On July 4, a Be The People initiative launches to mobilize Americans for local problem-solving, backed by 50 philanthropic foundations and major nonprofits. The campaign aims to shift the perception that the United States is divided and that individuals lack the power to address poverty, addiction, violence, and stalled economic mobility. It will also launch a data-collection effort to track whether people are more engaged and whether problems are being solved.
At a Glance
- Be The People is a $200 million, 10-year campaign.
- It is funded by 50 foundations and individual donors.
- Founding members include nonprofits, businesses, and major foundations.
- The campaign starts on July 4, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- It follows a 2024 Pew Research Center survey that found most Americans doubt the U.S. can solve its biggest problems.
- Why it matters: It offers a concrete way for citizens to participate in solving local issues.
A New Campaign for Civic Engagement
The Be The People campaign was announced by Brian Hooks, chairman and CEO of the nonprofit network Stand Together. Hooks said the 250th anniversary is a unique moment “to show people that they matter, that they have a part to play, and that the future is unwritten, but it depends on each one of us stepping up to play our part.” The initiative is not a new nonprofit but a banner that groups can use to organize and access resources.
Funding and Partners
The campaign’s first-year budget is set at $200 million. Funding comes from a mix of 50 philanthropic foundations and individual donors. Founding members span several sectors:
- Nonprofits: GivingTuesday, Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity, More Perfect
- Businesses: Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment, the National Basketball Association
- Foundations: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
These partners bring experience in community mobilization, entertainment, sports, and philanthropy.
Goals and Data Collection
Hooks explained that the initiative envisions actions beyond volunteering. He highlighted a role for businesses and schools and announced a major data-collection effort to track engagement and problem resolution. The campaign will:
- Measure whether citizens are more involved in local issues.
- Assess whether problems such as poverty and violence are being addressed.
- Provide a platform for sharing success stories and lessons learned.
The data will help determine if the campaign achieves a profound shift in behavior and culture, a goal that Hooks described as a 10-year commitment.
Community Examples
At an Atlanta Hawks game on Monday, Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, linked a program they launched last year, Realize the Dream, to the new campaign. The Kings said in a written statement: “Our vision is that ‘Be The People’ helps lift up what is already happening in communities across the country and reminds people that service and shared responsibility are defining parts of the American story.”
Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday, added: “Our experience with GivingTuesday is that when people volunteer together, when people work together on something to do with positive social impact, they find it harder and harder to demonize each other.”
Broader Context
The initiative arrives amid deep polarization, economic inequality, and concerns about democratic norms. Political scientist Hahrie Han, from Johns Hopkins University, said people need more opportunities to authentically participate as problem solvers. She noted that many are invited into roles where professional staff do most of the work, leaving them feeling less committed.
Kristin Goss, professor at Duke University, highlighted a growing trend of private foundations funding democracy-health issues. She said: “Funders are getting more concerned about the health of American democracy, the future of the democratic experiment, and pluralism and inclusion.”
Another group of funders, including the Freedom Together Foundation, launched a project last year to recognize people and groups who stand up for their communities, calling it a “civic bravery” award. In a November report, they urged funders to invest in helping individuals organize together in response to rising authoritarianism.
Hooks and other leaders of Be The People have convened communications teams to tell these stories, which they believe are lost in the current information ecosystem. “What we’re doing is we’re helping to lift up the story of Americans that is unfolding at the local level, but is not breaking through,” Hooks said. “So we’re holding up a mirror and a microphone to Americans to reveal to each other who we truly are.”
Related Developments
The U.S. Mint unveiled new coin designs for the 2026 dime, quarter-dollar, and half-dollar coins in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. The designs celebrate the same milestone that marks the launch of Be The People.
The campaign reflects a broader effort to engage citizens in civic life. By tying a large financial commitment to concrete actions and measurable outcomes, it seeks to transform how Americans participate in solving the nation’s most pressing problems.
Key Takeaways
- Be The People is a $200 million, 10-year campaign that starts on July 4.
- The initiative is backed by 50 foundations, businesses, and nonprofits.
- It will track engagement and problem-solving outcomes through data collection.
- Community leaders and foundations are using the banner to amplify local efforts.
- The campaign responds to a 2024 Pew survey that shows widespread doubt about the U.S.’s ability to solve its biggest problems.
The success of Be The People could redefine civic participation and demonstrate that collective action can address complex local challenges.
