Mapping the Left (MTL) is an ongoing project of Civitas Institute. MTL’s primary purpose is to provide researchers, journalists, and engaged citizens with the information necessary to understand the deep-pocketed organizations, groups, and individuals that make up the North Carolina Left.
These groups are well funded and hold significant influence in state government, education, and culture. Oftentimes they possess political power that reaches far deeper than what is visible on the surface. All of these factors make Mapping the Left an invaluable resource for understanding the elaborate network of progressive organizations in our state.
Our researchers have done years of digging, carefully unearthing the connections that all informed citizens need to know about North Carolina’s ultra-progressive groups, the money they receive, and the connections they have.
Group: Blueprint NC
Background: This organization is famous for the Blueprint strategy memo that described the game plan “progressive” groups should use to attack North Carolina’s Republican leaders. Blueprint NC was formed by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 2006 to help “progressive” advocacy groups coordinate activities and messaging.
Issues: Political, Social progress and policy
Networks: Blueprint NC, Democracy NC, Z Smith Reynolds Foundation
| Financials: Source IRS 990s | |||||
| Year | Revenue | Expenditures | Net Assets | ||
| 2011 | $1,037,947 | $757,488 | $367,291 | ||
| 2012 | $1,558,934 | $1,669,645 | $315,572 | ||
| 2013 | $923,332 | $926,388 | $312,516 | ||
| 2014 | $1,241,194 | $1,188,282 | $365,428 | ||
| 2015 | $1,352,863 | $814,165 | $852,682 | ||
| 2016 | $4,305,619 | $4,072,915 | $1,085,381 | ||
Key Players: Erin Byrd, Executive Director; David Neal, Founder
Major Donors: Z Smith Reynolds Foundation, Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, New Venture Fund
All of this, and much more, can be found in our comprehensive database at www.mappingtheleft.com.
