“Spite Philanthropy”…that can’t be a thing, can it?

ARTICLE SOURCE: “Revenge is a Dish Best Served Donated” (link to podcast episode )

As we approach the heart of presidential campaign season, things are no doubt going to get…well, to use the appropriately assigned term, “muddy.”

You may be thinking, “What does this have to do with fundraising?” Aside from the obvious influx of emails and text messages most of us will receive asking for political campaign contributions, the nonprofit fundraising world might also see an influx of what are being dubbed “Revenge Donations” or “Spite Philanthropy.”

In the podcast, “I Was Told There Would be Snacks,” host Kevin Dean chats with Columbia professor, Dr. Gregory R. Witkowski about how nonprofits can navigate, and maybe even play off of these tricky types of gifts.

Key takeaways that I learned were:

1. As often as we have seen altruism being the motivating factor in major giving, the politicization of philanthropy is causing a swing in the pendulum, by which in some instances donors are giving as a rejection of a value, or to save threatened nonprofits or services from harm of political ideologies; a new trend that took off following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.
   
2. Do nonprofits have to accept this money? No. But there are lots of opportunities at the stage of closing major gifts where the organization can have candid conversations with the donor about the negative ramifications of acknowledging spiteful philanthropy may have on their ability to fulfill their mission in their respective communities.
   
3. Have fun with it, if you can! Following the example of GreenPeace’s play during #GivingTuesday, the organization used the storyline of the HBOMax show, “Succession,” to launch a fun-fueled and cheeky fundraising campaign that set them apart.

Regardless of who wins this next election or how that impacts social services nonprofits, one thing if for certain:

Nonprofits need to be ready with gift acceptance policies, acknowledgement processes, and deft negotiation and public relations skills to navigate the road ahead.

If your organization needs to brush up on its SOPs or policies and you don’t have the time, talent, or resources to do it, let strateagueic Advancement Consulting help! Set up a discovery call today: