As American citizens, we have the privilege of voting in a presidential election every four years. After months of intense campaigning and vicious debate, we determine which party represents our values ​​and vote accordingly. Taking the opportunity to assess our priorities every four years helps us choose the causes that are most important to us and perhaps motivates us to do better. We begin to notice everything around us more and anticipate the changes we want to see.

For me, election years are a time of intensified philanthropic activity. Our data shows that our clients recommend more charitable distributions from their accounts during November of an election year than during November of a non-election year. In fact, they are casting their vote for their chosen causes in response to who won the election.

For example, they may feel that a candidate's platform may not be strong enough on women's rights or helping veterans. And they make up for that weakness with their philanthropic giving. In fact, they use their charitable dollars to support causes they feel will not be supported by the president-elect.

We found that nonprofits politically affiliated with the losing presidential candidate received a drastic increase in donations compared to those affiliated with the winner. When Donald Trump won the White House in 2016, contributions to liberal nonprofits increased by 155%while contributions to conservative nonprofits decreased by nearly 9%. When Obama won in 2012 and 2008, the opposite happened. Liberal nonprofits saw an increase of just 4% in 2012 and a decline of 11% in 2008, while conservative nonprofits saw increases of 12% and 23%, respectively.

This phenomenon is aptly known as “rage donation”—passionate donors channel their anger at their losing candidate into a desire to create change. “The gift of rage is a form of political protest.” says Dr. Jennifer Taylorwho studies the psychology of donors. “A charitable donation motivated by dissatisfaction with the political climate.”

We saw it happen again when the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade. NARAL Pro-Choice America, an abortion advocacy organization, saw a 1,400% increase in donations within 24 hours.

It's an exciting twist on how charitable impulses work. In times of crisis, we often respond by supporting causes that we believe will make America better for all its citizens. Each of us has a calling that tells us where to help. Does the ASPCA ad make you cry? Do you feel empathy when you pass by a homeless person? Do you enjoy your local community garden? Emotion can be an extremely powerful motivator, and many organizations deliberately weaponize pathos in the media to elicit reactions. All of this helps us determine what is important to us. We can take control and use those emotions to give our money to something that really matters and makes a difference.

If our candidate doesn't win, does that mean all hope is lost? What can we do to support the causes we find most important?

We can donate our time, talent or treasure. If the next candidate who wins doesn't support international relations the way you want them to, they will stay active. Find an American organization that is doing the work that is most meaningful to you. Find out how you can get involved. You can be a monthly donor of $100 or contact a charity and ask which areas need the most help. You can share posts on social media about the great work philanthropy is doing, pack boxes of donated clothes to send overseas, or even inform yourself and the people around you about some great charities in the area your

Every four years, Americans rate what is important to them. The things important to people in their twenties, thirties, and forties can change over time. This is a fresh start to ensure that our actions and charitable donations speak for themselves and demonstrate our ethos. Donated dollars are the pure will of people using their voices to support causes that are important to them. It is inspiring and liberating that we can create change regardless of who is in office. While anger can be destructive, channeling it by donating to an important charity or cause is a way for people to take back power and make a difference.

Julia Healey is the CEO of United Charitable.