Investing in Common Good Causes to Uphold Democratic Values

Michael A. Mantell
Nov 6 · 3 min read

Progress is what makes America’s democracy strong and enduring. We enjoy the freedom to learn from our experience and promote ideas and policies that advance society toward a more just social and economic reality.

In this moment of history, however, progress is threatened by interests intent on reversing our nation’s accomplishments on racial and gender equality, women’s rights, voting rights, health care access, environmental justice, and economic opportunity. Meanwhile, the planet is revolting against human reliance on fossil fuels.

Urgent action is needed. As a society invested in progress, we must use all the tools at our disposal to not only maintain progress, but accelerate it. How we spend money is perhaps the most effective way we contribute to or detract from progress — whether it’s the purchases we make, the charities we invest in, or the political causes we support.

Philanthropy and the causes it supports are foundational to progress. Philanthropy fuels vital research, science, conservation, equity efforts, and even political action. I started Resources Legacy Fund in 2000 as a 501(c)(3) public charity; its mission is to conserve land, water, and ocean resources while advancing healthy communities and social equity. In 2016, I started a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization called Fund for a Better Future to protect the legacy of the conservation work achieved by RLF since 2000 and to promote the common good. Fund for a Better Future partners with donors to quickly and effectively allocate funds to causes and campaigns that uphold democratic values, advance social equity, improve health, and protect the environment.

501(c)(4) social welfare organizations have been around for more than a century, but they were politically weaponized after the 2010 Citizens United case. Spending by organizations accepting unlimited, anonymous donations increased from $5.2 million in 2006 to $312 million in 2012, with spending on “conservative” causes outpacing “liberal” causes by almost 5:1.

Though 501(c)(4)s often get labeled as “dark money,” the fact is that the (c)(4) designation in the tax code allows these nonprofits to lobby for actions that support their causes. As Sheela Nimishakavi and Steve Dubb write in the Nonprofit Quarterly, “…one does not have to be a fan of current campaign finance law to understand the importance of combining advocacy, public education, lobbying, and electoral campaigns for nonprofits to achieve their social change missions.”

Nan Aron and Abby Levine underscore the value of 501(c)(4)s in The American Prospect, stating that “A vibrant 501(c)(4) nonprofit sector is indispensable, and anyone concerned with bolstering the progressive movement should consider devoting more resources to these organizations.”

In this era of American politics, when democratic virtues of progress and equality are threatened, we must take action. I’m proud of the conservation successes we’ve made at Resources Legacy Fund, and happy to support a strong foundation for continued environmental and social progress through Fund for a Better Future. If you have questions or wish to contribute, please contact us at info@fundforabetterfuture.org.

Written by

President and founder of Resources Legacy Fund, working with philanthropists to conserve land, water, and ocean resources while advancing social equity.

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