If you're worried about the outcome of the presidential election, you're not alone.

This, however, is not a political post.

Rather, it's for all of the nonprofit staffers and leaders. Especially those who might be worried that the election could affect your 2020 fundraising.

Let's separate the fact from fiction.

MYTH #1: WHEN PEOPLE GIVE TO POLITICAL CAUSES/CANDIDATES, THEY'RE LESS LIKELY TO GIVE TO CHARITIES

Fact: Givers give. It's as simple as that.

In fact, research shows that people who give to political causes are more likely to give to charity.

Do you know why?

Because they're passionate.

In politics, people are passionate what a candidate stands for (or against).

The same is true for donors and charitable causes. Donors care about "the cause." Animals, art, the environment, education, and the list goes on and on.

Whatever a donor cares about personally, those are the causes (and, therefore, the charities) she's likely to support.

There's a saying, "Donors give THROUGH you, not TO you." Think about that.

Then consider these words from Mark Phillips at Bluefrog Fundraising.

They are not YOUR donors. You are one of THEIR charities.

MYTH #2: PEOPLE GIVE LESS TO CHARITY DURING ELECTION YEARS

Remember? Givers give.

Just because people give to a political campaign or candidate doesn't meant they stop giving to charity.

Want proof? This chart from Giving USA shows annual year-over-year charitable giving from for the last 30 years. (The arrows mark the last seven general elections.)

Image credit: Giving USA and the Alford Group

The only time, in the last seven general election cycles, where giving went down from the previous year was (drum roll, please)... 2008. And that was the leading edge of the Great Recession.

ONE FINAL THOUGHT

Major gift fundraisers already know a secret about political giving: It's a good thing.

Research proves that donors who make large gifts to political campaigns are far more likely to make major gifts to charities (than those who don't make political gifts).

Bottom line: You CAN raise more money in an election year.

Don't let "politics" get in the way.

Photo credit(s): Pixabay

Need help connecting with donors and raising more money for your nonprofit? Laura Rhodes can help.

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