Advocate for Charitable Giving: Help Support the Charitable Act Today!

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we believe in the power of community and giving back. That’s why we’re asking our members, volunteers, and supporters to take action and help us advocate for the Charitable Act (H.R.801/S.317). This bipartisan legislation will create a non-itemized, universal charitable deduction, empowering taxpayers to give back to their communities—something we know is vital to strengthening the programs and initiatives that make a difference in the lives of so many, including our own Girl Scouts.

Why is the Charitable Act Important?

This bill will help millions of Americans continue to give back to causes they care about. The Universal Charitable Deduction (also known as the Non-Itemizer Deduction) allows individuals and couples to donate to charity and claim a deduction, even if they don’t itemize their taxes. This helps us keep the momentum going in charitable giving, which has shown a proven increase in donations—especially from those with adjusted gross income of less than $30,000.

For Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, individual donations are critical to the success of our programming, providing resources and support for our 6,200 Girl Scout members. Nationally, Girl Scouts have reported incredible outcomes:

  • 90% of Florida Girl Scouts say Girl Scouts gives them a sense of belonging.
  • 99% of Girl Scouts feel safe in the organization.
  • Girl Scout alums are more likely to attain a higher level of education than their peers.

By supporting this bill, you will help ensure that these life-changing outcomes continue for generations to come.

How Can You Help?

We’re asking for you to take a moment to write to your U.S. Representatives and Senators to urge them to support the Charitable Act. It’s simple, and we’ve made it even easier by providing a pre-written letter that you can download and include in your email. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Find Your District Representative:
    Below is a list of Representatives and the Florida districts they serve. Look for your district and contact the corresponding Representative.

Florida Senators:

  1. Rick Scott (R):
  2. Ashley Moody (R):

2. Download the pre-written letter:
Download the letter we’ve published to include in your email.

Support the Charitable Act letter from GSGCF CEO Mary Anne ServianDownload

3. Send your email:
Craft your email using the draft provided below. Don’t forget to personalize it with your Representative’s name and send it with the attached letter.

Sample Email Template:

Dear [INSERT REPRESENTATIVE NAME],

On behalf of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, thank you for your ongoing support of the Girl Scout Movement.

I write to ask for [REPRESENTATIVE NAME]’s support of the Charitable Act (H.R.801/S.317). This bipartisan piece of legislation will create a non-itemized, universal charitable deduction which will empower taxpayers to give back to their communities. Please see the attached document for a letter from the CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Mary Anne Servian.

Yours in Girl Scouting,
[YOUR NAME]

It’s time for us to make our voices heard!

As a member of the Girl Scout community, your support can help us continue to provide valuable programs and opportunities to young girls across Florida. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that future generations benefit from the power of charitable giving.

Thank you for your support!

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