Guest commentary: New bill helps volunteers re-coop their charitable efforts
By Tammy Glenn
Volunteers go the extra mile, but at what cost?
The estimated value of a volunteer hour of service, according to the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute is $33.49; up 5.3% from 2022.
That’s $33.49 per hour that volunteers don’t actually pocket, but the value sends a loud and clear message — especially in the world of volunteer caregiving for seniors where professional agencies charge more than $40 per hour to provide what volunteers do at no cost.
Contrast this valuation to the federal government’s charitable mileage allowance of 14 cents per mile — a rate that has not been updated since 1986. The business rate as of 2024 is 67 cents per mile.
What message are we sending to our volunteers, many of whom are retirees, living on restricted incomes and want to volunteer but don’t due to the burden mileage costs place upon them?
Congresswoman Julia Brownley understands this, which is why we are so grateful for her support in signing on as a co-sponsor to H.R. 3032, the Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act of 2023 — a bill that will amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to equalize the charitable mileage rate with the business travel rate.
The bill was sponsored by Representative Pete Stauber who represents the 8th district of Minnesota.
Volunteers are the backbone of our American communities.
Neighbors helping neighbors contribute in invaluable ways — especially to the most vulnerable members of our society, including those with disabilities and seniors.
That makes every mile these dedicated volunteers drive critically important because outside of a friendly phone call, virtually all volunteer assignments are dependent on transportation.
One such organization, the National Volunteer Caregiver Network (NVCN), is suffering across the country for a lack of volunteers.
Now in its 40th year, each NVCN volunteer caregiver saves a low-income senior upwards of $5,000 per year in out-of-pocket expenses.
NVCN has found numerous ways that neighbors can lend a helping hand, starting with the most basic friendly visits, the need for help with rides to the doctor, running errands to pick up groceries or pharmaceuticals, household chores and minor repairs, and social outings; all of which rack up miles!
Even driving-age teens step up through our youth programs.
The cost of coordinating a volunteer far outweighs the cost of institutionalizing an older adult who is no longer driving or lacks the mobility and strength to unload the groceries or change the bed sheets.
While some organizations may offer mileage reimbursement or gas cards, the most straightforward approach with the fewest ramifications is to offer the volunteer a tax deduction that reflects the value of their service.
Nonprofits in all sectors need more volunteers!
Nonprofits track this data and can easily provide a summary letter for volunteers who would benefit from claiming their mileage.
This was a slam dunk for Congresswoman Julia Brownley, and we hope other legislators will follow her lead by signing on to H.R. 3032 and its companion measure S. 3020.
Tammy Glenn is the executive director of the National Volunteer Caregiving Network and leads Ventura County CAREGIVERS.
