of distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes.  Kosmas decided to introduce the bill after a visit to her office by representatives of Florida Philanthropic Network in March. [Read More]