Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, along with State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan and Assembly Member Erik Martin Dilan, introduced a legislative effort to spur volunteerism through the use of tax incentives.
Under the proposal, which the Dilans’ are taking to their respective legislative bodies in Albany, New Yorkers that volunteer at least 25 hours during a year for established 501(c)(3) organizations, or organizations affiliated with NY Cares or NYC Service, would receive a tax credit equal to $200 a year.
The announcement was made today in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a nationally observed holiday focused on community service.
“Every day, we see that volunteerism is a core tenet of community and neighborhood development,” said Adams. “That truth is never more evident than on the observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, a man whose legacy calls us all to service. Organizations that rely on volunteer support, groups that are already stretched thin for resources as they work to help out the most underserved among us, would benefit greatly from this tax incentive proposal, getting the manpower and womanpower they need to fulfill their worthy missions of service to our communities. Additionally, it will lower the tax burden on individuals who want to do good and are themselves in need of a helping hand.”
“Our city and state is what it is today because of volunteers,” said Marty Dilan. “Annually, their selfless efforts account for thousands of hours and billions of dollars in vital services to our most vulnerable communities. Sadly, the number of people volunteering their time has declined in New York, and the services they provide cannot be feasibly budgeted or staffed. This tax credit could help attract and retain volunteers at a fraction of the cost of their annual contribution to communities throughout New York State.”
