Progressives are facing challenges in mobilizing citizens and winning against the rise of right-wing populism. However, a move towards community financing could provide them with the resources needed to push back effectively. The shift towards small donor contributions in politics and civil society, driven by digital tools and social media, has the potential to engage more people in supporting specific causes or campaigns, while also providing quicker feedback to donor groups. While Europe is still in the early stages of harnessing mass donor engagement compared to the US, there is potential for significant growth.
In the US, the use of small grassroots contributions has been a key feature in political movements for decades. Campaigns like Barack Obama’s reelection and Bernie Sanders’ presidential run have shown the power of mobilizing small donors to support causes and engage in campaigns. Grassroots movements have been integral in changing mainstream political debates and supporting candidates who may face funding barriers, such as women, people of color, and low-income Americans. The success seen in the US presents an opportunity for similar activity to take place in Europe.
While the use of small donations for political campaigns in Europe is currently low, there have been some success stories that demonstrate the potential of community financing. Parties like the Five Star Movement in Italy, Sumar in Spain, and the Momentum movement in the UK have shown the power of engaging citizens through small and regular donations. By encouraging more people to contribute to progressive causes, parties can build stronger movements against the far-right, address key issues such as social justice and environmental sustainability, and ultimately shape winning campaigns.
The key to the success of political crowdfunding lies in engaging citizens in democracy. By integrating some of the practices seen in the US, such as focusing on widespread buy-in for a cause, European parties can build movements that deliver positive change. The current sporadic nature of engagement with citizens will need to be addressed in order for progressives to see success at the ballot box. Encouraging small and regular donations from a broader base of citizens can help parties gain the resources needed to push back against right-wing populism and achieve electoral success.
Mar Garcia Sanz, co-director of the European Center for Digital Action and former Secretary General of the European Green Party, emphasizes the need for progressives in Europe to embrace community financing to engage citizens and build movements for change. The examples of successful political crowdfunding campaigns in Europe and the US demonstrate the potential for this approach to shape the future of progressive politics. By incorporating practices that have worked in other countries, European parties can strengthen their campaigns and increase their chances of success in the face of growing political challenges.
