All In For Central Valley Democracy Fund

Geographic Scope: Central Valley, California

Focus Areas:

• Civic engagement and voter mobilization
• Combating misinformation
• Restoring local journalism
• Supporting grassroots civic engagement leaders
• Democracy building among marginalized and underrepresented communities (Hmong, Southeast Asian, Latino/Latinx, Black, Punjabi Sikh, and other communities)

What They Fund:

• Grassroots leaders and organizations
• Local and multilingual media organizations
• Journalism initiatives
• Civic engagement programs
• Organizations addressing voter suppression and civic participation barriers

What They Don't Fund:

• Not specified in provided materials

Key Information:

• Launched with $500,000 in seed funding by James B. McClatchy Foundation
• Additional funders recruited to expand the fund
• Funds moved every 30 days to grantees
• Has mobilized nearly $2 million for over 30 organizations
• Focus on year-round, sustained support rather than election-cycle-only funding
• Emphasis on organizations serving diverse communities with culturally appropriate strategies
• Multi-year grants provided to cover operational and salary costs

Contact:

• James B. McClatchy Foundation
• 740 University Ave., Ste. 150, