Democracy Fund

“The death of local news undermines trust in democracy, promotes partisan divisions and provides a fertile breeding ground for acceptance of authoritarianism.” Josh Stearns, senior director of Democracy Fund’s Public Square program, shares how investing in local news can help protect us “against authoritarianism, disinformation and backsliding in democracy.” https://lnkd.in/ezUXr67E

Game-changing solutions wanted: Press Forward’s Open Call on Infrastructure is open for applications! Local news outlets should be easier to start and sustain. That’s why Press Forward is investing up to $20 million in solutions to the common challenges newsrooms face through this grant opportunity.? ? This Open Call seeks ideas for strengthening the essential infrastructure the field needs to: ??Build Audience? ??Strengthen Operations? ??Cultivate Talented People &?? ??Generate Revenue. We’re looking for bold ideas that can scale or replicate to impact the sector, with grants of $500,000 to $1.5 million. All journalism support organizations and newsroom-led coalitions and collaborations are eligible to apply. Learn more and sign up for an information session at pressforward.news/opencall.?

As pro-democracy funders plan their budgets for next year and beyond, a report by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy provides a thorough overview of the increasing costs to conduct voter registration and civic engagement work, and explains why pro-democracy funders “must boldly expand their investments to meet the moment.” https://lnkd.in/e5Si-7xU

Are you a BIPOC leader or organizer within the pro-democracy movement? If so, what is most important to you when it comes to leadership development opportunities? We invite you to take this brief survey to help us gain initial insights around needs and gaps in leadership development offerings. Data collected by this survey will remain anonymous and will be used by Democracy Fund as part of an internal leadership development assessment. For any questions please contact Bethel Tsegaye at [email protected]. https://lnkd.in/erFYjSHj

“And I guess my message to my peers is: If you think you’re tired, just imagine what folks who’ve been out on the front lines are feeling. They need to know that we’ve got their back, that we are going to support them.” https://lnkd.in/e86SW5ua

?? Live now: The latest edition of the newsletter from The Commons! ?? We explore a counterintuitive idea: Despite the bruising election and tumult expected in President-elect Donald Trump’s first days in office, are Americans ready to see their political opponents as something less than mortal enemies? They may be, say leaders of the movement to bring Americans together and build community bonds. Is this a moment of opportunity? ? ALSO ? ?? “We need to show courage.” Democracy Fund president Joe Goldman spoke with Chronicle of Philanthropy CEO Stacy Palmer about the need for grant makers to pivot quickly and support advocacy, legal, and policy organizations on the front lines fighting threats to post-election democracy. He discussed how funders can best support grassroots groups, the potential for a more ideologically diverse coalition, and what to expect in the days ahead. ?? Get details about our SPECIAL upcoming event in The Commons in Conversation series on LinkedIn with PBS special correspondent Judy Woodruff.

In this post-election period, where should the pro-democracy field focus its work? Join us for a pivotal conversation with Democracy Fund President Joe Goldman and The Chronicle of Philanthropy CEO Stacy Palmer, live on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 12:30 p.m. ET. RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/eCXp7NES

Tomorrow: Don’t miss Democracy Fund President Joe Goldman and The Chronicle of Philanthropy CEO Stacy Palmer in conversation on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 12:30 pm ET. They’ll focus on how to make sure that organizations working on the frontlines of democracy have the resources they need. Learn more and sign up here: ?https://lnkd.in/eCXp7NES

Last chance to register! What is the post-election future of efforts to strengthen democracy? Join us as Democracy Fund President Joe Goldman and Chronicle of Philanthropy CEO Stacy Palmer delve into the post-election landscape in our next edition of #TheCommons in Conversation. They'll be exploring how to equip nonprofits to meet future challenges and the crucial issues that need our attention now. Don't miss what will be an informed discussion on how we can create a more vibrant, accountable, and inclusive society. See you on Wednesday, November 13 at 12:30 p.m. ET. This event is free. ??? Registration required: https://lnkd.in/eaYhDcwK ??? About the series: The Commons in Conversation is a series of exclusive, one-on-one conversations with national and local leaders working to strengthen a fractured America. Chronicle editors and writers will host individuals from across the country in casual lunchtime discussions about what it will take to bring Americans together. Guests will talk about ideas and promising solutions and how the philanthropic world — from major philanthropists to everyday nonprofit leaders — can contribute.

“The death of local news undermines trust in democracy, promotes partisan divisions and provides a fertile breeding ground for acceptance of authoritarianism.” Josh Stearns, senior director of Democracy Fund’s Public Square program, shares how investing in local news can help protect us “against authoritarianism, disinformation and backsliding in democracy.” https://lnkd.in/ezUXr67E