what's an acceptable minimum amount to donate, and who should I donate to?

[drumwolf]

I'm poor and have very little money, but I am planning to donate up to $100 anyway because this year's election is every bit as important to me as any personal expense. So I'm asking you to help me out with donation suggestions.

First, how little can I donate while still being useful? I know that when an organization receives a donation from someone via credit card online, they do get charged some sort of fee from the credit card company and/or hosting site, so a donation that's too tiny may hurt more than help the recipient. Is $25 too small an amount to be useful to, say, the DNC or Kerry's campaign? Or even $10?

Second, what particular organizations should I be donating to? The DNC? Is Kerry's campaign separate from the DNC? Any particular local campaigns? MoveOn? Actually, as far as MoveOn is concerned, I figure that I might actually do more good waiting until later -- perhaps even after the election -- to donate to them again, since they are not directly involved in any campaigns and are essentially more of a grass-roots organization building for the long term.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks.

[medeak]

1. moveon.org

I donate to them. Mostly because I think they are doing terrific commercials...and also I live in remote provincial tiny town and when doing searches of donations...moveon doesn't show up.

Am a weenie..but am business person.

[Florida_Geek]

2. IMHO after the convention

I would give 25-50 to moveon. There is a time period there they can run anti-bush ads.......

[billybob537]

3. Small donations add up

Which race is the most important to you?
My self I would give half of what I can spare to my top choice.
then 10% or 15% to #2 #3 and so on.

[faithnotgreed]

4. i think those that are helping in the local and state races. dfa and

others who are working hard on the local level to get into congress.

moveon does list a few there who are running across the country
and of course democracy for america/dean list their dean dozen...

good luck

[2Design]

5. you say your finances are low....how about

giving time instead....doing the phones or passing out flyers....Maybe you can decide to give $100 of your time instead....

[Momma Mia]

7. Excellent advice 28erl

I have always volunteered my time (even though my hubby makes the
financial donations) ... doing telephone work.

You can do it from your home whenever you have free time.

The main thing to remember when on the telephone is to SMILE! Even though the person to whom you are speaking cannot see it, it DOES come across in your voice.

Good luck! And please do all you can to help! We need it in November!!!

[Ernesto]

6. OK, I'm fortunate.... I'm a well retired UNION guy

& my wife is a UNOIN nurse. I've shipped JK/JE $1000 so far. Send what you can! I live (fortunatly) in a bush/free blue state. My money is being spent in the "battle ground" states. Not a problem for me as long as the "thing" is defeated..... That's my strategy. Good luck & do what you can!

[beyurslf]

8. Any amount helps and if the site is smart they use a pay pal account

that doesn't charge or a site that charges a percent of the donation so it doesn't matter the size. A larger campiagn of course will use something else but a small local campaign (where small donations are especially helpful) will probably be able to use even a $5 donation.

[drumwolf]

9. kick - anyone have specific suggestions?

Anyone have any more particular suggestions of where to donate $100 to? And if more than one donor recipient, what breakdown would you suggest?

Example: $75 to DNC, $25 to MoveOn
or $50 to DNC, $25 to MoveOn, $25 to Obama
etc.