The Democratic Values Program is grounded in our vision of a fair, inclusive, and equitable people-centered political system that fulfills the promise of a representative democracy.
Susan Walsh/AP
Our democracy is being tested with a multitude of growing challenges as persistent and deep divides continue to undermine us reaching the promise set forth in the Constitution. We witnessed during the recent national election the deep racial, economic, and political divisions that further exposed autocratic tendencies reinforced by a system of white supremacy which is at odds with a healthy and inclusive democracy. The influence of wealthy and special interest money has never played a bigger role in our political system and policy making. We are also experiencing the impacts of extreme political polarization, partisan voter suppression efforts, and inadequate security for election administration.
Our vision of an equitable people-centered political system is grounded in the values and beliefs that the promise of American democracy centers the needs of the people, empowers and is accountable to all of us, especially people that have been historically oppressed and marginalized.
Goal
We center our program on building a robust and powerful movement to advance and win structural democracy and money in politics reforms to address systemic biases, ensure fair elections and a government responsive and accountable to the needs of the people. We recognize that until structural reforms are put in place at the state and federal level, we will find it challenging to build the power necessary to address the many issues impacting people.
strategy
Since the launch of the program in 2012, our aim is to build a stronger reform movement by supporting the collaborative efforts of national money in politics, rule of law, ethics, voting rights, racial justice and democracy organizations. We also support organizations and coalitions led by and serving people of color to advance civic participation and democracy reform at the state and local level. These efforts at the state and local level take on the everyday issues people face by addressing the underlying structural barriers. This includes efforts focused on:
Curbing the influence of money in politics;
Expanding affirmative voting rights and strengthening civic participation;
Stopping foreign influence of elections;
Establishing and enforcing strong ethics and conflict of interest rules;
Preventing undue lobbyist and corporate influence;
Applying the rule of law to stop abuses of power; and
Ensuring government transparency and public access to information.
Funding Guidance
At this time the program is making grants by invitation only.
