STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY
Our theory of change is grounded in the understanding that disenfranchised populations need to be engaged in the electoral process and in advocacy work in order for equitable policymaking and implementation to occur. In 2022, we invited 10 organizations that are focused on civic engagement to participate in this priority. We are in the third year of our seven-year approach, a commitment that entails allocating approximately $6.3 million throughout the program’s lifecycle.
Strengthening Democracy Vision Statement
Our Strengthening Democracy partners collaboratively created the following statement as a guidepost for their work:
“Our purpose is to reimagine democracy so that no matter where you come from or how you got here, who you love, what you look like, or who/if you pray to, you have equal access to good health, economic security, and joy.
We acknowledge that this takes a diverse set of individuals and organizations committed to building trust and strong relationships.
We do this by sharing tools, building power, facilitating access to information, and equipping people to participate and make decisions about their own life and their community. We work in tandem with communities to amplify directly impacted voices, change systems, and strengthen democracy.
We recognize this is a complex process that requires transformation, learning, adapting, resources, inclusivity, and collaboration.”
Grant Recipients!
Goals and Funding Approaches
Goals:
To engage historically disenfranchised communities in policymaking and civic engagement
To increase the leadership capacity of diverse groups working collectively to shift power dynamics, policies, practices, behaviors, and resources towards an agenda focused on community health
Potential Funding Approaches:
- Fund a group of organizations for seven years to build equitable statewide infrastructure to increase civic engagement and voter participation
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
By invitation only
FINAL REPORT
All reports are submitted verbally. A program officer will reach out to you between the 9th and 12th month of the grant term to schedule a final report conversation. The conversation will be focused on the responses to the initial application questions.