Episode 048: Why Voting Is Not Enough: Political Giving and Civic Engagement with Wilmot Collins

Many people believe their civic responsibility begins and ends at the ballot box. But what if voting is only part of the equation?

In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson sits down with Wilmot Collins, former mayor of Helena, Montana, to explore the critical relationship between political giving, civic engagement, grassroots fundraising, and democratic participation.

As Montana's first Black elected mayor, Collins shares how nearly 200 everyday donors helped fuel his historic campaign, proving that meaningful political change doesn't require wealthy benefactors. It requires communities willing to invest their time, resources, and belief in leaders they want to see succeed.

From fleeing civil war in Liberia with just 25 cents in his pocket to becoming a mayor in one of America's reddest states, Collins' story is a powerful testament to perseverance, community support, and the transformative power of philanthropy.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why voting alone is often not enough to create lasting political change
• How political giving and civic engagement work together
• The role grassroots fundraising plays in successful campaigns
• Why small-dollar donors matter more than many people realize
• How 200 donors helped elect Montana's first Black mayor
• The connection between philanthropy, leadership, and democracy
• How to support candidates who share your values
• Why community investment can be just as important as casting a vote
• How Collins built support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike
• What authentic leadership looks like in divided times

Key Takeaways

Your Vote Matters. So Does Your Investment.

Many voters wait until Election Day to participate, but candidates need support long before ballots are cast. Fundraising helps leaders communicate their vision, organize supporters, reach voters, and build viable campaigns.

No Gift Is Too Small

One of Collins' most memorable campaign contributions came from a man experiencing homelessness who donated a single dollar because he wanted to be part of something bigger than himself.

People Matter More Than Party Labels

Collins built a coalition across political lines by focusing on community, service, and shared human concerns rather than partisan divisions.

Democracy Requires Participation

Political philanthropy is more than writing a check. It includes volunteering, sharing information, building relationships, supporting campaigns, and helping leaders succeed.

"If you want your candidate to fully participate in whatever election it is, you should fully participate in it."

— Wilmot Collins

About Wilmot Collins

Wilmot Collins is the former mayor of Helena, Montana, and the first Black elected mayor in Montana history. A refugee from Liberia's civil war, Collins immigrated to the United States and built a life dedicated to service through military leadership, community engagement, public office, and philanthropy.

His remarkable journey from refugee to elected official is chronicled in his forthcoming book, Run: The Wilmot Collins Story, From Liberian Refugee to Montana's First Black Mayor.

Homework

Wilmot's assignment for listeners:

Take risks. Get involved in your community. Step outside your comfort zone.

According to Collins, that's where leadership begins and where meaningful change happens.