Civil society forms the backbone of our nation by bringing individuals, institutions, and families together to strengthen our communities. Existing alongside government and private business, civil society directs the philanthropic impulse of Americans toward solving social problems such as homelessness and poverty, or supporting causes like education, the environment, animal welfare, health, and social justice. Americans should be free to give to the causes they choose. The government should not prioritize some causes over others or crowd out private giving, but rather leave more income in the hands of individuals or corporations to direct to civil institutions.