Foundation Group Opposes Charitable-Deduction Cap and Supports Estate Tax

While the issue has in the past been considered “too hot to handle,” Mr. Gunderson said, the council now agrees it should take a stand because of the tax’s impact on charitable donations.

Mr. Gunderson said previous debates occurred before he took the helm in 2005, but that he believes the issue has been sensitive partly because many people who run foundations come from wealthy families that would be affected by the estate tax.