Campaign for a Small Donor Democracy

Our research shows that providing incentives for ordinary citizens to make small political contributions can encourage more meaningful political participation, boost the clout of small donors, and make it easier for non-wealthy families to express their political views.

More Information
Fact Sheet
Report

Building Momentum
We’ve been sharing our research with policy experts and grassroots organizations, building support for using small contribution incentive programs to move us towards a political system centered on widespread participation from average Americans, not just large checks from a tiny minority of the wealthiest donors.

The Current Campaign
Providing a tax credit for small political contributions is a good, practical first step toward a small donor democracy. Congressmen Thomas Petri (R-WI) and Paul Kanjorski (D-PA) have introduced the Citizen Involvement in Campaigns (CIVIC) Act, which provides a tax credit for contributions of up to $200 to candidates or political parties. Click here to read the bill. Senators Dorgan (D-ND) and Warner (R-VA) have introduced similar legislation in past Congresses. Click here to read the Senate bill from last Congress.

We are working to build co-sponsorship and other support for this legislation. Click here to urge your representative to co-sponsor the CIVIC Act.