Year-End Giving Could Get a Lift From Political Tax Debates

Fundraisers expect to see more and more donors making contributions prompted by tax considerations in coming months. As a result, they expect a surge in large gifts this year and next. Federal lawmakers are considering at least half a dozen tax changes, and most would have the effect of increasing taxes on wealthy people in 2011.

The tax changes are one reason Congress has been in gridlock, however, and the outcome might not be determined until after the November elections—just as the busiest part of the giving season begins