Deep Dive on the History of NGP VAN

Did you know NGP VAN can trace its roots back to the .com era of the late 1990s?

NGP VAN offers an integrated platform that streamlines fundraising, compliance, voter outreach, and digital engagement. At the core of its suite of tools is NGP, a robust software specifically designed for compliance reporting and FEC filing. For decades, NGP has been the go-to solution for campaigns needing a seamless way to track donations, file FEC reports, and manage fundraising efforts.

This deep dive into the history of NGP explores how it became an essential tool for modern federal campaigns.

The Origins:

NGP VAN was officially formed through the merger of two industry leaders:

1. NGP Software, founded in 1997 by Nathaniel G. Pearlman (NGP), specialized in campaign finance tracking and compliance reporting. Recognizing the growing complexity of FEC regulations, NGP Software provided campaigns with a user-friendly, automated way to manage fundraising and financial disclosures. Pearlman’s expertise later led him to serve as the Chief Technology Officer for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign.

2. Voter Activation Network (VAN), created in 2001 by Mark Sullivan, was designed to modernize voter contact and field organizing. VAN’s technology helped campaigns identify, track, and engage voters more effectively.

By merging in 2010, these two companies revolutionized Democratic campaign technology, creating an all-in-one system for fundraising, compliance, and voter outreach. In October 2014, NGP VAN introduced their fundraising management platform, EveryAction. The company expanded its capabilities in 2019 through the strategic acquisitions of ActionKit, BSD Kit from Blue State Digital, and DonorTrends. In 2021, London-based private equity firm Apax Partners acquired EveryAction, Inc., the parent company of NGP VAN. Around the same time, Amanda Coulombe was appointed as President of NGP VAN.

With roots going back to the 1990s, the company has played a pivotal role in political campaign technology, providing robust tools for voter engagement, volunteer coordination, and data analytics. Over the years, NGP VAN has continually evolved, building a diverse suite of services that cater to various aspects of campaign management and nonprofit administration. Nathaniel and Mark had a keen understanding of the challenges faced by political campaigns, particularly in the area of data management and voter engagement. Their vision was to create a seamless technological solution that would integrate fundraising, compliance, and voter contact tools, significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of campaigns. By focusing on cloud-based technology, they aimed to provide campaigns with real-time access to data and analytics, enabling better decision-making and strategy formulation. The goal was to empower progressive campaigns with innovative tools to mobilize supporters, manage volunteers, and ultimately drive more successful outcomes.

For federal candidates, staying compliant with FEC regulations is non-negotiable. NGP, the software at the heart of NGP VAN, was specifically designed to streamline campaign finance management. Federal campaigns today face increasingly complex compliance requirements, making it critical to have both the right technology and the right expertise. While NGP simplifies financial reporting and compliance, successfully navigating federal campaign finance laws still requires strategic oversight. That’s where Princeton Strategies comes in.

At Princeton Strategies, we specialize in Federal Political Campaign Financial Compliance and over five decades of combined experience using NGPVAN products to help candidates and campaigns perform their best. Whether you’re new to campaign finance or need expert assistance with FEC filings, our team ensures that your compliance efforts are seamless and stress-free. Let Princeton Strategies handle the complexities of FEC compliance, so you can focus on what matters most—winning your campaign.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your campaign’s success.

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