Crapo Joins Philanthropy Caucus

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is now one of seven Senators to serve on the Senate Philanthropy Caucus. The Caucus, with a partner effort in the U.S. House of Representatives, was formed to inform fellow Senators and Representatives about the important role that foundations play across the country. The Caucus also serves to identify issues of mutual interest to the philanthropic sector and lawmakers. The group is also charged with raising awareness about legislation and issue facing foundations.

Crapo agreed to join the Caucus after meetings with Daniel Kemmis, President of the Northwest Area Foundation and Megan McNally of Philanthropy Northwest. He will represent the sole western state senator on the Senate Philanthropy Caucus.

"Idaho and America's non-profit groups play a huge role in our society, and they often do not receive the credit and appreciation they deserve," Crapo said. "It is essential that those making the laws here in Washington stay in close touch with the folks that make many programs work in our communities for Idahoans and Americans."

Crapo originally met Kemmis, the former mayor of Missoula, Montana, to discuss the process of collaboration, a process he utilized to help pass the Owyhee Initiative land management legislation signed by President Obama this past week. Their latest meeting came the same day the Public Lands bill containing the Owyhee Initiative received final passage in Congress.

The Senate Philanthropy Caucus is co-chaired by Senators Charles Schumer (D-New York) and Richard Burr (R-North Carolina). Other Caucus members include Senators Carl Levin (D-Michigan), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan).