By Stephanie Ellis-Smith
Demonstrators at a protest waving American flags.
For years, the IRS's tax regulations have inadvertently compartmentalized charitable giving and political contributions in many donors' minds. At Phīla, we challenge this separation, advocating for a more integrated approach to social impact across various giving avenues, including direct donations, foundation grants, and even investment strategies. Our focus is to help individuals align their wealth deployment with their values, extending to political giving as well.
In January, when we surveyed our readers on philanthropic giving trends, engagement in democracy emerged as a top priority. Respondents expressed a strong desire for access to expertise and learning opportunities for effectively allocating their political giving in this very consequential election year. Responding to this demand, Janell Turner and Sofia Michelakis organized Political Giving for Progressive Donors, a webinar and companion handbook offering a comprehensive overview of the political giving landscape and strategies for a donor to make a difference. As I watched the webinar live, I was struck by just how much knowledge is out there but inaccessible to the average donor. With deep thanks to our panel of experts (Alexandra Acker-Lyons, Dionne Foster, Kevin Geiger, and Jamie Van Horne Robinson), the information is out there. Here’s a very high-level overview of what you can expect.
The webinar begins with practical advice on setting a budget for political giving and strategically allocating funds. Panelists address common client queries such as integrating political giving with philanthropic goals, determining budgetary allocations, and navigating the choice between local and national contributions. Additionally, they shed light on the nuances of utilizing different giving structures, including c3, c4, or PAC dollars.
Moving forward, they delve into the impact of investing in candidate races and supporting key local ballot initiatives and election infrastructure projects. Dispelling doubts about the efficacy of individual contributions, the panelists assure that every donation counts and share insights on maximizing impact.
Further, we highlighted top considerations for donors, including core candidates, critical initiatives, and organizations deserving of support in the current election cycle. Addressing questions about donation limits and defining major gifts, we provided clarity to empower donors in their decision-making process.
As we look beyond the 2024 election, our panelists provide valuable advice for preparing for the future of democracy, emphasizing the need for long-term investments to fortify our democratic systems for generations to come. While they may have only scratched the surface, understanding the ongoing reform efforts and strategic focus areas is crucial for shaping a resilient democracy.
At Phīla, we advocate for a holistic approach to philanthropy, recognizing that political engagement is integral to effecting systemic change. We're committed to breaking down silos and fostering a more integrated approach to philanthropy and political engagement. By aligning values with actions, we can collectively drive positive change and safeguard the principles of democracy for all. Thank you for joining us in redefining the boundaries of philanthropy and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.