About David C. Rothman

David C. Rothman (1929-2020) was a lifelong believer in the power of democracy. Growing up during World War II, he had great faith in the centrality of a well-functioning democracy to a healthy society. His father had come to America in 1920, fleeing the anti-semitic “White Laws” of fascist Hungary.

A lawyer and businessman, David’s political activity occurred largely through his charitable giving and expression of political views. In political discussions in his later years, especially in the era of politicians like Dick Cheney, Mitch McConnell, and Donald Trump, he spoke with ever more concern about the ways in which concentration of power corrupted its possessors and had the growing potential to undermine democracy.

In his own work, David worked as a lawyer and real estate developer. He was a pioneer in the field of pension planning and had carefully saved funds for a long retirement. 

When he died in 2020, he left behind four children and stepchildren, and nine grandchildren. and left his retirement nest egg with them. Michael decided to use his portion of these funds to carry on David's memory by supporting efforts to improve American democracy by reducing and preventing the concentration of power and its corrupting effects.

The funds will be administered by his children and grandchildren from 2021 to 2030.