
Protect Democracy is a cross-ideological nonprofit group dedicated to defeating the authoritarian threat. Our experts use litigation, advocacy, research, and technology to stop the consolidation of power, defend dissent, protect our elections, and build a thriving, multiparty democracy.
Protect Democracy United funds work aimed at defending the rule of law, protecting free and fair elections, safeguarding the public square, and countering authoritarianism through litigation, advocacy, research, and technology. The recent record shows a funder that writes sizable checks to organizations working on democracy and civic power, with grants reaching both 501(c)(4) and occasional 501(c)(3) recipients. Its largest recent award went to Rightcount Inc in Alexandria for program activities under section 501(c)(4) of the tax code, and it also made a seven-figure grant to Defending Democracy Together in Washington, DC for permissible 501(c)(4) activities. The portfolio includes recurring support for several advocacy groups over multiple years, including Leadership Now Project, Sixteen Thirty Fund, and Defending Democracy Together. Across the list, the foundation backs organizations that act on elections, public-policy reform, and related civic engagement efforts rather than direct services to individuals. Grants are made within a regional U.S. footprint, but the recipient mix reaches beyond Washington, DC into state-based democracy and issue-advocacy organizations in places such as Virginia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, and Utah.
A major theme is election and democracy infrastructure. In 2025, Protect Democracy United gave $300,000 to Workmoney Inc for program activities permissible under section 501(c)(4), alongside $60,000 each to We Vote We Win, Count Mi Vote Dbavoters Not Politicians, Promote the Vote PA, and Make NC First. It also supported election-focused organizing with $30,000 to America Votes and $30,000 to Power to the Polls. The foundation also funds broader rule-of-law and anti-authoritarian work: it gave $67,000 to Secure Democracy USA and $25,000 to Common Cause. A third lane is legal and public-policy advocacy through aligned groups, including $150,000 to Sixteen Thirty Fund and $25,000 to Secure Families Initiative, both for permissible 501(c)(4) program activities. Smaller grants to Principles First for America Foundation Inc and Atlas Strategy Group show occasional 501(c)(3) support.
Typical checks cluster in the mid-five-figure range: p25 is $25,000, median is $45,000, and p75 is $50,000. The recent list also shows a few much larger awards, including $1,075,000 in 2024, $1,000,000 in 2025, and $610,000 in 2023. Giving appears repeated across years for some recipients; Leadership Now Project, Sixteen Thirty Fund, and Defending Democracy Together each appear in more than one year. The foundation is a public charity and does not fund individuals or make program-related investments. Most awards are written for program activities under section 501(c)(4), with occasional 501(c)(3) support where permissible.
$2M
$11.1M
$3.7M
$5.5M
Most grants fall between $25K and $50K, with a median of $45K.
25th Percentile
$25K
Median
$45K
75th Percentile
$50K
About 55% of grants go to recipients in VA.
Sign up for a free Kindora account to access AI-generated insights into this funder's giving patterns, decision-makers, and fit signals.
Get Started FreeFree Kindora accounts unlock side-by-side comparisons with foundations that share this funder's focus areas and giving profile.
Get Started FreeRegístrate gratis para ver qué tan bien se adapta tu organización sin fines de lucro a este financiador, obtener un pitch generado por IA y descubrir fundaciones similares.
Grantmaking is U.S.-only in the recent record, with 29 grants to U.S. recipients. Washington, DC appears most often among recipient locations, but Virginia is the top state by grant count overall. The list also reaches Alexandria and Annandale in Virginia, Baltimore in Maryland, Milwaukee in Wisconsin, Lansing in Michigan, Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Raleigh in North Carolina, Atlanta in Georgia, and Phoenix and Coolidge in Arizona. The 54% figure for DC recipients shows a strong concentration in the capital area even as the foundation also funds state-based advocacy groups elsewhere.
It supports 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations and, where permissible, some 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. The recent list includes advocacy and civic-engagement groups such as Defending Democracy Together, America Votes, Common Cause, and Principles First for America Foundation Inc.
The grant distribution centers in the five-figure range: p25 is $25,000, the median is $45,000, and p75 is $50,000. The recent record also includes larger awards above $1 million and several grants at $60,000, $30,000, and $15,000.
Yes. Leadership Now Project appears in both 2023 and 2025, Sixteen Thirty Fund appears in 2024 and 2025, and Defending Democracy Together appears in 2024 and 2025. That pattern suggests recurring support for some organizations rather than one-time grants only.
