Profile: Planned Parenthood
Founded in 1916 as the first U.S. birth control clinic, Planned Parenthood provides health centers around the country and advocates for reproductive rights such as the right to have an abortion and access to affordable birth control.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund, a 5019(c)4, is the political advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a 501(c)3. Planned Parenthood also has a federal political action committee that supports pro-choice candidates.
The Action Fund endorsed Democrat Barack Obama and gave him a 100 percent rating, whereas Republican John McCain recieved a 0 percent rating on the issues important to the organization.
According the organization's annual report, the group has a "One Million Strong" initiative to mobilize pro-choice voters for the 2008 elections.
Funders: In 2007, for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation gave $3 million; David and Lucile Packard Foundation, $1 million.
Leadership: Cecile Richards, Harry Carter, Gina Glantz, Melody Barnes, Helen Howell, Karen Shepherd, Shamina Singh, Elena Marks. Read more about these leaders in The Secret Money Project's Who's Who Directory of Key Leaders of Independent Groups.
Will Evans is a reporter for the Center for Investigative Reporting, NPR's partner in the Secret Money Project.
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