NCRP Statement Regarding the Philanthropy Roundtable's "How Public is Private Philanthropy: Separating Myth from Reality"

The U.S. philanthropic sector is unique: Foundations enjoy favorable tax treatment and the public, therefore, foregoes considerable revenue that would otherwise be available for meeting public needs. As a result, other taxpayers make up the difference with higher rates, with the expectation that they will reap benefits in kind through the various charitable activities carried out by foundations and nonprofits. This is why NCRP has consistently stated that philanthropic assets should be considered partially-public, partially-private dollars. As investors in this country's philanthropic institutions, taxpayers have a stake in the missions and successes of foundations.