How many times have you heard this statement during this intense election race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton? How many of you have actually spoken the words when pondering the outcome of voting on November 8th. In full disclosure, I am a registered Democrat and will be supporting the party's nominee this year. So now putting my personal disclaimer aside and in speaking to you as non-profit executives and development professionals, I have posed a number of questions on how this election might impact my work as a fundraiser.
Does election giving negatively impact donations for non-profits?
According to a study by Blackbaud, Giving in an Election Year a New Report on Charitable Giving in a Political Climate donors that gave to federal political campaigns in the last Presidential election gave more to charitable organizations than nonpolitical donors.
In fact, research by Bill Tedesco of
DonorSearch.net
shows that lifetime political contributions of $15,000 or more by an individual donor bears nearly a one-to-one correlation of that donor making a five figure or larger gift to a charitable organization. Often these gifts are in the six or seven figure range.
I personally believe that a key ingredient is something so obvious. Political donors firmly believe that their contribution will influence the future. They believe in making a positive change through civic engagement in our society. It makes perfect sense that this would coincide with support for non-profit causes. This makes me want to hunt down those fervent Trump OR Clinton donors that also support my organization!
Should non-profits hold back and do something different in an election year?
As S
eth Rosen, Senior Associate at Joan Garry Consulting states - "
Frankly, nonprofits should not be doing anything different during a Presidential election year because the best fundraisers know that extreme competition for donor dollars exists every day of every year. To forget this, and to take your donors for granted even once, will always result in lowered revenue and possibly resentment from donors." He is so spot on with his comment. I find that some fundraisers use the election as an excuse to hold back and not engage their donors. Don't fall into this trap.
How might the election impact the economy?
A real concern that I have regardless of party affiliation is the health of our national economy. If the past informs the future, the first year of a first term for a new President often coincides with a softening of the economy. Presidents Reagan, Bush and Obama all began their term in or at the beginning of a recession. Regardless of who wins in November, we as fundraisers must be aware of the odds. We must stay engaged with our donors. Never take their support for granted and now more than ever ramp up your stewardship to retain donors through a possible bumpy year ahead.
How does this election impact the charitable giving tax deduction?
First as an advocate for fundraising and philanthropy, I continue to advocate strongly for the preservation of the Charitable Deduction on Income Taxes. In the past Republicans have traditionally been more steadfast in their support whereas Democrats have often been more inclined to propose limits or caps on the deduction. President Obama consistently included a cap on the charitable deduction in his fiscal plans for the federal budget. To date, I am optimistic on this issue given that both Trump and Clinton have voiced their support for keeping the charitable deduction the same.
How has civility and ethics been viewed through this election?
Donald Trump's comments during this campaign have been alarming. His remarks on race, religion, sex or physical capability leave my jaw dropping to the floor in disbelief. I spoke for AFP in Mexico City last year and voiced my distaste of his comments. On the other side of the isle, Hilary Clinton's campaign is simply plagued by one controversy after another. For me as a fundraising professional, her email situation has broadened beyond concerns over national security to include the ethics of communication between the leadership of the Clinton Foundation and her staff in the State Department.
In both cases, we as professional fundraisers have an opportunity to raise questions of civility and ethics during this national election. This provides a solid backdrop for fellow fundraisers to discuss the impact of this election on fundraising and philanthropy.
Will I move to Canada?
On Wednesday, November 9th, regardless of who wins this heated election, I will not move to Canada. Although Canada is a beautiful country, I will wake up giving the Office of the President my full support. I will also wear a purple tie on post election day to support our new President and our incredible democracy.
Don't forget to vote!
Patrick Feeley, MBA, CFRE is the Chief Development Officer at Caron Treatment Centers. Caron is a behavioral healthcare organization helping families overcome the pain of addiction. He also serves as Chairperson of AFP International and is a member of our local AFP chapter. You may connect with Pat through LinkedIn here.
