On December 16, 2021, Independent Sector released public polling results reflecting the views of registered voters on a wide range of topics related to nonprofits and public policy. The results provide valuable insight into the landscape of public opinion about charitable giving policy, federal representation of the nonprofit sector, and our sector’s role in the community.

The findings tell a clear story. The public sees value in the nonprofit sector and the role it plays in society. People in the United States, specifically voters, want to see nonprofits better resourced through charitable giving, more represented in policy conversations, and more actively engaged in the issues of the day. As a national nonprofit organization representing a diverse set of nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs, Independent Sector appreciates this public support and looks forward to building and mobilizing it.

Key Takeaways

1. 88% of voters support making the universal charitable deduction permanent for all taxpayers, including 53% of voters who strongly support this giving incentive.
2. Nearly three quarters of voters (74%) support raising the cap for the universal charitable deduction to $4,000 per person, with greater than 70% support across every income level and all political identifications.
3. 72% of voters believe the federal government could better solve challenges facing local communities if charities and nonprofits were officially represented within the Administration, including 74% of frequent churchgoers.
4. Nearly 9 in 10 voters (87%) support local charities educating policymakers and businesses about the needs of the communities they serve.
5. Seven in 10 voters (71%) think it is a good idea for nonprofits to offer voter support services, like voter registration and election day transportation.
6. Eight in 10 voters said it was important to them that public policy solutions were fair (86%), proportionate (86%), or equitable (80%). Framing policies as “fair” tested the best across all political affiliations.

Get the topline data.

Read the press release.

Download and share the charitable deduction social media graphics.

Learn more about Independent Sector’s efforts to establish nonprofit sector representation in the Administration.

TargetPoint Consulting conducted this survey with 1,094 registered voters nationwide taken from a listed sample. Interviews were collected using automated telephone and mobile-app technology on December 4-6, 2021. The poll has a margin of error of ±2.96%.