BY Dion Cartwright, President & CEO, The Funders Network
Across the country, TFN members are building civic power well beyond Election Day.
Voting is one piece of that work. The rest happens when neighbors organize, communities develop leaders, and people come together to shape the decisions affecting their lives. TFN members are strengthening democracy in many forms, including civic participation, grassroots organizing, racial and economic justice, and community leadership.
What Democracy Work Looks Like in Practice
- The McKnight Foundation strengthens nonpartisan democratic participation year-round by supporting people’s ability to come together across differences to influence decisions affecting their lives, from affordable housing and family-sustaining jobs to clean air and water.
- In rural Minnesota, West Central Initiative strengthens civic participation through its Rural Democracy work, helping residents develop leadership skills, build relationships and engage in local decision-making.
- In the American South, Partnership for Southern Equity advances voter education, civic leadership and grassroots value-based organizing through initiatives including Vote for Equity, Development Watch, and the Hosea Williams Freedom Academy, engaging historically disinvested communities and young leaders.
- In Los Angeles County, Liberty Hill Foundation invests in grassroots organizing and civic engagement. Its Liberty Vote! program supports nonpartisan electoral organizing, while its Fund for Change provides flexible funding to organizations advancing systemic change.
- The Surdna Foundation connects democratic participation with economic opportunity and institutional accountability, supporting communities in building the political and economic power to shape their futures.
- And The U.S. Energy Foundation supports local coalitions and community leaders, from farmers and business owners to health practitioners, in raising their voices on clean energy issues that shape their communities’ health, economy and future.
These are just a few examples of the many ways TFN members are supporting communities and democracy across the country.
Investing in Democracy, Every Day
Whether the work focuses on housing, transportation, environmental justice, economic opportunity or civic participation, lasting change depends on community leadership and real participation.
At TFN, we connect funders and partners across issues and geographies to learn from one another, strengthen relationships and advance more equitable, sustainable communities. We support advocacy efforts through information and resource sharing, amplifying messaging, and fostering solidarity across the network and beyond.
So what can philanthropy do?
- Make participation possible. Offer staff paid time off to vote or volunteer.
- Invest between elections. Support organizing, local journalism, civic education and leadership development.
- Commit for the long term. Provide flexible, multiyear funding that sustains organizations and community power.
- Support advocacy. Understand what’s possible for nonprofits and foundations through resources like Bolder Advocacy.
Beyond Election Day
Vote on November 3. On November 4, keep investing in the people, organizations and movements strengthening our communities.
Democracy is built 365 days a year.