American Conservative Union Inc

Alexandria, VA · Founded 1964

Unites and mobilizes conservatives through national events, policy forums, and advocacy training programs

Primary audience

Conservative Activists

Work area

Political Advocacy

Topic

Conservative Policy

Contact

James O'Connel

Website Contact

About Organization

American Conservative Union Inc. organizes conferences, policy forums, and training programs to advance conservative principles across the United States. Based in Alexandria, VA, the organization operates with 55 employees and generated $12.4 million in revenue in 2023. Founded in 1964, it has become a central convening platform for conservative activists and leaders.

What They Focus On

Conservative Movement Building

Strengthening networks and infrastructure to unite conservatives around shared principles through conferences and regional events

Policy Education

Providing forums and training on conservative approaches to governance, economics, and social issues nationwide

Criminal Justice Reform

Advancing conservative solutions to criminal justice issues through state-level advocacy and grant-funded projects

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$12.4M

+13.4% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$10.1M

-7.9% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$7.0M

+62.4% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

-23.6% vs 2022

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2023	$12,391,797	$10,105,796	$6,970,462	55
2022	$10,922,984	$10,976,991	$4,291,110	72
2021	$15,442,633	$14,320,322	$4,885,240	42
2020	$8,116,706	$8,501,833	$3,320,784	42
2019	$19,887,494	$18,640,526	$4,131,915	42

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Convene Leaders

Organize national and regional events bringing together conservative activists, elected officials, and thought leaders
02

Educate Members

Provide policy briefings, training sessions, and forums on conservative principles and current issues
03

Build Networks

Connect activists across states to share strategies, coordinate efforts, and strengthen the conservative movement
04

Drive Advocacy

Support grassroots campaigns and policy initiatives aligned with conservative values in communities nationwide

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by American Conservative Union Inc

CPAC Conference

Annual gathering of conservative activists, leaders, and policymakers to discuss principles and strategy

Policy Forums

Educational events examining conservative approaches to public policy issues across the country

Activist Training

Programs to equip conservatives with organizing, communication, and advocacy skills for grassroots mobilization

Criminal Justice Reform

Advocacy for conservative criminal justice reforms including projects in West Virginia and other states

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind American Conservative Union Inc.

Contact the team Contact

James O'Connel

Former Director

5 hrs/week

Compensation: $170,684

Matt Schlapp

Chairman

5 hrs/week

Compensation: $837,444

David Safavian

Gen Counsel

Full-time

Compensation: $216,948

Mercedes Schlapp

Strategic Comm.

Full-time

Compensation: $178,605

Megan Powers

Former Dir. of Special Projects

Full-time

Compensation: $124,111

Bill Walton

First Vice Chairman

5 hrs/week

Patrick Nolan

Director

Milestones

1964

Organization Founded

1964

American Conservative Union established to unite conservatives around core principles

1980

Tax-Exempt Status

1980

Received IRS recognition as tax-exempt organization for advocacy and educational activities

2019

Revenue Peak

2019

Achieved record revenue of $19.9 million during expanded conference and advocacy programming

2023

Renewed Growth

2023

Revenue rebounded to $12.4 million with 55 staff supporting national conservative mobilization

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Patrick Nolan Director 40.00 hrs/week · $113,817

Allan Gottlieb Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Christos Marafatsos Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

David Bernhardt Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Erik Prince Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Jackie Arends Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Jerry Daniels Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Jim McLaughlin Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Kevin Hassett Treasurer 5.00 hrs/week

Kimberly Bellissimo Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Les Zellan Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Mark Kahrs Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Matt Smith Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Matt Whitaker Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Muriel Coleman Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Priscilla O'Shaughnessy Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Ric Grenell Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Ron Robinson Board Member 5.00 hrs/week

