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What Does the Proposed ACE Act Mean for Your Clients?What Does the Proposed ACE Act Mean for Your Clients?

A controversial bill aimed at pushing charitable donors may have unintended consequences.

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Sandra G Swirski, Donald Kentand 1 more

September 23, 2021

12 Min Read
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A new bill in Congress by Senators Angus King (D-ME) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), S. 1981, the Accelerating Charitable Efforts (ACE) Act, posits several sweeping policy changes for donor-advised funds (DAFs) and private foundations (PFs). The ACE Act has generated controversy in the philanthropic community. Supporters argue that it will ensure that funds earmarked for charitable purposes reach charitable beneficiaries quickly. They believe that the provisions of the ACE Act will prevent DAFs and PFs from holding onto funds indefinitely without distributing them to charities. Opponents say that these modifications aren’t supported by the data and, moreover, could have a chilling effect on charitable giving by limiting when donors will be ab...

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About the Authors

Sandra G Swirski

Founder, Integer, LLC

Trusted executive, thought leader, and expert. I sit at the intersection of policy and philanthropy, and leverage my savvy, coalition building expertise, and deep industry knowledge to build solutions and progress for those I work with. I am also the founder of Integer, a women-owned government relations firm.

I have demonstrated expertise in collaborating with both major political parties to accomplish client goals.  My expertise comes from years on Capitol Hill working for seasoned Members of Congress and leading government relations teams for companies and clients in the private sector. 

I serve as a Board Member of Exponent Philanthropy, Member of the Philanthropy Editorial Board of Trusts and Estates as well as an Advisory Council Member of Engage, a bipartisan women's organization that promotes economic security for all American women. I am also a frequent speaker and author, providing insightful analysis of breaking financial issues and policy trends to watch for in Washington. I often publish with CEOWorld magazine on these insightful topics to provide my expertise to the public.

Donald Kent

Principal & Financial Advisor, Bernstein

Donald Kent is a Principal and Financial Advisor in Bernstein’s private client group for the past 20 years. He designs comprehensive strategies for high-net-worth families, working closely with their professional advisors, including wealth transfer techniques and tax-wise charitable giving. 

Christopher P. Woehrle

Professor and Chair, Department of Tax and Estate Planning, College for Financial Planning, a Kaplan Company

Christopher P. Woehrle is an adjunct professor of taxation at the Widger School of Law, Villanova University in Villanova, Pa.