Two weeks ago, in the flurry of end-of- quarter campaign fundraising emails, something very special happened: ActBlue turned 3 years old.
Now is when the growth spurt *really* begins - and we need you to help us grow:
http://www.actblue.com/page/happybirthdayBack in June of 2004, Matt DeBergalis and I launched an experiment in grassroots politics. Living off of savings and a little help from our friends, we set out to make it possible for anyone to fundraise online for the Democratic candidates of their choice, and create a strategic advantage for the progressive cause.
The first generation of ActBlue was launched in June 2004, and over the next six months we sent nearly $1 million in Democratic funds from Matt's bedroom to candidates across the country. Though the 2004 election was rough on all of us fighting for sanity in our government, it was an exciting time for our little political start-up.
http://www.actblue.com/page/happybirthdaySince then, I'm proud to say that our little operation has started to walk on its own. Your generous tips and contributions have allowed us to hire new staff: Jonathan, Erin, Nate and KT have joined Matt and me in our work supporting campaigns, training fundraisers, and helping passionate progressives everywhere have a serious impact on the future of the country.
But the real growth is just beginning: we're on track to send $100 million (yes, that's one hundred million dollars) to Democrats this cycle. The only catch is that we need to build the staff and systems *now* to be ready for the onslaught that's just over the horizon.
That's why I'm asking you to join us now in building the future of ActBlue, and of the progressive movement. Will you invest today to change the political landscape in 2008?
http://www.actblue.com/page/happybirthdayIf you need more convincing, you can see the value for yourself in the numbers.
Total Raised for Democrats through ActBlue: $24,886,030
# of fundraising pages on ActBlue: 4,204
# of active campaigns and committees in ActBlue's directory: 3,739
# of candidates and committees receiving funds to date: 1,725
# of states where ActBlue is active for state level activity: 23 (soon to be 24)
# of people behind the ActBlue curtain: 6
# of months until ActBlue outgrows its 600 sq foot office: 1
(that's over $40,000/sq.ft. of productivity!)
As Democrats we talk a lot about investing for the future of our country - and the future of our Party is no different. For every dollar in funding now, we'll be sending $20 to candidates by Election Day. That's one heck of a return on your investment in a Democratic future.
So, will you build that future with us?
http://www.actblue.com/page/happybirthdayThanks for being part of a great beginning, and of a very, very exciting future.
Sincerely,
Ben
P.S. Short on cash today? No problem! Sign up for a monthly recurring contribution to support the sustained growth of our online infrastructure:
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/happybirthday?amount=10&recurring=12----