Study Examines Political Leanings And Donor Behavior

Contrary to conventional wisdom, conservatives and liberals are equally generous in their donation habits, though they do support different causes, according to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study, "Who Really Gives? Partisanship and Charitable Giving in the United States." Liberals are much more likely to donate to secular organizations and conservatives give a greater percentage to religious causes, especially their own congregation.

Additionally, charitable contributions fluctuate based on the political landscape. Individuals in Democratic states donate less money to small not-for-profits when a Republican occupies the White House and vice versa. Conversely, having a president of the same party increases the average and total donations to not-for-profits at a state level.