Why We Exist

The Common Defense Project was founded in January 2026 when the federal government shot a legal gun owner in the back and argued it was justified. In that moment, millions of Americans — across the political spectrum — suddenly found themselves without representation in the fight for their constitutional rights.

We exist because the Second Amendment belongs to all Americans, not just those who vote a certain way or fit a particular stereotype. We defend gun rights for suburban moms and urban professionals, for progressives and conservatives, for anyone who believes constitutional rights don't come with asterisks.

Our Promise: We hold government accountable when it violates constitutional rights — regardless of which party is in power. We judge people by their commitment to constitutional principles, not their voter registration.

What Sets Us Apart

Truly Nonpartisan: We've criticized the Trump administration's stance on the Alex Pretti case, and we would equally criticize a Democratic administration for gun control overreach. Principle over partisanship, always.

Inclusive Community: We welcome gun owners from all backgrounds, political perspectives, races, genders, and sexual orientations. The old gatekeeping is over.

Legal Focus: We support constitutional challenges to unconstitutional restrictions and provide resources for Americans whose rights have been violated.

Public Education: We create accessible, fact-based content about Second Amendment rights for new and experienced gun owners alike.

Our Organizational Journey

We're building this organization the right way — with proper legal structure, transparent operations, and accountability to our supporters. Here's where we are in the process:

Current

New Mexico LLC Formation

We are currently forming as a New Mexico Limited Liability Company to establish our initial legal structure, open bank accounts, and begin operations while we prepare for nonprofit status.

Next Step

501(c)(4) Social Welfare Organization

We will transition to 501(c)(4) status to engage in lobbying and political advocacy while maintaining tax-exempt status for donations (though not tax-deductible for donors).

Future

501(c)(3) Educational Arm

We plan to establish a companion 501(c)(3) organization for educational activities, research, and training programs where donations would be tax-deductible.

Why This Structure?

501(c)(4) Benefits: This structure allows us to engage in unlimited lobbying and advocacy work while maintaining nonprofit status. Unlike 501(c)(3) organizations, we can support specific legislation and candidates who defend constitutional rights.

Transparency Commitment: We will publish annual reports showing how donations are used, major funding sources (while respecting donor privacy preferences), and our advocacy activities.

Independence: This structure ensures we remain independent of political parties while having maximum flexibility to defend Second Amendment rights through legal, legislative, and educational means.

Coming Soon

Direct Donation Support

We're setting up secure, transparent donation processing to support our mission. Here's our timeline:

Phase 1: LLC Formation

January 2026

Establishing legal entity, bank accounts, and basic infrastructure. Accepting email signups and building our community.

Phase 2: Donation Processing Setup

February 2026

Implementing secure donation processing through services like Stripe, setting up accounting systems, and establishing donor privacy protections.

Phase 3: 501(c)(4) Transition

Spring 2026

Filing for 501(c)(4) status with the IRS and transitioning to full nonprofit operations with enhanced advocacy capabilities.

Phase 4: Full Operations

Summer 2026

Launch comprehensive legal advocacy, lobbying efforts, and educational programs with full donation processing and transparent reporting.

Join the Movement

Start Here: Be Part of Building This

We're building something new from the ground up. Join our email list to be part of it from day one — you'll get updates on our progress, early access to content, and the chance to shape what we become.

What Direct Donations Will Support

When our donation processing is active, your contributions will directly support:

Legal Advocacy

Public Education

Advocacy and Organizing

Community Building

Transparency Promise: When we begin accepting donations, we commit to publishing detailed annual reports showing exactly how funds are used, our major activities, and our impact. We believe accountability to our supporters is just as important as holding government accountable.

Other Ways to Support Our Mission

While we're setting up donation processing, there are several ways you can help build this movement:

Spread the Word

Share our content with friends, family, and on social media. Every person who learns about our mission strengthens the movement for constitutional rights.

Talk to people about nonpartisan gun rights. Help break down the stereotype that gun owners must fit a particular political mold.

Get Involved Locally

Contact your representatives about protecting Second Amendment rights, regardless of their party affiliation.

Attend local government meetings when gun issues are discussed. Show that gun owners come from all backgrounds.

Support inclusive gun stores and ranges that welcome all Americans, not just traditional gun culture participants.

Skills and Expertise

Legal professionals: We'll need volunteers to help with research, case analysis, and legal writing.

Communications specialists: Help us create compelling content that reaches diverse audiences.

Organizers and activists: Share your experience building inclusive movements and coalitions.

Subject matter experts: Constitutional law, firearms law, training, and safety expertise always needed.

Stay Informed and Ready

Read our content and share fact-based analysis with others who need reliable information.

Know your rights and help others understand theirs. Education is the foundation of rights protection.

Be ready to act when we issue calls to action for urgent threats to constitutional rights.