The Role of Philanthropy in Voting Rights and Elections

Voting rights are a core component of civic engagement and strengthen our democracy. So where does philanthropy fit in?

In this five part series, the Center for Election Science discusses election reform and shares how donors can get involved.

1. Why Our Voting Methods Matter: What You Should Know When You Invest in Democracy
   The way that we vote—also known as the voting method—impacts who gets elected to public office.
2. What Exactly is a Voting Method? And Does Our Current One Need to Go?
   There's been a spike in the number of activists and funders working on initiatives to change our voting methods. Learn why.
3. Three Alternative Voting Methods: Pros and Cons
   Check out these three criteria for what makes a good voting method.
4. Approval Voting: Coming to a City Near You
   Approval voting is a method that can incorporate and encourage more citizens to vote as long as they are aware of the process and how it works.
5. You Can Fix Broken Elections; You Just Have To Know How
   Fargo is the first U.S. city to adopt approval voting. Learn about how donors can help change the way we vote.

Here are other resources that donors can look at to improve civic engagement practices:

• • How to Build Better Democratic Infrastructure in America, Stanford Social Innovation Review
    Here are new models and policy recommendations for boosting civic engagement and fortifying American democracy that donors can support.
  • Don't Wait Until 2020 to Invest in Youth Leaders, PhilanTopic
    To build a just and inclusive society, we must make a significant, long-term investment in the leadership of young people of color willing to organize around issues and engage voters, both young and old.

Who Is Already Funding Elections and Voter Education?

_{Foundation Center}

_{Foundation Center}

The graphics above show the top five funders from 2011 to present, who fund elections, campaigns, and voting in the U.S. Ford Foundation, the top funder, has both a national and international civic engagement and government focus.

How Can Donors Stay Engaged With the Democratic Process?

Here are several resources to help you take action:

• Big Money and Elections, What Can We Do? Giving Compass
  The only thing we cannot do is sit idly by: Our democracy cannot be taken for granted.
• How Can We Help Improve the Voter Experience? Bipartisan Policy Center
  This report discusses the main challenges of polling place wait times and offers recommendations.