Defending Democracy Together Institute
Defending Democracy Together Institute is a public charity based in Washington, DC, formed in 2018. Its stated mission is to elevate and assemble pro-democracy voices, educate the public about the value of American democracy, and encourage innovative thinking about challenges facing the country.
Defending Democracy Together Institute at a glance
In short: Defending Democracy Together Institute gave $14.9M across 10 grants in 2024 (avg $1.5M), mostly in District of Columbia. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $14,890,000
- +451.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 10
- +66.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $1,489,000
- +230.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $232,500
- Total assets
- $20,377,057
- +58.4% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (95% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Defending Democracy Together Institute
- Contact
Mailing address: 601 Pennsylvania Ave Nw S Bldg 90, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 800-6948
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Defending Democracy Together Institute funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Independence Initiative ($12.2M). Together the top 10 received $14.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
16 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 6 grants of 16 (38%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 95% of grant dollars went to recipients in Washington, DC. The remaining shares were Georgia (2%), Maryland (1%), Utah (1%), and New York (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
Cities
How Defending Democracy Together Institute gives
- 30% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2023 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.7M (2023) to $14.9M (2024). In 2024 it made 10 grants totaling $14.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Initiative Washington, DC | To Support Specific Programs. | $12,150,000 |
| The Liberal Patriot Inc Washington, DC | To educate the public about policy that can solve America's most pressing issues. | $1,000,000 |
| Society for the Rule of Law & Democracy Washington, DC | To Support the Organizaton's General Purpose. | $500,000 |
| Principles First for America Foundation Inc Washington, DC | To Support the Organizaton's General Purpose. | $400,000 |
| Eternal Vigilance Action Canton, GA | To Support Litigation Protecting Civil Rights in Georgia. | $315,000 |
| Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD | To Support the Organizaton's General Purpose. | $150,000 |
| Mormon Women for Ethical Government Foundation Salt Lake City, UT | To Support the Organizaton's General Purpose. | $150,000 |
| The Foundation for Constitutional Government Inc New York, NY | To Support the Organizaton's General Purpose. | $100,000 |
| Democracy a Journal of Ideas Inc Washington, DC | To Support the Organizaton's General Purpose. | $75,000 |
| Center for Equal Opportunity Washington, DC | To Support the Organizaton's General Purpose. | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Defending Democracy Together Institute?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $20,377,057 | $25,320,258 | $17,693,107 | $14,890,000 | 10 | $642,598 |
| 2023 | $12,861,442 | $10,473,706 | $4,921,604 | $2,700,250 | 6 | $163,146 |
| 2022 | $6,357,103 | $3,378,497 | $555,373 | — | — | $503 |
| 2021 | $3,543,576 | $2,226,223 | $1,650,967 | — | — | $100,299 |
| 2020 | $3,037,126 | $2,889,681 | $1,630,169 | — | — | $217 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The institute describes its mission as educating the public about the essential function and value of American democracy and encouraging innovative approaches to emerging challenges. In 2024, its general programming supported convenings and resources intended to foster civic trust and highlight democratic institutions and norms.
Its Democracy Innovation Fund makes grants to nascent organizations to help develop pro-democracy infrastructure on the center-right and put those organizations on a path to independent growth and sustainability. Other described activities included convening community leaders and election officials around election administration; organizing a network of organizations supporting pragmatic, solutions-oriented state and local elected officials; conducting research on political leadership; and publishing educational materials about executive power and online political communications.
The institute’s grants also went to organizations with a range of stated missions. The Liberal Patriot describes itself as a digital newsletter offering analysis and commentary intended to advance a “vital center” perspective. Eternal Vigilance Action says it advocates for policies that maximize liberty and justice. Johns Hopkins University describes its mission as educating students, fostering research, and bringing the benefits of discovery to the world. Democracy: A Journal of Ideas says it aims to build a vibrant progressivism for the twenty-first century and publish a quarterly nonpartisan journal. The Center for Equal Opportunity says it disseminates information about civil-rights-law enforcement and studies discrimination.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the institute reported 10 grants totaling $14,890,000. Grant amounts ranged from $50,000 to $12,150,000, with a median of $232,500.
