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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Types of Foundations in Civic Engagement & Democracy
Independent Foundation
19.9%
9919.9%$861.6M
Independent Foundation99 (19.9%)
$861.6M in annual giving
Issue Fund
18.3%
9118.3%$404M
Issue Fund91 (18.3%)
$404M in annual giving
Family Foundation
13.9%
6913.9%$104.8M
Family Foundation69 (13.9%)
$104.8M in annual giving
Funding Intermediary
11.6%
5811.6%$1.5B
Funding Intermediary58 (11.6%)
$1.5B in annual giving
Operating Nonprofit
11.4%
5711.4%$37.7M
Operating Nonprofit57 (11.4%)
$37.7M in annual giving
Professional Association
193.8%$24.2M
Professional Association19 (3.8%)
$24.2M in annual giving
Place Based Fund
142.8%$26.1M
Place Based Fund14 (2.8%)
$26.1M in annual giving
Other
18.3%
9118.3%$488.5M
Other91 (18.3%)
$488.5M in annual giving
Foundation TypeCountShareGiving
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.
AI-Powered Grant Intelligence for Civic Engagement & Democracy
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