In response to changes in campaign finance laws for school board elections, Douglas County Parents became a Small Donor Committee (SDC) in 2023. This transition reflects our ongoing commitment to grassroots support and community-driven advocacy.
What Changed in Campaign Finance?
In 2022, Colorado passed HB22-1060, limiting school board candidate contributions to $2,500 per individual and $25,000 from small-donor committees. Previously, candidates could accept unlimited contributions—a dynamic that significantly shaped past elections.
For example, in the 2021 DCSD Board of Education race, over $537,000 was raised and spent, with the ultra-conservative Kids First slate accounting for 75% of the total. By contrast, the 2023 DCSD race saw total fundraising drop by $350,000, highlighting the impact of these reforms.
Notably, candidates endorsed by Douglas County Parents maintained consistent fundraising levels across both cycles, while ultra-conservative candidates saw an average drop of $70,000.
Why a Small Donor Committee?
Since our inception, Douglas County Parents has thrived on grassroots support. From small-dollar donations to hundreds of volunteers painting car windows, writing postcards, and knocking on doors, we’ve always believed in the power of community-driven action. Becoming an SDC was the logical next step to align our fundraising model with our mission.
A Small Donor Committee (SDC) is a grassroots political organization that collects small contributions—up to $50 per individual per calendar year—to support candidates, initiatives, or causes. Unlike traditional PACs, SDCs avoid the influence of big money interests and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens in politics. Additional benefits include:
Transparency: Donations are capped to prioritize community engagement over special interests.
Sustained Support: Because limits reset annually, SDCs can raise funds year-round, even in off-election years.
The Bigger Picture
The Brennan Center for Justice highlights the role of small donor committees in fostering equitable and community-driven political financing. While the DCSD school board elections don’t yet offer public matching funds, Douglas County Parents is using its SDC to privately fund pro-public education candidates who prioritize students and communities. Learn more here: Brennan Center: Small Donor Public Financing Explained.
Together, we can ensure that public education in Douglas County remains a community-first priority—free from the undue influence of big money and national political agendas.