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: Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ)
Background: SCSJ was formed in 2007 by Anita Earls, a Durham attorney and current Democrat candidate for North Carolina Supreme Court. SCSJ uses lawsuits and community organization to advance radical left-wing policies in the area of elections, environmental and criminal justice law. SCSJ has led the effort against common-sense elections reforms, such as voter ID.
Issues: Social Justice; Elections, Environmental Policies, and Criminal Justice.
Networks: Blueprint NC, Democracy NC, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Moral Mondays
| Financials: Source IRS 990s | |||||
| Year | Revenue | Expenditures | Net Assets | ||
| 2014 | $1,420,540 | $1,274,788 | $689,144 | ||
| 2015 | $2,918,692 | $1,785,917 | $1,821,929 | ||
| 2016 | $2,440,198 | $2,419,420 | $1,842,697 | ||
Key Players: Anita Earls, Founder and Former Executive Director
Major Donors: SCSJ has received more than $1.4 million from Z. Smith Reynolds since 2014 and more than $3.7 million from the extreme leftist organization, the Ford Foundation. George Soros’ Foundation to Promote and Open Society has donated more than $1.5 million to SCSJ since 2010.
All of this, and much more, can be found in our comprehensive database at http://www.mappingtheleft.com
By Leah Byers
