A coalition of funders, led by the nonprofit Democracy Fund, has launched a campaign called All by April in an effort to change the culture of philanthropy around elections. The campaign urges funders to allocate grants earlier in the year to give organizations working to boost voter participation and access to voting more time to plan and hire staff. The goal is to provide stability to these organizations beyond just the immediate lead-up to Election Day. Over 170 foundations, advisors, and individual donors have signed on to the campaign, committing to making grants earlier and moving funds sooner.
One of the challenges faced by organizations like Florida Rising, which works to build political power in marginalized communities, is the boom-and-bust cycle of funding around elections. The Tides Foundation, a public charity, has set up a fund to support grassroots organizations consistently, countering the fluctuating levels of support these groups receive throughout the election cycle. Tides recently received a $10 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to its Health Democracy Fund, part of which will be distributed after this year’s election. The foundation supports nonprofits that engage in direct political work, such as advocacy around ballot measures, and has a focus on states with growing populations of young people and people of color facing voting barriers.
The campaign by Democracy Fund and other funders aims to push for more consistent support for community groups working on voter participation beyond just election years. Organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center have already committed significant funds to build the capacity of these groups in Southern states. SPLC partnered with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to administer grants aimed at strengthening community organizations engaged in voter engagement efforts. These organizations have made over 100 million attempts to contact voters through various strategies, demonstrating the impact of investing in local communities to build political constituencies around important issues.
The work being done by philanthropic funders to support voter participation and engagement is crucial in promoting democracy and civic participation. By investing in grassroots organizations and providing stable funding, these funders are helping to ensure that marginalized communities have a voice in the political process. The efforts of organizations like Democracy Fund, Tides, SPLC, and others show that there is a different way to approach funding around elections, one that prioritizes long-term support and sustainability for community groups working to enhance voter access and participation.
The broader impact of these efforts is not only seen in the resources provided to community organizations but also in the changing culture of philanthropy around elections. By committing to allocate grants earlier and provide ongoing support beyond just election years, funders are recognizing the importance of investing in the infrastructure and capacity of organizations working to strengthen democracy. This shift in approach is not only benefiting individual organizations but is also contributing to a more robust and inclusive democratic process where all voices are heard and represented.
The collaboration between funders, nonprofits, and community organizations to enhance voter participation and access to voting is a vital component of a healthy democracy. By recognizing the challenges faced by organizations working in this space and committing to providing consistent and stable funding, philanthropic funders are playing a crucial role in ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process. The impact of these efforts extends beyond just individual elections, laying the groundwork for a more engaged and inclusive society where every voice matters.
