Americans For Prosperity Launches $20 Million Initiative
Americans For Prosperity, a nonprofit advocating for limited government, has kicked off a significant $20 million campaign as part of its America250 project. This “small step” initiative will begin with a large event in Philadelphia, marking the start of 12 major gatherings planned across the nation.
The Philadelphia event, known as the birthplace of America, included notable figures such as former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, state treasurer Stacey Garrity—who is also running for governor in 2026—and the host of the “Ruthless” podcast.
AFP’s One Small Step initiative, built in concert with Concerned Veterans for America and the Libre Initiative, draws inspiration from Neil Armstrong’s famous quote. It aims to invigorate a national movement that reconnects Americans with their historical roots and encourages greater civic participation.
During her address, AFP President Emily Seidel highlighted the urgency of this effort as the U.S. nears its 250th anniversary. She pointed out, in a way that felt instinctive, the current low levels of pride among Americans, which she deemed quite concerning.
Seidel elaborated, “People’s faith in the American Dream is dwindling. This decline seems to coincide with an increasing government presence. A loss of personal agency is harmful to freedom.”
The “small step” initiative is scheduled to expand to other cities soon. It will task AFP’s state chapters with taking 250,000 actions—essentially urging individuals to participate in initiatives that promote freedom and opportunity as established by the Founding Fathers.
Further, the organizer mentioned that knocking on 40 doors in a community could represent 40 actions aimed at spreading a message or campaign.
According to AFP, “For 250 years, freedom and opportunity have defined the American experience, leading to immense prosperity and groundbreaking innovations.” This campaign is intended to ensure that the freedoms and opportunities the nation was founded upon will thrive for generations to come through collective, impactful actions.
Upcoming high-profile events are also set for Springfield, Illinois—the hometown of Abraham Lincoln—and Washington, D.C., aiming to bolster pride in American identity.
The initiative encompasses a considerable digital and television advertising campaign, along with a “digital toolkit” encouraging Americans to tell their own stories and honor the nation’s founding values.
Seidel expressed that “One Small Step is designed as a long-term movement to celebrate the principles of freedom, dignity, and opportunity that make the U.S. special. If we want to shift American pride positively, we should remind each other of our shared values and what it truly means to be American.”
Sandra Benitez, the executive director of the Libre Initiative, emphasized the relevance of these principles to the Hispanic community, explaining that freedom and dignity are not just ideals, but part of their very personal American narrative.
In her view, the “One Small Step” initiative encourages Americans from all backgrounds to recognize themselves in the story of the nation, a narrative that impacts everyone. “This effort invites us all to engage with America’s legacy, as that legacy belongs to us all,” she concluded.
