Small Donors and Online Giving:
A Study of Donors to the 2004 Presidential Campaigns
Funders
The Joyce Foundation of Chicago The Carnegie Corporation of New York The Reform Institute, Washington, D.C.
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The 2004 Election
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) A highly motivated electorate Tremendous online activity
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Number of donors who gave $200 or more to presidential candidates
Contributions from individuals to presidential candidates (in millions)
475,000
$605
223,000
$214
2000
2004
2000
2004
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Closer to average Americans
Less wealthy, less educated than large donors Age
Donors who gave $100 or less – median age is 59 Donors who gave $500 or more – median age is 57
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Not more partisan
Large donors to Kerry were the most likely to make negative comments about the opposing party or candidate. With regression analysis no effect of donor size appears. Small donors are NOT more likely to be polarized.
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Internet levels the playing field
Small donors online
More likely to be asked to donate More likely to try to convince others to vote for their candidate More likely to ask others to donate More likely to attend house parties or Meetup.com events
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Small Donors and Online Giving:
A Study of Donors to the 2004 Presidential Campaigns
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