The clearest themes are defending the rule of law, protecting free and fair elections, safeguarding the public square, countering authoritarianism, and technology, data & democracy. Those themes align with grants to groups such as Secure Democracy USA, Power to the Polls, and Common Cause.
The recent grants are all to U.S. recipients. Washington, DC shows up most often among recipient locations, and Virginia is the top state by grant count overall. The recipient list also includes organizations in Maryland, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Utah, and New York.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER | WASHINGTON, DC | $1,000,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| WORKMONEY INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $300,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| SIXTEEN THIRTY FUND | BALTIMORE, MD | $150,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| SECURE DEMOCRACY USA | WASHINGTON, DC | $67,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| PROMOTE THE VOTE PA | PHILADELOPHIA, PA | $60,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| COUNT MI VOTE DBAVOTERS NOT POLITICIANS | LANSING, MI | $60,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| MAKE NC FIRST | RALEIGH, NC | $60,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| WE VOTE WE WIN | ATLANTA, GA | $60,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| LEADERSHIP NOW PROJECT | WASHINGTON, DC | $60,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| AMERICA VOTES | WASHINGTON, DC | $30,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| POWER TO THE POLLS | WASHINGTON, DC | $30,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| SECURE FAMILIES INITIATIVE | WASHINGTON, DC | $25,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| LIVING UNITED FOR CHANGE IN ARIZONA | PHOENIX, AZ | $15,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| RURAL ARIZONA ACTION | COOLIDGE, AZ | $15,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| PROGRESS NOW ARIZONA | PHOENIX, AZ | $15,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| FUERTE ARTS MOVEMENT | PHOENIX, AZ | $15,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE. |
| PRINCIPLES FIRST FOR AMERICA FOUNDATION INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE CODE. |
| ATLAS STRATEGY GROUP | BRONX, NY | $7,500 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE CODE. |
| RIGHTCOUNT INC | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $1,075,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER | WASHINGTON, DC | $45,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| SIXTEEN THIRTY FUND | BALTIMORE, MD | $40,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| COMMON CAUSE | WASHINGTON, DC | $25,000 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| AMERICAN UNITY FUND | ANNANDALE, VA | $610,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| NORTH FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $50,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| LEADERSHIP NOW PROJECT | WASHINGTON, DC | $50,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| BLACK ECONOMIC ALLIANCE | WASHINGTON, DC | $50,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| KEYSTONE RESEARCH CENTER | HARRISBURG, PA | $25,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| MORMON WOMEN FOR ETHICAL GOVERNMENT | RIVERTON, UT | $20,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
| RAINEY CENTER FREEDOM PROJECT | WASHINGTON, DC | $15,000 | 2023 | TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE |
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER
$1,000,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
WORKMONEY INC
$300,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
SIXTEEN THIRTY FUND
$150,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
SECURE DEMOCRACY USA
$67,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
PROMOTE THE VOTE PA
$60,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
COUNT MI VOTE DBAVOTERS NOT POLITICIANS
$60,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
MAKE NC FIRST
$60,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
WE VOTE WE WIN
$60,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
LEADERSHIP NOW PROJECT
$60,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
AMERICA VOTES
$30,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
POWER TO THE POLLS
$30,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
SECURE FAMILIES INITIATIVE
$25,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
LIVING UNITED FOR CHANGE IN ARIZONA
$15,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
RURAL ARIZONA ACTION
$15,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
PROGRESS NOW ARIZONA
$15,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
FUERTE ARTS MOVEMENT
$15,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE CODE.
PRINCIPLES FIRST FOR AMERICA FOUNDATION INC
$10,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE CODE.
ATLAS STRATEGY GROUP
$7,500TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE CODE.
RIGHTCOUNT INC
$1,075,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER
$45,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
SIXTEEN THIRTY FUND
$40,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
COMMON CAUSE
$25,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
AMERICAN UNITY FUND
$610,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
NORTH FUND
$50,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
LEADERSHIP NOW PROJECT
$50,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
BLACK ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
$50,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
KEYSTONE RESEARCH CENTER
$25,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
MORMON WOMEN FOR ETHICAL GOVERNMENT
$20,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE
RAINEY CENTER FREEDOM PROJECT
$15,000TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(4) OF THE IRS TAX CODE