by Lauren Janus

In early December of 2021, our full Phīla team enjoyed a rare treat in these pandemic heavy times. All five of us met for an in-person mini-retreat in Seattle. 

We used the meeting to dive deep into the values we as a group bring to Phīla and our work with clients. Importantly, we reaffirmed our commitment to Phīla’s core values of empathy, respect, knowledge, collaboration, and continuous learning. 

Yet we kept coming back to one additional value or core principle in our conversations: we hold our clients and their philanthropic aims in such high esteem that we clearly tell clients when they need to make changes to their giving. We don’t pander, overly congratulate, or stay silent when we see ways our clients could be giving in a way that better serves their stated values. 

Therefore, here’s what we want to tell you, our clients and friends, in 2022: plan on making significant political donations this year. Here’s why.

• For the first time since it was decided in 1973, Roe v. Wade is in clear danger of being overturned. This is a terrifying possibility for women, families, and our society as a whole.

• While awareness of the need for racial justice in America is growing, actions haven’t caught up with the rhetoric and this needs to change starting in 2022. 

• And finally, the recent suburban wildfires (in winter!) in Colorado prove that our planet is on a rapidly warming trajectory with no signs of slowing. 

The most powerful thing we as ordinary citizens can do to avert these dangers and set our country on a truer path toward justice and healing in 2022, is to support political candidates who share our sense of urgency on these issues. This means voting, but it also means giving to and volunteering for political candidates and causes in a big way.

This November, 34 of 100 seats in the Senate will be up for election. Those elected in the fall of 2022 will begin their six-year terms in January of 2023. 

Currently, the Senate is split 50/50 with the slimist possible control in the hands of the Democrats, thanks to Kamala Harris and her tie-breaking vote. The GOP, once a party of problem solvers and leaders willing to compromise for the good of society, is now controlled by extremists who feed on each other’s anger and resentment. The GOP can regain the Senate by netting a single seat in November. In the House, Republicans need to net just five seats to regain the majority. It’s going to be a very close election season.

By making significant political donations, you may feel you’re contributing to the outsized role of money in politics, and we hear you. But the fact is that when it comes to issues as critical as these–climate change, racial justice, gender equity and the preservation of our democracy in general–Congress alone has the power to create the kind of widespread structural change needed. Philanthropy is ill-equipped to solve these problems on its own. We must get the right people in the right seats starting in January 2023. 

As Marianne Williamson said, “You playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you. As you let your own light shine, you indirectly give others permission to do the same.”

From your friends and allies at Phīla, please don’t play small in 2022. Before you put money into a Donor Advised Fund or make a major gift to a non-political organization this year, pause a moment. Think about how much of that gift you could direct to a political candidate or cause in 2022 (and yes, forfeit the tax deductibility). Consider how impactful that gift could be on the full range of issues you support if it went to a 501c4 organization, or to a political candidate who can advocate for the issues that are most important to you.

We join you in your concern for our country and our world in these trying times and hope you’ll join us in putting your money where your passions are in 2022. We’ll be right there with you.

Wishing you peace, health, and community in 2022.