Our charitable giving, what nonprofit organizations we contribute to, says a lot about us. If I know that you contribute to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, for example, I know something about you. And what I know is very different than if I know you’ve contributed to the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund.

So, it’s not surprising that many people choose not to publicize their charitable giving. Sometimes, they don’t want conflict with neighbors or business associates with different views. Sometimes, large donors don’t want friends and neighbors to know how much money they have. For some, their religion dictates that giving be done in private. Others simply don’t want to be hassled by other gift seekers. And in today’s polarized political environment, donors to even marginally-controversial charities, such as the NAACP and NRA defense funds, might face boycotts, harassment, threats, and even violence from persons favoring opposing views and causes.