Peters Joins Senate Philanthropy Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he joined the bipartisan Senate Philanthropy Caucus, which focuses on the role of philanthropy in society, national policymaking and federal programs. According to the Council of Michigan Foundations, Michigan is home to more than 2,600 independent, family, company-sponsored, community and operating foundations that award approximately $1.61 billion in grants annually.

“Contributions from Michigan’s philanthropic organizations play a critical role in economic development and help our communities rebuild and grow,” said Senator Peters. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate Philanthropy Caucus to support the charitable efforts of these individuals, organizations and foundations as they work to make our communities stronger.”

In Michigan, private organizations, like the Kresge Foundation, Skillman Foundation, C.S. Mott Foundation, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Family Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation have helped boost economic recovery by providing financing, loans and grants to entrepreneurs and small businesses that grow local economies and revitalize communities.

In the Senate, Peters works to support the charitable missions of philanthropic organizations. Last fall, he introduced the Philanthropic Facilitation Act with Senator Cory Gardner (CO) to streamline the approval process for charitable foundations to expand investments in local communities, increase economic development and create jobs. Peters also cosponsored the Charities Helping Americans Regularly Throughout the Year Act (CHARITY Act), which would simplify the tax code to promote charitable giving and allow charities to free up additional resources for communities in times of need.

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