Advocacy is the work. Outcomes are uncertain.
CitizenBacked aims to help people pool contributions to support professional lobbying and policy advocacy. Contributions would pay for advocacy efforts. They would not guarantee that a bill is introduced, debated, voted on, passed, or signed into law—or that any other result is achieved.
Reaching a funding goal would not mean reaching a legislative goal. Even a fully funded advocacy effort can be unsuccessful.
Our planned commission
CitizenBacked is a for-profit business. We plan to retain a percentage of contributions before money reaches lobbying groups. The percentage has not been set, and payment-processing charges have not been determined.
Before contributions open, supporters will be able to see the applicable commission, other charges, and intended allocation of funds.
Funding and release of funds
The model is intended to connect funded causes with lobbying groups. We are still determining who holds funds, how goals and deadlines are set, what must happen before funds are released, and how partners are selected and contracted.
A cause appearing on this website does not mean a lobbying group has agreed to represent it. No contributions are being accepted and no lobbying funds are being transferred through the website.
Refunds and cancellations
Refund rules are not yet established. That includes campaigns that miss a funding target, are cancelled, cannot secure a partner, or cannot proceed as planned. We are not promising automatic refunds or a particular refund deadline.
These conditions will be disclosed before anyone can contribute. Supporters should review the applicable campaign and funding terms before making a decision.
Tax treatment
CitizenBacked is not a charity. Do not assume contributions through a for-profit advocacy platform qualify for a charitable tax deduction. We do not promise tax deductibility. Seek qualified advice for your circumstances.
Before launch
The platform is not available for contributions today. You can join the launch-alert list to hear when CitizenBacked becomes available. Joining the list is free and does not commit you to a contribution.