Beyond the Ballot: How Philanthropy Can Safeguard Democracy After Election Day

Tomorrow is Election Day in the United States, a pivotal moment for our country and our democracy. Regardless of the outcome, whether – as I personally hope – Kamala Harris and Democrats win by a landslide up and down the ballot, one thing is clear: our work to protect and strengthen democracy does not end here. We must stay vigilant, committed, and proactive to ensure that democracy thrives, no matter who takes office.

One of the most urgent threats to democracy is Project 2025, a conservative plan that outlines a significant restructuring of the U.S. government, designed to centralize executive power and undermine critical rights and protections. Even if tomorrow’s election leads to a favorable outcome, efforts will continue to implement this agenda in the years ahead, making it essential that we, as philanthropy leaders and donors, remain dedicated to counteracting this threat.

Learn More About Project 2025

If you want to learn more about Project 2025 and its implications for democracy, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, education, and more, I recommend reading these detailed analyses:

• Ms. Magazine: “The 22 Scariest Lines We Found in Project 2025’s 900-Page ‘Mandate for Leadership’” – This analysis highlights specific excerpts from the document that pose threats to reproductive health care, protections against workplace discrimination, environmental protections, public education, and much more.
• The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): “Project 2025, Explained” – The ACLU provides a detailed examination of Project 2025, describing it as a radical restructuring of the executive branch that threatens civil rights and liberties.

Inspiring Foundations Working to Strengthen Democracy

There are many incredible efforts underway by foundations that are leading the charge to protect and strengthen democracy. Here are a few examples to inspire your own work and provide valuable resources to inform your grantmaking:

• The Hewlett Foundation’s U.S. Democracy Program: Committed to ensuring trustworthy elections and strengthening national governing institutions.
• The MacArthur Foundation’s Democracy Initiatives: Supports efforts to strengthen American democracy, including funding non-profit media and civic engagement initiatives.
• The Democracy Frontlines Fund: Focused on funding Black-led organizing efforts to build sustainable local power and amplify the voices of disenfranchised voters.
• The Democracy Fund: Supports initiatives to ensure a resilient and inclusive democracy, including voter engagement and election security.
• The Libra Foundation: Provides grants to social justice organizations working to strengthen political power and advance liberation for communities of color.
• The Ford Foundation: Committed to challenging inequality and promoting civic engagement, the Ford Foundation works to build inclusive democracy by supporting efforts that increase voter participation, enhance government accountability, and ensure fair representation.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re wondering how you and your foundation can join the fight to strengthen democracy, here are some ways to get involved and contribute:

• State Infrastructure Fund (SIF): A donor collaborative managed by NEO Philanthropy that supports state-level efforts to enhance civic engagement and protect voting rights.
• Four Freedoms Fund (FFF): Also under NEO Philanthropy, FFF supports the immigrant rights movement in the U.S. and provides a platform for donors to contribute to strengthening democracy.
• Democracy Fund’s Joint Funds: The Democracy Fund offers several joint funds that donors can contribute to, such as the Trusted Elections Fund and the Faith In/And Democracy initiative.
• Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE): A learning community for funders committed to enhancing civic engagement and democratic practice.
• Solidaire Network: A donor network that connects philanthropists with social movements working towards progressive change, including democracy-related efforts, including the Movement Infrastructure Fund and Black Liberation Pooled Fund.

Who Else Is Working on This?

I realize this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many other foundations and philanthropists, large and small, are striving to strengthen democracy at local, state, and national levels. Who else do you know working to defend and advance democracy while counteracting Project 2025? What are other philanthropic initiatives and pooled funds? Please let me know and I will happily share them in future blog and social media posts – our collective knowledge and collaboration are vital in protecting the future of democracy.

And if you haven’t already done so, please make a plan for how you will vote tomorrow! You can visit iwillvote.com if you have any questions about your polling location or registration status.

Onward!

Kris Putnam-Walkerly