Making High-Impact Political Donations: Guidance

Making High-Impact Political Donations: Guidance

Let's be thoughtful about our political donations. Our contributions can have a lot more impact, say, if they fund a local campaign rather than a U.S. Senate campaign. That downballot campaign will turn out voters who will also vote for the Senate candidate at the top of the ticket. That money can have a big impact if it's donated to a group that focuses on turning out voters of color, for those groups can reach voters that Senate campaigns will never reach.

These suggestions are for donors who believe all people have inherent worth and dignity and want to create a future where all can thrive.

  • Target Tight Races
    • Focus on races expected to be won or lost by less than 5 percent.
  • Give to Groups, Parties, and Campaigns
  • Give Through Trusted Relationships
    • Be confident in who you support.
    • Give to groups you know directly or that are recommended by a trusted ally.
  • Trust Experts
      Donate to groups that direct money to where it is most needed, including:
  • Be Generous
    • Give at a level that makes you a bit nervous.
    • Schedule ongoing donations to trusted organizations to provide reliable income.
  • Make Big Donations and Make Small Donations
    • The number of donors counts. Swarms of small donors attract big donors.
    • Big donations pay bills, keep staff employed, and reduce time spent fundraising.
  • Inspire Others
    • Be a trusted resource for your friends.
    • When you donate, tell people.
    • Host a fundraiser! Find guidance and resources on Swing Left's site.
  • Think Down Ballot
    • Support down-ticket candidates to increase up-ballot turnout.
    • Give to groups led by people most impacted by injustice (build upon lived experience).
  • Look Beyond Your Tax Deduction
    • Support vetted nonprofit social justice organizations using DAF and IRA distributions.
    • Partisan groups and campaigns need funding too! Donate to them as well.
  • Avoid Scams
    • Scammers consider you a fool. Starve them.
    • Don’t respond to ALL-CAPS subject lines or “4x matches”.
    • “12-hour deadline?” It’s a scam.
    • Catchy-sounding group name? Be skeptical.
    • Unsubscribe from email lists.
    • Reply STOP to texts. It’s OK. Feel good doing that.

Grassroots groups that organize year-round in communities that have large working class, youth and people-of-color populations build long-term relationships and succeed in their communities in ways that candidates and outside groups cannot.

In 2024, grassroots groups were more likely to reach racially diverse, young, and infrequent voters than political parties and campaigns were. They were also more likely to communicate person-to-person, and they had significantly higher contact rates in key states. [MVP Report].

Donations to local groups that know their communities can be highly effective!

Suggested messages for the "Congrats on Being a Voter" box:


  • Showing up in this year’s midterms can make a real difference in our community. We deserve elected officials that listen to us - and our vote is our voice.
  • I vote because I want representation for all of us.
  • I vote because I want to be part of a movement for change.
  • I vote because voting is how we make our voices heard. Every voice makes us louder!
  • I vote because I want a better future for all of us, with good-paying jobs, comprehensive healthcare, and safe communities.
  • I vote because I want my kids, my community, and everyone to have a better life. I believe voting is the most powerful and peaceful way to make that happen. Please join me and others in this important election and be a voter