On October 11-12, 2020, Independent Sector commissioned public polling of registered voters. The results – on a wide range of topics – provide valuable insight into the landscape of public opinion about our sector’s relationship with the federal government and legislative issues important to nonprofits.

Key Takeaways

1. Voters believe nonprofits are leading the way in meeting needs in their communities resulting from the pandemic.
2. Three quarters of voters agree that Congress and the President need to take urgent action to provide support for charities.
3. Nearly 9 in 10 voters support a universal charitable deduction with a majority strongly supportive. Both statements of fairness and helping local charities tested very well.
4. Overall, there is strong support for increased representation for nonprofits at the federal level.
5. Nearly 8 in 10 voters support federal funding to increase the impact and effectiveness of volunteers.
6. A majority of voters believe the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits nonprofits, universities, and churches from endorsing political candidates, should be kept in place.

Get the topline data.

Read the press release.

TargetPoint Consulting conducted this survey with 1,009 registered voters nationwide taken from a listed sample. Interviews were collected using automated telephone and mobile-app technology. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.