Quotes About Private funders

One foundation-backed effort to provide long-acting birth control to teenagers in Colorado helped lower the birthrate among teenagers across the state by a stunning 40 percent from 2009 to 2013, and sharply cut the number of abortions, too. Despite this success, the Colorado legislature refused to provide ongoing funding for the program—at which point a group of private funders stepped in ensure it would continue, including Ben Walton, an heir to the Walmart fortune who lives in Denver.

Since the 1970s wealthy donors have heavily financed efforts to cut taxes and public spending. The success they've had helps explain why government now can't do as many things, which gives private funders new leverage in shaping society.