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yesterday

Mothership Strategies Network Channels 98 Percent of Small-Dollar Donations to Consultants

Calls grow for stricter fundraising standards after FEC filings revealed that just 1.6 percent of $678 million raised since 2018 reached campaigns.

These ubiquitous e-mail and text-message pleas for donations are known as “churn and burn” come-ons.
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Overview

  • FEC filings show that Mothership-linked PACs raised $678 million from individual donors since 2018 but funneled only $11 million (1.6 percent) to candidates and party committees.
  • Mothership Strategies collected $159 million in consulting fees while vendors like Message Digital LLC received $22.5 million for text messaging services.
  • Satellite groups such as Progressive Turnout Project, Stop Republicans and End Citizens United operate as an integrated network designed to route funds back to the core consulting firm.
  • The “churn and burn” fundraising model relies on relentless emotionally charged email and text appeals that prioritize high volume and rapid donations over campaign support.
  • Analysts and Democratic critics are demanding enforced efficiency thresholds and greater disclosure to ensure small-dollar donations serve their intended political purpose.