Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about how LobbyThis works, where your money goes, and why collective action matters.
Yes, overwhelmingly. Research consistently shows that money has outsized influence on American politics:
The Princeton Study (Gilens & Page, 2014)
Analyzing 1,779 policy issues over 30 years, researchers found that government policy strongly reflects the preferences of wealthy citizens but "bears virtually no relationship to the preferences of poor or middle income Americans."
When Americans with different income levels disagree on policy, the wealthy win nearly every time.
Campaign Donations & Legislative Action
A 2021 study analyzing 75+ million lobbying reports found that donations resulted in an 8.5-11 percentage point increase in the probability that targeted politicians engaged in legislative activities on bills lobbied by donating firms.
In 2024, corporations and special interests spent over $4.5 billion on federal lobbying alone. That's why grassroots movements need organized funding too.
LobbyThis aggregates small monthly contributions from thousands of supporters to fund professional lobbying campaigns on issues that matter to regular people.
Build Support
Movements gather monthly pledges from supporters at $5, $8, or $20/month.
Get Matched
At $1,000/mo, movements are matched with vetted, specialized lobbyists.
Make Impact
At $5,000/mo, full lobbying campaigns launch with professional advocacy.
Key milestones:
- $1,000/month - Movement is matched with a registered lobbyist
- $5,000/month - Minimum threshold for sustained lobbying activity
- $10,000+/month - Full-scale campaign with research, meetings, and advocacy
Every movement is different. We deploy funds in the most advantageous way for each cause - whether that's direct lobbying, grassroots organizing, campaign support, or policy research.
Target Allocation Ranges
Actual spending varies by issue and opportunity. These are our target guidelines:
Full transparency: Every dollar is tracked. Quarterly financial reports are published publicly for every movement. All expenditures - lobbying, advocacy, or otherwise - are disclosed in real-time to supporters so you always know exactly how your money is being used.
Yes - and there's historical precedent. While corporations have more money, grassroots movements have numbers. Here's how collective action can win:
The Math of Collective Action
If just 10,000 people contribute $8/month, that's $80,000/month in sustained lobbying power - enough to fund a full-time lobbying operation comparable to mid-sized corporate interests.
Recent grassroots wins:
- $15 minimum wage campaigns - Started as grassroots organizing, now law in multiple states and major cities
- Marriage equality - Public opinion shifts driven by grassroots advocacy overcame institutional opposition
- Cannabis legalization - State-by-state victories through sustained grassroots lobbying
The key is sustained, organized pressure. One-time donations don't work against permanent corporate lobbying. Monthly recurring funding creates the sustained pressure needed to win.
Transparency is our core principle. Here's how we ensure accountability:
- Monthly Progress Reports
On the 1st of each month, every supporter receives a detailed report on funding, activities, and progress.
- Lobbying Activity Updates
Mid-month updates detail specific meetings, bills tracked, and advocacy actions taken.
- Quarterly Financial Reports
Complete financial breakdowns with receipts and expenditure details, published publicly.
- Third-Party Verification
Independent verification ensures funds are used as promised.
Cancel anytime: If you're not satisfied with progress, you can cancel your subscription instantly. No questions asked, no penalties.
Corporate lobbying is persistent and year-round. One-time donations create short bursts of activity, but sustained change requires sustained pressure.
The Subscription Advantage
- Predictable funding allows lobbyists to plan long-term strategies
- Continuous presence in D.C. builds relationships with legislators
- Sustained pressure on key votes over months or years
- Lower individual burden - $8/month is easier than $100 one-time
Think about it: pharmaceutical companies don't lobby once a year. They have permanent presence in Washington. Grassroots movements need the same sustained model to compete.
Ready to Make Your Voice Heard?
Join thousands of others who are pooling their resources to compete with corporate lobbying. Every dollar counts.
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