We amplify the voice of the people and wield it to hold government accountable and contest corporate power
Our mission
We work to secure progressive policy changes for everyday people by organizing broad grassroots campaigns, leading smart lobbying initiatives, and leveraging our staff’s policy expertise.
Our vision
A truly democratic society where people—not corporations, surveillance agencies, or militarized institutions—hold power; where government is transparent and accountable; where civil liberties and human rights are protected; and where public policy serves justice, equity, and the common good.
We demand progress through...
Policy
We use our expertise to research and craft policies that serve the interests of the public, not entrenched power. Then we get that information into the hands of people who can make a difference.
Recent Letters and ReportsMedia
We work with reporters to break crucial stories, give expert commentary and ensure the role of grassroots work is not ignored in the press.
Press Releases and More
Our history
Demand Progress was founded in late 2010 by Rhode Island lawmaker David Segal and technologist Aaron Swartz, beginning with a successful campaign against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) that established their focus on internet freedom and combating concentrated power. The organization went on to block online surveillance bills including CISPA, advocate for NSA surveillance reform following Snowden's revelations, and lead the successful net neutrality campaign of 2014-2015.
Aaron Swartz’s legacy
Following co-founder Aaron Swartz's tragic suicide amid his prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), the organization has consistently opposed CFAA expansion. Demand Progress has since informed House Judiciary antitrust investigations of major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google, while expanding beyond internet-focused advocacy to encompass broader critiques of corporate power in the economy and governance.
Our Work Today
We continue our core mission of checking concentrated authority across the following areas of work:
Corporate Power
From the big tech to factory farms, corporations hold undue power over our rights and resources. Learn how we’re fighting back.
Foreign Policy
We fight against imperialism, colonialism, and other oppressive policies enacted outside of our borders.
Democracy & Liberty
When governments and institutions take our power away, we defend the rights and push the demands of the people.
Financial disclosures
Demand Progress does not accept contributions from governments. On occasion we accept contributions from corporations for work that is aligned with our mission, which generally represent no more than 5% of our income.
The following financial disclosures list grants, donations, gifts, and payment for services received by the Demand Progress as housed within our Fiscal Sponsor.
Join the Fight to Demand Progress
We’ll send you messages to sign petitions, join in collective actions, and keep you updated on our progress. You will have control over your subscription settings.
Grassroots contributions make our activism and policy work possible
Your contributions are what keep us nimble and let us be prepared to stand up against threats to our civil liberties as they happen.
Donate Now
Demand Progress is a 501(c)(4) organization, and contributions are not tax deductible. If you'd like to make a donation to our 501(c)(3) organization, please visit Demand Progress Education Fund.