Post-Election Blues? Nonprofit Giving Might Be the Silver Lining
When the party you support loses an election, it can feel like the fight for the causes you care about has hit a wall. But here’s the good news: for nonprofits, it’s often just the beginning of an energized movement.?
A small study of four U.S. elections (2004 to 2016) reveals a fascinating trend that can be applied to nonprofits of all sizes — nonprofit giving surges on the losing side. In fact, after the 2016 election, contributions from individuals supporting the losing party jumped by 115%. Compare that to a -9% drop on the winning side, and it’s clear that a political loss often spurs action in other forms, like charitable giving.???
In 2016, the ACLU reported extraordinary engagement in five days following the election: Facebook followers surged by 25% to nearly one million, and 150,000 new supporters joined their email list. They also received 120,000 donations, totaling over $7.2 million, and offers of volunteer time and services — a clear testament to how political outcomes can mobilize action.?
This pattern isn’t confined to a single party. On average, individual contributions for the losing side increased by 58% year-over-year, while the winning side saw a slight decline of -3%, based on the study. Why? Losing often ignites a renewed focus on the issues that matter most.?
When political tides shift, people often feel a stronger urge to support the causes they care about. It’s a way of channeling their disappointment into action, transforming frustration into purpose. For many donors, it’s more than just a reaction — it’s a strategy. They see their support as a way to help organizations gear up for what could be years of challenges, from funding cuts to policies that threaten progress. It’s about standing with these causes, ensuring they’re ready to face whatever comes next.?
No matter your political affiliation, post-election emotions can be intense. But division doesn’t have to define us. Supporting nonprofits that align with your values can be a powerful way to unite with others who share your vision. Together, you can turn frustration into meaningful, lasting change.?
Change takes time, and yes, it can be hard. But amazing things can happen when people channel their energy into collective action. So, whether you’re celebrating or commiserating after election night, remember, supporting the causes you care about is a vote that keeps your values on the ballot. And all that we are doing with an election is deciding who gets a temp job to sit behind a desk.