Democracy Program
For several decades, the Foundation has funded organizations that work to ensure open, ethical, and effective government under our former Government Transparency and Accountability program. In 2021, as the U.S. faced new threats to voting rights and assaults on democratic norms—and it became more evident that democracy reform is a racial justice issue—the Foundation re-envisioned this grantmaking area to encompass a wider mission and renamed it the Democracy program.
The Foundation’s current Democracy program is driven by the belief that a vibrant democracy requires consistent and meaningful political and civic participation by the vast majority of the population, including communities that have long been excluded from power. To this end, we must protect and expand access to the right to vote, build strong civic engagement infrastructure and practices, strengthen democratic institutions, promote policy reforms that make systems fairer and more accountable to a broader constituency of diverse communities, and decrease polarization to create a more unified understanding of the common good. Throughout all of this, we recognize that racial, gender, economic, and social inequality prevent many from participating in a wide array of decisions about their daily lives, from the local to the national level. Communities of color in particular have historically lacked political power, a “seat at the table”, and a sense that their participation can make a difference. Therefore, a core tenet of our grantmaking and the majority of grants in this area will be to build the political power of lower-income BIPOC communities.
To achieve our vision of a truly inclusive and accountable democracy—one that lives up to our Constitution’s opening words, We the People—the Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations, especially those working in and for BIPOC, gender-inclusive, and LGBTQ+ communities, that are addressing the following issues with the aim of achieving social, gender, economic, and racial justice:
Protecting, increasing access to, and expanding the right to vote, and ensuring secure and peaceful elections
A thriving democracy is one in which all citizens can participate, and when they do, they expect their decisions to be respected. Organizations engaging in this work often fight voter suppression laws, policies, and practices, and ensure that elections are secure, peaceful, and free from interference.
Advancing Institutional Reforms
Fundamental democratic reforms that level the playing field for all are needed to create a truly responsive democracy. Organizations engaging in this work will advance structural reforms like eliminating gerrymandering, increasing voter participation, improving election administration, changing campaign finance rules, reforming the Electoral College, challenging the filibuster, and working for a more representative judiciary.
Building Community Power
BIPOC communities have long been excluded from power, and there can be no true reform without addressing this power imbalance. Organizations working in this area mobilize and empower all voters and communities—especially those in communities of color—to build strong civic engagement, create leadership opportunities and pathways to elected office for members of their community, and help those leaders govern effectively once elected.
The Scherman Foundation funds policy and litigation groups and community-based organizations dedicated to building long-term political power, as well as coalitions and groups that come into existence to respond to more immediate and transitory needs. Grants are available to those focused on community organizing, policy advocacy, litigation, movement-building, communications work, and voter mobilization (GOTV). The Foundation does not currently fund c4 organizations. Note that the Foundation no longer funds organizations who focus primarily on government transparency and accountability.
The Foundation maintains its commitment to general operating support, especially for smaller organizations. For larger and policy-focused groups, and in the case of collaborative campaigns, project-specific support may be appropriate.
Type & Size of Grants
General operating and project grants are considered. Grants will generally range between $75,000 to $150,000 over two-years.
The Democracy Program will not fund:
Direct services
Individuals
Annual or capital campaigns
Endowments
Conferences
C4 organizations
Program Staff
Gisela Alvarez