Civic Engagement & Democracy Grants

498 foundations$3.5B total annual giving$36K median grant47 states with funders

Discover 498 grantmaking foundations funding civic engagement & democracy programs, with combined annual giving of $3.5B. The median grant size for civic engagement & democracy is $36K.

Civic Engagement & Democracy Grantmaking at a Glance

Foundations

498

Total Annual Giving

$3.5B

Total Assets Under Management

$7.4B

Median Grant Size

$36K

States with Funders

47

Total Grants on Record

3,335

Open Grant Opportunities

Live programs funding civic engagement & democracy that your nonprofit can apply to now.

Open nowCloses in 3 days (Sep 30, 2026)Award: $0 – $100K

Fostering Civic Engagement for a Healthy Democracy (RFP)

From Herbert H Kohl Charities

Youth civic involvementCivil dialogueVoting and civic participation+5 more

Who can apply: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored entities serving communities within Wisconsin and able to demonstrate a track record or clear plan for civic engagement impact. The foundation does not fund individuals, non-charitable entities, or private foundations.

Open nowCloses Oct 31, 2026Award: Up to $5K

Matters of Religion Grant

From Indiana Humanities Council

ReligionReligious libertyFreedom of conscience+5 more

Who can apply: Programming grants are intended for eligible tax-exempt organizations and public entities such as schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, churches and government entities. Projects should be public-facing humanities programs related to the Matters of Religion theme and must provide a 50 percent cash or in-kind match.

Open nowCloses Nov 3, 2026Award: $25 – $500

Reclaim Native Democracy Voting Initiative

From American Indian College Fund

Voting and democracyNative community leadershipCivic engagement

Who can apply: Open to TCU students and current Full Circle scholars enrolled in summer or fall 2026 classes. Participants submit written blog or video entries addressing the initiative theme.

Open nowRolling / open intake

Kornfeld Foundation Grants

From Emily Davie and Joseph S Kornfeld Foundation

Civic engagementDemocracy and activismPolicy advocacy+7 more

Who can apply: Applicants must submit a complete electronic proposal focused on civic engagement or arts education. Civic engagement proposals must fund work in New York City. Arts education proposals must focus on creativity development among young people enrolled in New York City public schools, including classroom partnerships and after-school programs. The Foundation supports program, project, and general operating support, including multi-year funding where merited, but does not support capital or endowment campaigns. First-time applicants should first submit a 2–3 page letter of introduction by email and may subsequently be invited to submit a full proposal.

Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Varies

General Grantmaking Program

From England Family Foundation (Fka the Lois and Richard England Foundation Inc)

Economic justiceFood securityHousing equity+15 more

Who can apply: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations actively serving the Washington, D.C. community, demonstrate evidence of efficacy and alignment with the England Family Foundation’s mission, vision, and strategic focus areas, and provide clear financial statements and a Form 990, 990-EZ, or audited financial statements if available. Capital campaign requests are considered only from existing grantees. Multiyear grants are not provided.

Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Up to $1K

What’s Next, America? Spark Grants

From National Issues Forums Institute

Deliberative democracyCivic engagementCommunity organizing+1 more

Who can apply: Communities and local organizers, educators, and community leaders undertaking strictly nonpartisan activities aligned with NIFI's charitable and educational mission. Funding may support partner coordination, participant recruitment, outreach and communications, facilitation, accessibility, childcare, transportation, translation, and other participation supports.

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Deadlines and program details come from public sources and can change. Always confirm on the funder's official site before applying.

