What is The Human Rights Campaign?

Fundraising

In September 1982, HRCF held its first large fund-raising dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, featuring former Vice-President Walter Mondale. His appearance was mentioned in this Wall Street Journal story, “The Mondale Way to the Presidency.” Throughout its history, HRC annual dinners have been the keystone to the organization’s fundraising apparatus.

	“The Mondale Way to the Presidency.” Wall Street Journal. New York, February 22, 1983. HRC Records. [zoom]
	Picture of Walter Mondale. File on the 1982 annual dinner. HRC Records. [zoom]

Effective fundraising techniques made HRCF the seventeenth largest independent political action committee in the United States after its first election cycle in 1982. In 1987, they raised more than $1,360,000. In 2005, donors contributed a record $35.9 million.

2005 Human Right Campaign Annual Report. HRC Records. [zoom] View/download a PDF of this item

In addition to membership dues and annual dinners held in the nation’s capital, HRCF (renamed HRC in 1995) has relied on a variety of unique events to bring in the revenues needed for its programs and candidate contributions. Shown here are publicity pieces for a 1987 drag ball, a 2002 Washington Mystics Basketball game event, and a 2002 golf and tennis event called “Fairways to Equality.” In addition, special dinners and events were held in different cities around the country.

	1987 Fundraising Drag Ball Poster. HRC Records. [zoom]
	Advertisement for the 2002 Fundraising Event Linked to the Washington Mystics Basketball Game. HRC Records. [zoom]
	Advertisement for the 2002 “Fairways to Equality” Fundraising Event Linked to Golf and Tennis. HRC Records. [zoom]

HRC has also developed a line of merchandise that publicizes its message of equality and generates revenue for the cause.

“Equality Wear,” 2000 HRC Merchandise Catalog. HRC Records. [zoom]

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