Funding Fathers: The Unsung Heroes of the Conservative Movement
Meet the Heroes Behind the Conservative Movement
Buy the book
We all know about Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, but who knows about Holmes Tuttle, Henry Regnery, and Antony Fisher?
Yet it was devoted conservative like Tuttle, Regnery, and dozens of others, who paved the way for leaders like Goldwater and Reagan by financing and helping to create a conservative movement of ideas and people.
In Funding Fathers, authors Ron Robinson and Nicole Hoplin tell the untold, behind-the-scenes stories of the men and women who made the Conservative Movement the giant force it is today. In Funding Fathers, you'll learn:
- How a chicken egg smuggler created one of the most influential economic institutes in the world
- How three California businessmen propelled Ronald Reagan into America's political consciousness
- How William F. Buckley Jr. turned a book deal and a $100,000 investment into one of the most influential publications of our time
- How "Spike" Hennessy helped resurrect Hillsdale College
- Why Clarence Manion was the father of The Conscience of a Conservative
Funding Fathers is essential reading for those who want to know the inside story of the Conservative Movement and learn about its largely unheralded heroes.
Meet the Authors
Ron Robinson is the president of Young America’s Foundation. Time referred to Robinson as one of the“seasoned generals of the right,” leading a “diverse and well funded” generation of conservatives who are “winning battles on campus.”
Robinson is a native of Buffalo, New York. He received his bachelor's degree in political science at Canisius College and a law degree from The Catholic University of America. Robinson has served as executive director of Young American's for Freedom, president of the United States Youth Council, and president of the International Youth Year Commission. He was an advisor to the U.S. Department of Education during the Reagan administration. In addition, he serves as an advisor to some of the nation's leading philanthropic organizations, including the Phillips Foundation, the Strong Charitable Trust, and the D.J. Findlay Foundation.
Nicole Hoplin is the director of foundation relations for Young America's Foundation and is a member of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors. Hoplin is a Truman Scholar and holds bachelors' degrees in political science and psychology from St. Olaf College and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Minnesota.
In 2001, Hoplin co-authored a publication for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on the effectiveness of an intergovernmental rural development partnership. She has also previously served as editor of quarterly publication, Libertas. Nicole Hoplin lives in New York City.
What They Are Saying...
Praise/Reviews
“This indispensable work is a must-read for donors to the Conservative Movement as well as those considering gifts to our cause. Funding Fathers tells the story of how the Conservative Movement really came to be, but more importantly, provides guidance on how to advance the next generation of conservative ideas, as the new Funding Fathers and Mothers.” —75th U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese II
“Here is the authoritative account of conservatism's Golden Donors—the men and women of means and vision whose remarkable largesse has made the Conservative Movement the most important political movement in America.” —Dr. Lee Edwards, Distinguished Fellow in Conservative Thought, The Heritage Foundation
“This unique, insightful book informs us of the many principled “guardian angels” who were the essential wind under the wings of the winning Conservative Movement. The dedication, the courage and character of these patriotic men and women tell the whole story of how many of our shared principles were advanced due to their undaunted, generous leadership. The future of our Land of Opportunity for all will require similar creative teamwork and unflinching determination to stand strong for Freedom!” —Virginia governor George Allen
“Funding Fathers reveals the remarkable tale of how a handful of contributions sparked the proliferation of conservative ideas. The success of the Conservative Movement makes this an indispensable guidebook for anyone who seeks to financially advance a cause, whether their gifts are large or small.” —Bestselling author Dinesh D'Souza
“As a fundraiser I have observed that philanthropy usually results from vision and passion. These are wonderful stories about philanthropy in action. That is, people who believe in something and help make their vision become reality through a gift of time and resources.” — William T. Sturtevant, Senior vice president for principal gifts, University of Illinois Foundation
“Ron Robinson and Nicole Hoplin have written the first book of its kind. It is long overdue. It reveals inside information I've never read before of some of the major players of the Conservative Movement. I found the book packed with information—a lot of it never before disclosed. I was at once reminded of how a few individuals and families changed the course of history in this nation—much like our Founding Fathers at this country's birth.” —Jerold Panas, Jerold Panas, Linzy, & Partners, Consultants to Philanthropy
"This book provides numerous inspiring stories about individuals who give of their resources to help improve our country. Some of the stories are truly spine-tingling. Consider the man who emigrated to this country, made a lot of money, and then met Ronald Reagan in the White House. He died at the White House with Reagan standing over him. A tragedy....but the man left millions to an organization that years later...purchased the Reagan Ranch to preserve it and make it available for young people to enjoy and learn about Ronald Reagan. And the organization in question, Young America's Foundation, where the authors work, didn't even know the story until after the ranch had been purchased. I highly recommend this book." —Bestselling author Peter Schweizer
Media Link
Ron Robinson and Nicole Hoplin at the Heritage Foundation
