The presidential election is a bit of a mess, huh? President Trump has been, er, not convicted (let’s not say acquitted) and appears to be hatching more crimes in retribution. He is raising record amounts of money and targeting Democratic base voters with digital ads.
Then there are the Democrats. The good news is, voters are voting! And those votes being counted. (Definitely. Correctly. Maybe.) After the remaining early states vote, we may have more clarity and will definitely have a better sense after the vast majority of voters cast a ballot in March. That gives us enough time to come together and focus our energy on Trump. Yes, no one may reach a majority of delegates. But we will likely have a delegate leader or clear front-runner and then the deal-making begins.
If you are passionate about specific candidates, even if they are not considered viable by the conventional wisdom prognosticators, give more.
In the meantime, it’s time to drill down on flipping the US Senate and picking up additional seats to strengthen our majority in the US House.
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This is a great overview from Inside Philanthropy on how donors can use 501c3 donations to turnout the vote, protect or suppress the vote, build infrastructure, and more.
I am quoted in this article from Vox / ReCode discussing next gen wealth and their changing giving habits.
“That’s what every political fundraiser’s dream always is,” said Alexandra Acker-Lyons, an adviser to many younger Silicon Valley political donors.
An article from Axios states, “Philanthropists are increasingly looking to steer or supplant government.”
The big picture: Philanthropists don't want to give a man a fish; instead they want to take credit for building a proof-of-concept that will persuade governments around the world to invest in large-scale programs of fishing pedagogy.
Why it matters: Politicians are accountable to the electorate. Charitable foundations and the billionaires who fund them, on the other hand, are accountable to no one. As Reich says, their actions therefore deserve more scrutiny than gratitude.
This is a hot take from Deborah Barron, Founder of New Left Accelerator, in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. She endorses the idea of portfolio giving and getting creative in funding entities.
“Conservatives have long grasped this, making long-term investments in whatever legal vehicles are necessary — including advocacy groups and corporate entities — to effect change.
Now bold progressive grant makers are exploring how charities can engage in the full range of sanctioned activities, including lobbying. And innovative leaders are thinking beyond 501(c)(3)s and establishing a variety of organizations — including advocacy groups, political-action committees, and other entities — to accomplish their mission and win key battles.”
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Let’s get out the crystal ball. One year from now, the Democratic and Republican conventions will be over. We will have a Democratic nominee and a Vice-Presidential candidate. Strategies will crystalize as we narrow down the states in play. Turnout operations kick into high gear (although — fingers crossed! — voter contact programs have been funded and running in key states for the better part of a year, if not longer). We are looking forward to the first general election debate (assuming our authoritarian President actually deigns to debate, and more than once).
How do we ensure we are in the best possible position to take advantage of the upcoming year, not only for the presidential election but critical Senate, House, and state and local races?
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