Democracy

We invest in organizations and practices that are building the future of a thriving multi-racial democracy.

Building a thriving democracy and civic culture—together.

This American experiment has always been just that – an experiment – in need of innovation, renovation, and adaptation. While our Democracy has never fully delivered for all of its members – we know that our collective future depends on continued investment in and innovation to move closer to the promise of our collective American Experiment.

People and organizations in communities across the country are working to mend our fraying democratic norms through innovative and adaptive solutions. We invest in a powerful and diverse set of entrepreneurs who are painting a picture of what’s possible—leading organizations that deepen community connection, strengthen our civic capabilities, and highlight our interdependence.

We also pursue a civic renaissance by partnering with networks of democracy funders, and advancing ideas and insights related to philanthropy’s role in supporting the ecosystem of democracy-focused organizations.

Democracy Priority Areas

Painting the Possible

We support organizations envisioning what is possible when we build a thriving multicultural, multiracial, intergenerational democracy through narrative change, repair work, and bridge-building.

Strengthening Civic Capabilities

We aim to cultivate deeper civic capabilities and daily practices of democracy including building the capacity of public servants, national service, youth engagement, and participatory budgeting.

Report

The State of Democracy Entrepreneurship

Highlighting the unique set of challenges democracy entrepreneurs (particularly women of color) face, this report explores the role philanthropy can play in removing barriers for proximate leaders.

Read the Report