Search Full Menu WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO FOR PARTNERS VOTER STUDY GROUP WHAT WE DO Democracy Fund champions the leaders and organizations who defend democracy and challenge our political system to be more open and just. We play many roles in service of the field of democracy reform, but first and foremost we are a funder, a philanthropic advisor, and an advocate. Our Areas of Focus Grantmaking Ideas AREAS OF FOCUS Democracy Fund strengthens and defends democracy through three core programs and a number of term-limited special projects. Free and Fair Elections Voting is the single most significant way Americans exercise our political power. Every eligible citizen should have an equal opportunity to participate in elections that are free and fair, as well as efficient and secure. Implementing accessible and trustworthy elections is an immense undertaking, but the American election system is also challenged by persistent barriers to voting for historically excluded communities and beset by unprecedented new threats. Our Elections program works toward a strong and modern voting system that increases voter confidence and engagement. Read more Effective, Representative, and Accountable Governance American democracy depends on a government that represents the interests of the people in all of our diversity — one that is prepared to act on our behalf and that is held accountable when it does not. However, extreme polarization limits our ability to achieve shared priorities. Partisan politics and significant institutional decline have led to government dysfunction and gridlock. Our Governance program promotes the principled leadership and strong institutions our governing system needs to act in the interests of the American people. Read more A Vibrant and Diverse Public Square No matter where they live or who they are, Americans should be able to get the news and information they need to engage in civic life and to use their voices without fear of being harassed or silenced. The rapidly evolving media landscape presents new challenges and opportunities for our communities. Our Public Square program responds by supporting trustworthy local news and investigative reporting, more equitable newsrooms, press freedom, community engagement, and digital spaces that advance democracy, not hate. Read more SPECIAL PROJECT A Just and Inclusive Society Just and Inclusive Society is a special project that brings diverse organizations and groups together to work for a common good, create safe and secure communities, decrease polarization, develop a sense of shared identity, and defend Constitutional norms under attack. Read more GRANTMAKING Democracy Fund supports a wide array of inspiring grantees. We identify grantees through ongoing research and network building, and regularly re-evaluate our grantmaking strategy based on what we learn from these partners. We do not accept unsolicited proposals. Are you a Democracy Fund grantee? Log in to our Portal for valuable tools and information or find instructions for creating an account. Visit the grants database Resources for Funders We can’t do this work alone. Democracy Fund is committed to partnering with a broad group of peer funders to develop strategy, create alignment, and dedicate pooled resources to support the field. We make our team of experts available to assist other foundations and philanthropists in learning about the issues facing democracy and in developing their funding strategies. Find out how to take action Joint Funds Along with some of the nation’s largest grantmakers and philanthropists, Democracy Fund participates in a series of joint funds that leverage additional financial support, reduce the burden on grantees, and move resources to the field quickly and efficiently. When there’s a gap in the field, we partner with others to launch new funds. Support our joint funds OUR LATEST IDEAS See all Ideas OP-ED Local Foundations Need Solid Local Journalism if They Hope to Advance Their Missions First the good news: Philanthropy is starting to respond to the demise of local journalism with the urgency it deserves. In the past few years,… BLOG Envisioning a Just and Open Digital Democracy: Expanding Our Commitment to Platform Accountability Last month, after Facebook attempted to undermine the efforts of independent researchers — and Democracy Fund grantees — who were studying the effects of the… BLOG A call for funders on 9/11: invest in Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian communities Democracy Fund is joining funders in a pledge to raise $50 million over the next five years to support Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim,… Take a Deeper Dive Local News Lab, electionline, and Voter Study Group are Democracy Fund initiatives that provide original, curated information on sustainable local journalism, election administration, and the changing views of the American electorate. Examining and delivering insights on the evolving views of American voters. Voter Study Group Creating new kinds of collaboration between journalists, newsrooms, and communities. Local News Lab America’s only source for politics-free news about our nation’s elections. electionline Who We Are Democracy Fund is an independent and nonpartisan, private foundation that confronts deep-rooted challenges in American democracy while defending against new threats. Since 2014, we have made grants of more than $150 million in support of those working to strengthen our democracy through the pursuit of a vibrant and diverse public square, free and fair elections, effective and accountable government, and a just and inclusive society. Learn more about who we are Stay Connected and in the Know Sign up to receive periodic updates on the work of Democracy Fund and our grantees. We won't flood your inbox and we'll never share your email address. First Name * Your Email * Democracy Fund champions the leaders who defend democracy and who challenge our political system to be more open and just. 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