The largest reported grants were $12,150,000 to Independence Initiative to support specific programs; $1,000,000 to The Liberal Patriot Inc to educate the public about policy solutions to pressing issues; $500,000 to Society for the Rule of Law & Democracy for general purposes; and $400,000 to Principles First for America Foundation Inc for general purposes. Other grants included $315,000 to Eternal Vigilance Action for litigation protecting civil rights in Georgia; $150,000 each to Johns Hopkins University and Mormon Women for Ethical Government Foundation; $100,000 to The Foundation for Constitutional Government Inc; $75,000 to Democracy: A Journal of Ideas Inc; and $50,000 to Center for Equal Opportunity. The filing lists the latter seven grants, except Eternal Vigilance Action, as support for the recipient’s general purposes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists William Kristol as president; John Stubbs as secretary/treasurer; Rachel Hoff as director; Sarah Longwell as executive director; and Daniel Stid as senior program director.
Defending Democracy Together Institute is led by Sarah Longwell, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; all 5 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sarah Longwell
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$12K (2020) → $12K (2024)
William Kristol
President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$1K (2021) → $500 (2024)
Rachel Hoff
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
$1K (2021) → $500 (2024)
Daniel Stid
Senior Program Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$188K (2022) → $200K (2024)
John Stubbs
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
$1K (2021) → $500 (2024)
Former officers (3)
- Former: Jonathan Last (2020–2021) — Editor
- Former: Adam Keiper (2020) — Editor
- Former: Charles Sykes (2020) — Editor
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $200K, to Daniel Stid (Sr. Program Director). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Defending Democracy Together Institute
How much does Defending Democracy Together Institute give each year?
Defending Democracy Together Institute gave $14.9M across 10 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.7M across 6 grants.
What is Defending Democracy Together Institute's typical grant size?
Defending Democracy Together Institute's median grant in 2024 was $232,500, and its average grant was $1,489,000, across 10 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Defending Democracy Together Institute give grants?
Defending Democracy Together Institute gives mostly in District of Columbia: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (6 grants).
Does Defending Democracy Together Institute give general operating support?
Yes: 70% of Defending Democracy Together Institute's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (7 of 10) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are Defending Democracy Together Institute's largest grantees?
Defending Democracy Together Institute's largest 2024 grantees include Independence Initiative ($12,150,000), The Liberal Patriot Inc ($1,000,000) and Society for the Rule of Law & Democracy ($500,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 92% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Defending Democracy Together Institute?
Defending Democracy Together Institute reported $20.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $25.3M.
What does Defending Democracy Together Institute fund?
The institute describes its mission as educating the public about the essential function and value of American democracy and encouraging innovative approaches to emerging challenges. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Defending Democracy Together Institute?
Defending Democracy Together Institute has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Defending Democracy Together Institute's EIN?
Defending Democracy Together Institute's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-1567380. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 7, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Defending Democracy Together Institute's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Foundation to Promote Open Society
New York, NY
The Foundation to Promote Open Society funds organizations advancing human rights, civil society, democratic practice, equity, research, and education, with grants spanning the United States and six global regions. In 2024, its grants ranged from $5,000 to $44.9 million, with a median of $257,214. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$10.8B
Grants
738
Total Given
$481.5M
Center for the Study of Democratic Institution
Los Angeles, CA
The Center for the Study of Democratic Institution funds work in public health, education, democracy, human rights, and the arts, including youth arts education in Los Angeles County, as well as think tanks and policy organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $1 million, with a median of $50,000; it supports organizations in California and across the United States. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$20.7M
Grants
21
Total Given
$3.0M
Omidyar Network Fund Inc
Redwood City, CA
Omidyar Network Fund supports work on technology and society, including responsible technology, public-interest governance, worker power, civic infrastructure, research, journalism, and policy. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $1.25 million, with a median of $100,000; giving was concentrated in Washington, DC, New York, and California, with some international support. It generally funds preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests, though its Tech Journalism Fund accepts proposals for U.S.-based reporting projects.
Assets
$382.5M
Grants
242
Total Given
$38.1M
Unite America Institute Inc
Denver, CO
Unite America Institute funds nonpartisan civic engagement, research and education addressing political polarization, including election reforms such as open primaries and ranked-choice voting. In 2024, its 49 grants ranged from $12,000 to $988,775, with a median of $100,000; funding went to organizations across the U.S., with the largest shares in D.C., New York, Alaska, Missouri and Oregon. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.2M
Grants
49
Total Given
$8.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in District of Columbia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Defending Democracy Together Institute funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/defending-democracy-together-institute-morg_e971199d8245468aacf5f9fe9599107b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_831567380_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Defending Democracy Together Institute funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/defending-democracy-together-institute-morg_e971199d8245468aacf5f9fe9599107b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Defending Democracy Together Institute's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Defending Democracy Together Institute down — hundreds of funders to go?