3 things every fundraiser needs to consider before they talk politics in front of their donors
Gregory Warner
We help your supporters self-qualify their interest in giving so your frontline fundraisers spend their valuable time with the right people — when they’re ready to move forward. imarketsmart.com
I don’t have any data on this whatsoever but something tells me that a good number of fundraisers might lean left when it comes to politics.
But what about your donors? Do they lean left or right? Do you know? Could you be alienating them by assuming that their politics align with yours?
Here are 3 things you might want to consider as you engage with your supporters (according to Arthur C. Brooks book titled Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism):
- In 2000, households headed by a “conservative” gave, on average, 30% more money to charity than households headed by a liberal although the “liberal” households earned 6% more.
- Religious households give 25% more and volunteers give 23% more than non-religious households.
- Using IRS data on the percentage of household income given away in each state, red states are more charitable than blue states.
It’s important to recognize that there are four main forces that are primarily responsible for making people charitable:
- Religion
- Skepticism about the government in economic life
- Strong families
- Personal entrepreneurism
Bottom line: Whether you lean left or right, be very careful with your political discourse unless you are absolutely sure about your donors’ leanings. You never know who you might offend.
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Development - Fundraising Executive - Love to inspire and motivate
8 年Greg, thanks for the words. It's not just a matter holding back opinion to avoid offending a donor, but every person ought to give regard to fellow man. That is what UNITES these American states and promotes peaceful pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
Founder, President & Principal Counsel, Trident Communications Group
8 年Greg, great piece and excellent advice for those of us in the philanthropy sector. To get into any discussions of politics with donors is akin to walking through a minefield, even if they raise the issue/s. Avoid it like the plague!