Subsidizing the Affluent Benefactor

A new study put out by  University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Bank of America seems boring and unsurprising, but it lends proof to two more important observations.  Of course rich folk give more to charity.  Its one of the perks of being rich.  But the study also proves once again that the Tax Code is regressive.  It provides greater benefit to people with the most money, it provides hardly any benefit at all to volunteers or the less well-financially endowed.  My conclusion is old and boring too.  The tax code is increasingly regressive, what else is new?  Its still worth repeating.  Regular folk get no subsidy for their efforts at grassroots participation in America’s Democracy.  Rich folk get it all.  The study shows, too, that rich folk are more often motivated to give by their beliefs or interests in “issues,” a conclusion from which we may know that they give to perpetuate their ideas about society.  That’s fine too, we should all do the same because that’s what makes Democracy. 

But we should all be subsidized the same in our efforts, that’s all I’m saying.  Most don’t get deductions for charitable contributions like rich folk.

Reasons affluent donors give to causes/organizations:

darryll k. jones