Uncovering the Funding Behind the "No Kings" Rallies: Who’s Powering the Movement?

Introduction: The Scale of a Movement

On June 14, 2025, the "No Kings" rallies brought millions to the streets across nearly 2,100 U.S. cities and towns, marking one of the largest single-day protests in American history. Organized by a coalition of progressive groups, these demonstrations aimed to counter what organizers called authoritarian policies of the Trump administration, coinciding with a controversial military parade in Washington, D.C. But who funded this massive mobilization? This blog post delves into the funding sources behind the "No Kings" rallies, exploring the organizations, financial mechanisms, and public sentiment surrounding their support, while keeping the discussion engaging and accessible for Boncopia.com’s News & Politics audience.

The Organizers: A Coalition of Progressive Powerhouses

The "No Kings" protests were spearheaded by a coalition of well-known progressive organizations, including Indivisible, the 50501 Movement, Public Citizen, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), among others. These groups, many operating as 501(c)(4) nonprofits, brought logistical expertise and grassroots networks to coordinate over 2,000 events nationwide. The flagship rally in Philadelphia alone drew an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 participants, showcasing the coalition’s organizational reach.

• Indivisible: A prominent player, Indivisible is known for mobilizing grassroots activism against perceived threats to democracy. Co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg emphasized the rallies as a "day of defiance" against authoritarianism, leveraging their network of local chapters to boost turnout.

• 50501 Movement: Named for "50 states, 50 protests, one movement," this group focused on uniting diverse communities under the "No Kings" banner, emphasizing nonviolent resistance.

• ACLU and SEIU: The ACLU brought legal and advocacy expertise, while the SEIU tapped into its labor union base to rally workers. Both organizations have a history of funding large-scale civic actions.

These groups collaborated with smaller partners, including veterans’ organizations like Common Defense, immigrant rights groups, and faith-based coalitions, creating a broad-based movement.

Funding Sources: A Mix of Grassroots and Institutional Support

While the "No Kings" rallies were framed as a people-powered movement, their scale suggests significant financial backing. Here’s what we know about the funding sources based on available information:

1. Nonprofit Funding and Grants:

   • Many organizing groups, such as the ACLU and Black Voters Matter, have historically received federal grants and private donations. Posts on X, like one from@iyouthpower, claim these organizations accessed "tens of millions" in federal funding, though specific ties to the "No Kings" rallies remain unverified.

   • Indivisible, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, relies on a mix of small-dollar donations and grants from progressive foundations. Their 2023 tax filings show revenue of over $7 million, largely from individual donors and foundation grants, which likely supported their role in the rallies.

   • The SEIU, with its multimillion-dollar budget, draws from member dues and grants, providing resources for mobilization efforts like transportation and event permits.

2. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Foundations:

   • Some X posts, such as one by@Logosintell, allege that elite foundations and DAFs funneled millions into the protests through activist networks. These claims suggest a "complex web" of funding, but lack concrete evidence linking specific donors to the June 14 events.

   • Progressive foundations like the Open Society Foundations or Tides Foundation, often cited in similar movements, may have contributed indirectly through grants to coalition partners, though no direct evidence confirms their involvement in "No Kings." Such foundations typically support pro-democracy initiatives, aligning with the rallies’ goals.

3. Crowdsourcing and Grassroots Contributions:

   • Organizers encouraged grassroots fundraising, with the "No Kings" website calling for donations to cover costs like security, medical support, and promotional materials. Crowdsourcing efforts, as noted by data journalist G. Elliott Morris, helped track participation and likely extended to small-scale fundraising.

   • Local events, such as those in Mobile, Alabama, or Tucson, Arizona, relied on community donations to cover logistics, suggesting a decentralized funding model for smaller rallies.

4. Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

   • An X post by@DanielMeier_ claims the Planned Parenthood Action Fund helped finance the rallies, citing their income sources. While Planned Parenthood has supported progressive causes, no public records confirm direct funding for "No Kings," though their involvement in the coalition is plausible given their advocacy history.

Controversy and Speculation: Following the Money

The funding of the "No Kings" rallies sparked debate, particularly among critics on X who questioned the movement’s grassroots credentials. Posts like those from@empirical_Tea and@barryboston allege backing from "globalist Western organizations and billionaires," pointing to groups like Indivisible as fronts for elite interests. These claims, while unverified, reflect skepticism about the rallies’ independence, with some users calling for investigations into funding transparency.

However, organizers like Leah Greenberg of Indivisible countered that the movement was driven by "regular people" and local volunteers, with funding primarily supporting logistics like permits, security, and training for nonviolent protest. The absence of a major protest in Washington, D.C., was a strategic choice to avoid confrontation and focus resources on community-led events, potentially reducing costs.

Transparency Challenges

Nonprofits like Indivisible and the ACLU are not required to disclose individual donors, making it difficult to trace exact funding sources. While some X posts suggest taxpayer money fueled the rallies through federal grants, no concrete evidence ties these funds directly to June 14. The lack of transparency fuels speculation, but it’s standard for 501(c)(4) organizations, which prioritize donor privacy to protect against harassment.

Impact of Funding on the Movement

The financial backing enabled the "No Kings" rallies to achieve unprecedented scale, with estimates of 4–13 million participants. Resources supported extensive pre-protest training, security measures, and outreach, ensuring most events remained peaceful despite isolated incidents in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The funding also amplified the movement’s message through media campaigns and digital tools, like interactive protest maps.

However, the reliance on institutional support raised questions about authenticity. Critics argue that large-scale funding from nonprofits or foundations could dilute the grassroots spirit, while supporters see it as a necessary boost to counter a well-funded administration. The debate underscores broader tensions about money in activism.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum

The success of the "No Kings" rallies suggests that their funding model—blending grassroots enthusiasm with institutional support—could serve as a blueprint for future protests. Organizers are already planning follow-up actions, including voter mobilization and advocacy for democratic reforms. Sustaining this momentum will require balancing transparency with the need for secure funding, especially as public scrutiny grows.

Conclusion: The Power Behind the Protests

The "No Kings" rallies of June 14, 2025, showcased the strength of collective action, fueled by a mix of grassroots donations, nonprofit resources, and potential foundation support. While the exact funding picture remains murky, the coalition’s ability to mobilize millions highlights the impact of strategic financial backing. As the movement evolves, questions about transparency and influence will persist, challenging activists to maintain trust while pushing for change.

Thought-Provoking Questions for Readers:

1. How does the mix of grassroots and institutional funding affect the authenticity of movements like "No Kings"?

2. Should activist groups disclose their funding sources to build public trust, or does donor privacy outweigh transparency concerns?

3. What role do you think funding plays in shaping the priorities and outcomes of large-scale protests?