Philanthropy News for Democracy Funding
Most Recent
The Philanthropoids and Nonprofit Staffers Who Won Big in the “Blue Tsunami”
A range of Democrats with charitable and nonprofit experience scored election victories this week.
5 Ways Philanthropy Can Navigate the Coming Post-Trump Era
As the MAGA insurgency recedes, a big question for philanthropy and civil society is how to make the best of this moment — and address key drivers of right-wing populism that remain in place.
Going Forward, Democracy Funders Can’t Ignore Surveillance
Though Trump’s power may be waning, pervasive new surveillance technologies are here to stay.
The Block and Build Funder Coalition Is Pushing Back on Authoritarianism
The coalition is bringing grantmakers and PSOs together in a united front against autocratic excesses.
Why Henry Luce Foundation’s Jonathan Holloway Hit the Road to Hear from Young People
Jonathan Holloway’s listening tour across the U.S. reveals young people’s views on democracy, shaping new strategies for the Luce Foundation’s initiatives.
Ford’s Big Strategic Reset Faces an Even Bigger Question
The new strategy — an “evolution, not revolution” — imagines a more streamlined foundation that largely stays the course on its key issues. Is that enough to meet the moment?
Mississippi’s Political Shift Has Been Years in the Making. Philanthropy Is Helping Fuel It
Long overlooked by national funders, Mississippi has been attracting new philanthropic democracy commitments.
Building Movements, Taking Risks: Michele Lord Reflects on 25 Years at NEO Philanthropy
The longtime leader weighs in on funding for grassroots movements and dealing with today’s challenges and dangers.
Heading Into Midterms, GOTV Groups Lament Lackluster Funding
Leaders report a “substantial” gap between what voter engagement groups need and what they’re getting.
Why Strengthening Local Civic Health Is the Best — and Fastest — Road to National Renewal
Guest authors from CFLeads, the Rhode Island Foundation and the National Civic League discuss how community foundations can help tackle the nation’s democracy crisis on the ground.
Grassroots Democracy Groups Prepare for Election Disruption “At Every Stage”
How are philanthropy-backed grassroots democracy groups gearing up to protect the midterm elections, and where do they see the greatest need?
A Voice from the Front Lines on Trump’s Attacks on Nonprofits
Protect Democracy is seeking transparency around federal efforts to investigate nonprofits. Policy strategist Shanna Singh Hughey discusses what’s happening and what organizations can do.
Swing State Democracy Backers: Who’s Funding in Georgia?
Georgia is now consistently an important battleground. Here are five democracy funders to watch based in the swing state.
An Inside Look at the Knight Foundation Under Maribel Pérez Wadsworth
On Pérez Wadsworth’s watch, the foundation has accelerated its grantmaking and ramped up its journalism support. It’s also been willing to call out Trump-era policies.
Online Gender-Based Violence Is on the Rise. Here’s Why Democracy Funders Should Care
Mariam Gagoshashvili at Ford and Caroline Harper at ODI Global write about why tech-facilitated harm to women and gender-diverse people is a democracy problem.
Progressive Funders and Advocates on a Strategy to Protect Free and Fair Elections
With fears of electoral subversion growing, pro-democracy advocates outline action plans to defend elections, emphasizing community mobilization and legal strategies.
Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned: A Candid Exit Interview with RBF’s Stephen Heintz
Heintz led the Rockefeller Brothers Fund for a quarter-century, notching up an impressive list of accomplishments, but also, he says, falling short in other areas.
Binaifer Nowrojee on Leading Open Society Foundations in Turbulent Times
Two years in, Nowrojee reflects on her career, George and Alex Soros, OSF’s evolving work, and threats from the Trump administration.
Swing State Democracy Backers: Who’s Funding in Pennsylvania?
As a swing state, Pennsylvania attracts a lot of national attention. But there are also a number of important state-based philanthropies supporting democracy work there.
The Democracy Alliance Wants to Close the Digital Media Gap with the Right
The influential progressive donor network has a new funding strategy to catch up with conservatives in the race for online relevance.
Tracking Liberal Money: A Conversation with CRC’s Scott Walter
The head of a conservative watchdog on liberal funding talks about how he got started, what he’s trying to accomplish, and his ties to the Trump administration.
New Funding to Catalyze the Disenfranchised Center
Pivotal is among those funding an array of organizations seeking to counter polarization and extremism through the Leadership Now Project’s first direct grants.
“Change, Not Charity”: The Rise of Progressive Philanthropy
A look back at the emergence of a powerful new ecosystem of social justice funders starting in the 1970s and its growth over recent decades.
Here’s How Philanthropy Is Responding to an FBI Raid on an Ohio Voting Registration Organization
Organizers see the raid as part of the Trump administration’s growing interference with the upcoming midterms. Some funders are stepping forward.
For 250 Years, Philanthropy Helped Build America. Now It Must Stand Up for It
American philanthropy has a story worth telling, Jeff Raikes writes. But its future depends on getting in touch with the communities it hopes to serve.
Partnering for Democracy: 9 Intermediaries Mobilizing for the Midterms
Funding intermediaries and donor networks play a vital role moving money for democracy efforts. As the 2026 midterms approach, here are some top names to note.
Meeting the Moment: These 8 Funders Are Focused on the Midterms
“Where are the funders?” Some advocates are asking the question in the run-up to November. Here are several grantmakers that are on the case.
OSF Defies Trump, Embraces Promising Dual Strategy
To the tune of $330 million, Open Society Foundations is tackling the twin challenges of economic injustice and threats to democracy, while also batting back against antisemitism accusations.
Can a Billionaire Philanthropist Become California’s Next Governor?
Tom Steyer has lots of money and a history of philanthropy, but when it comes to winning elections in California, big bucks appear to be both an advantage and a liability.
Power-building 101: New Report Has Takeaways for 2026 and Beyond
The Democracy and Power Innovation Fund wants grantmakers to question the civic engagement status quo, highlighting ways funders can support power-building on the ground.
