I used to be of the same mind. We never gave to political causes pre-2017. Rather, we gave national/international orgs, local orgs, and even to some specific people via random acts. We give five figures, not Koch-like funds but something.
However, after we elevated the orange monster to the WH, the multiplier effects of political power became evident. With our current admin, I learned everyday that some uneducated idiot or an educated grifter could screw over thousand or even millions of people because they had been appointed by an uncaring politician.
So, we start giving to political causes. we wasted money on McGrath in KY (a little) and Harrison in SC (more). We've donated to FL voting rights restoration and Fair Fight in GA. We'll continue to do this. We'll donate to the Dems in WI also. I'm looking for progressive orgs doing consistent, grassroots voter organization.
Ideally, finding a group organizing in the Hispanic community in TX is high on the list so I'm open to suggestions.