Largest Civic Engagement & Democracy Foundations

CONSORTIUM FOR ELECTIONS & POLITICAL PROCESS STRENGTHENING

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$177.7M

Total Assets

$6.4M

Median Grant

$51.7M

W24Regional
Our American Future Foundation

Washington, DC

Annual Giving

$103.8M

Total Assets

$31.7M

Median Grant

$4.7M

R40National
VOTER REGISTRATION PROJECT

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$43.6M

Total Assets

$9.2M

Median Grant

$264K

R40National
NEXTGEN EDUCATION FUND

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Annual Giving

$22.3M

Total Assets

$6.7M

Median Grant

$3.7M

R40Regional
ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH ORGANIZING

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$16.1M

Total Assets

$8.7M

Median Grant

$93K

R40National
MICHIGAN CIVIC ACTION FUND

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI

Annual Giving

$14.4M

Total Assets

$1.4M

Median Grant

$100K

R40Regional
THE DONALD AND PAULA SMITH FOUNDATION

NEW YORK, NY

Annual Giving

$12.4M

Total Assets

$93.2M

Median Grant

$1.8M

W24Regional
MICHIGAN CIVIC EDUCATION FUND

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI

Annual Giving

$12.1M

Total Assets

$2.8M

Median Grant

$49K

R40Local
PA ALLIANCE ACTION

Philadelphia, PA

Annual Giving

$10.6M

Total Assets

$635K

Median Grant

$100K

R40Regional
WORKING FAMILIES ORGANIZATION INC

BROOKLYN, NY

Annual Giving

$8.1M

Total Assets

$22.4M

Median Grant

$100K

R40National

Explore Civic Engagement & Democracy Foundations

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Civic Engagement & Democracy(locked)

Where Civic Engagement & Democracy Funders Are Located

Top 15 states by foundation count

District of ColumbiaView all
Foundations

82

Total Giving

$1.9B

CaliforniaView all
Foundations

66

Total Giving

$224.8M

New YorkView all
Foundations

46

Total Giving

$457.9M

Foundations

26

Total Giving

$25.6M

MassachusettsView all
Foundations

22

Total Giving

$128.5M

ColoradoView all
Foundations

17

Total Giving

$18.7M

FloridaView all
Foundations

17

Total Giving

$54.4M

PennsylvaniaView all
Foundations

17

Total Giving

$21.4M

Foundations

17

Total Giving

$11M

VirginiaView all
Foundations

16

Total Giving

$135.1M

North CarolinaView all
Foundations

15

Total Giving

$103.8M

MichiganView all
Foundations

15

Total Giving

$37.3M

GeorgiaView all
Foundations

13

Total Giving

$14.4M

WashingtonView all
Foundations

13

Total Giving

$20.5M

IllinoisView all
Foundations

11

Total Giving

$118.7M

Types of Foundations in Civic Engagement & Democracy

Independent Foundation99 (19.9%)

$861.6M in annual giving

Issue Fund91 (18.3%)

$404M in annual giving

Family Foundation69 (13.9%)

$104.8M in annual giving

Funding Intermediary58 (11.6%)

$1.5B in annual giving

Operating Nonprofit57 (11.4%)

$37.7M in annual giving

Professional Association19 (3.8%)

$24.2M in annual giving

Place Based Fund14 (2.8%)

$26.1M in annual giving

Other91 (18.3%)

$488.5M in annual giving

Typical Grant Profile in Civic Engagement & Democracy

Median Grant Size

$36K

New Grantee Rate

55%

Accept Unsolicited Proposals

52%

Most Recent Filing Year

2026

The typical Civic Engagement & Democracy foundation awards grants of $36K. Approximately 55% of Civic Engagement & Democracy foundations actively fund new organizations, and 52% accept unsolicited proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civic Engagement & Democracy Grants

How many foundations fund civic engagement & democracy?
There are 498 grantmaking foundations that fund civic engagement & democracy programs across 47 states.
What is the median grant size for civic engagement & democracy?
The median grant from foundations funding civic engagement & democracy is $36K. Actual grant sizes vary widely depending on the foundation's size and giving strategy.
What are the largest civic engagement & democracy foundations?
The largest foundations funding civic engagement & democracy by annual giving include CONSORTIUM FOR ELECTIONS & POLITICAL PROCESS STRENGTHENING, Our American Future Foundation, VOTER REGISTRATION PROJECT, with combined giving of $325M.
Which states have the most civic engagement & democracy funders?
The states with the most civic engagement & democracy foundations are District of Columbia (82), California (66), New York (46). Use the geographic breakdown above to see the full distribution.
How do I find civic engagement & democracy grants for my nonprofit?
Kindora's free funder database includes 498 foundations funding civic engagement & democracy with IRS 990 financial data, grant history, and geographic reach. Use the interactive discovery table above to filter by state, foundation type, and grant size. Sign up for a free account to access AI-powered grant intelligence including fit scores and application tips.

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