Matt Schlapp Chairman

Bill Walton First Vice Chairman

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$1.7M

Highest Paid

$871K

Matt Schlapp

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Matt Schlapp	Chairman	$837,444	$33,645	$871,089	5
David Safavian	Gen Counsel	$216,948	—	$216,948	40
Mercedes Schlapp	Strategic COMM.	$178,605	—	$178,605	40
James O'Connel	Former Director	$170,684	—	$170,684	5
Megan Powers	Former DIR. Of Special Projects	$124,111	—	$124,111	40
Patrick Nolan	Director	$113,817	—	$113,817	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Matt Schlapp	Chairman	$350,000	—	$350,000	5
Daniel Schneider	Former Executive DIR	$266,260	—	$266,260	40
Ryan Mcgovan	Former DIR. Finance	$187,226	—	$187,226	40
David Safavian	Gen Counsel	$181,583	—	$181,583	40
Mercedes Schlapp	Strategic COMM.	$178,267	—	$178,267	40
Lynne Rasmussen	SVP Operations	$157,575	—	$157,575	40
Laura Nasim	Former Director	$147,418	—	$147,418	40
James O'Connel	Former Director	$141,722	—	$141,722	40
Fred Mcgrath	Former Director	$127,007	—	$127,007	40
Patrick Nolan	Director	$117,150	—	$117,150	40
Alex Hinson	Former Deputy Director	$113,365	—	$113,365	40
Megan Powers	Former DIR. Of Special Projects	$104,424	—	$104,424	40
Macy Cochran	Highest Comp	$103,018	—	$103,018	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Daniel Schneider	Executive Vip	$362,507	—	$362,507	40
Daniel Schneider	Executive Vip	$362,507	—	$362,507	40
Ryan Mcgowan	DIR. Finance	$188,131	—	$188,131	40
Ryan Mcgowan	DIR. Finance	$188,131	—	$188,131	40
David Safavian	Director	$180,527	—	$180,527	40
David Safavian	Director	$180,527	—	$180,527	40
Mercedes Schlapp	Strategic COMM.	$175,500	—	$175,500	40
Mercedes Schlapp	Strategic COMM.	$175,500	—	$175,500	40
Patrick Nolan	Director	$128,268	—	$128,268	40
Patrick Nolan	Director	$128,268	—	$128,268	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Daniel Schneider	Executive VP	$346,973	—	$346,973	30
Patrick Nolan	Director Emeritus	$192,994	—	$192,994	40
Ian Walters	Director	$182,188	—	$182,188	40
David Safavian	General Counsel	$171,875	—	$171,875	40
Ryan Mcgowan	Director	$164,958	—	$164,958	40
Amir Iljazi	Director	$135,417	—	$135,417	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Daniel Schneider	Executive Director	$307,475	—	$307,475	030
Patrick Nolan	Manager	$219,000	—	$219,000	040
Ian Walters	Manager	$166,063	—	$166,063	030
Ryan Mcgowan	Manager	$153,000	—	$153,000	025
David Safavian	Manager	$147,648	—	$147,648	030
Amir Iljazi	Manager	$137,427	—	$137,427	030

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$1K Total Given

Republican $1,031 (100%)

1 Contributions

$1,031 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

1 Individual Donor

Michi Iljazi 1 contribution • $1,031 avg

$1,031

Quick Insights

🏆

Most Active Donor Michi Iljazi with 1 contributions

🎯

Top Recipient MAX UKROPINA FOR CONGRESS 2024 — $1,031

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$530K Grants Received

2 Organizations

Top Funders

2 total

The Just Trust For Action

$500K

Fwdus Inc.

$30K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying

1 Registrations

1 Client

Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 1 total

American Conservative Union

1 filing

Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with American Conservative Union Inc

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(202) 347-9388

Visit Website

1199 N Fairfax St Ste 500 Alexandria, VA 22314

American Conservative Union Inc

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Convene Leaders

Educate Members

Build Networks

Drive Advocacy

Programs and Initiatives

CPAC Conference

Policy Forums

Activist Training

Criminal Justice Reform

Team & Leadership

James O'Connel

Matt Schlapp

David Safavian

Mercedes Schlapp

Megan Powers

Bill Walton

Patrick Nolan

Milestones

Organization Founded

Tax-Exempt Status

Revenue Peak

Renewed Growth

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

Individual Political Donors

Top Individual Donors

Quick Insights

Partners & Funders

Top Funders

Related Organizations

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

Lobbying Activity

Clients 1 total

Contact

Email

Phone