INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) was honored Tuesday, October 10, at the 2023 Philanthropy Leads Dinner for authoring and championing House Enrolled Act 1212 to passage. The new law secures the privacy of nonprofit donors from government-forced disclosure.
In presenting the IPA Public Policy Champion of Philanthropy Award to Karickhoff, IPA Board of Directors Chair Maggi Spartz thanked him for his efforts. “He worked with IPA and our partners to draft the legislation and accommodate the amendments needed to overcome the near death of the bill,” she said. “He is a staunch supporter of protecting the rights of donors.”
Karickhoff, who represents portions of Grant and Howard counties in House District 30, said he greatly appreciated the recognition and was happy to get the legislation across the finish line. “Donors should have that privacy,” he said. “They have lots of reasons to make donations, and they’re personal. It is one of the fundamental principles of our republic that we can give our money to who we wish without concerns about the privacy of those donations.”
Karickhoff noted that the bill was bipartisan, with the final version receiving 74 “Aye” votes in the 100-member Indiana House. He gives to many causes himself, including the Community Foundation of Howard County and United Way of Howard County.
Karickhoff believes the idea of philanthropy has Biblical roots. “Giving to the church is important, but if you’re really going to maximize your philanthropic efforts, you have to give beyond your tithe to the church to do all you can do,” he said.
“The law upholds a key pillar of philanthropic giving: the right of charitable donors to keep their giving private,” IPA CEO Claudia Cummings said. “We thank Rep. Karickhoff for being a true advocate for the legislation throughout the session.”
The dinner featured a fireside chat on entrepreneurism and philanthropy, moderated by Cummings with Scott Dorsey, managing partner of High Alpha, and Gov. Eric Holcomb. IPA’s 2023 class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute was also honored at a graduation ceremony during the event.
IPA is the largest association supporting effective philanthropy in Indiana and includes foundations, corporations, and other social investors. Learn more at inphilanthropy.org.
