Revenge is a Dish Best Served Donated

In 2016, a wave of donations symbolizing a rejection of incoming President Trump’s policies flooded organizations serving women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community. Given the name “rage philanthropy” by fundraisers, this wave of donations supported organizations whose populations may have been threatened by the policies of the new administration. Even with the change in administration, we have seen continued politicization of philanthropy and the rise of spite philanthropy. Donors have given as a rejection of values as much as in support of them. When Rush Limbaugh died, thousands of donors gave to Planned Parenthood in his “honor.” What implications does this revenge-focused giving have on nonprofit organizations? How do organizations remain nonpartisan when donations become political? Is there a way to harness the rage and spite to further your mission, or should this be avoided at all costs? Join Columbia professor Dr. Gregory R. Witkowski for a fireside chat as he explores this new phenomenon (or is it?) and what nonprofits need to know about navigating this sticky territory.