I’ll have another article on how Nextdoor is used to control the narrative, to keep that Overton Window pretty tight.
Who Funds Vote.org? An Overview of Donors and Contributions
Vote.org is one of the most prominent nonpartisan voter registration and turnout organizations in the United States. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, meaning it is tax-exempt and supported primarily through grants and donations. Below is a concise overview of known funders, notable amounts, and context around its financial support.
Known Major Funders
Based on recent reporting and public nonprofit profiles, Vote.org received significant foundation support in 2022:
- Schmidt Family Foundation — approximately $2 million (2022)
- Hopewell Fund — around $1 million (2022)
- McKnight Foundation — approximately $200,000 (2022)
Additional Early Support
Vote.org participated in Y Combinator’s Summer 2016 (S16) batch, receiving seed support and mentorship that helped it scale. Founder Debra Cleaver also received a grant from the Knight Foundation in the organization’s earlier growth phase. Public sources do not disclose precise amounts for these items.
Transparency and Percentages
As a 501(c)(3), Vote.org files an IRS Form 990 annually. These filings disclose high-level financials and some large contributions, but not every donor is itemized, and some donors may be anonymous. As a result, a full public breakdown of percentages of total revenue by donor is not readily available.
Independent evaluators (e.g., Charity Navigator) provide accountability and finance snapshots; readers seeking exact donor compositions should review the latest Form 990 and audited financial statements.
Summary Table of Known Funders
| Funder / Supporter | Approx. Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schmidt Family Foundation | $2 million (2022) | Major single-year grant |
| Hopewell Fund | $1 million (2022) | Significant annual contribution |
| McKnight Foundation | $200,000 (2022) | Six-figure grant |
| Knight Foundation | Not disclosed | Early grant aid noted in public profiles |
| Y Combinator (S16) | Not disclosed | Accelerator seed support/mentorship |
| Other donors | Not disclosed | See IRS Form 990 filings for high-level detail |
Bottom Line
Vote.org’s funding reflects a mix of major philanthropic foundations and earlier-stage support from an accelerator and fellowships. While several large grants are publicly reported, a complete percentage breakdown by donor is not published in one place. For the most accurate and current view, consult the organization’s latest IRS Form 990 and audited financials.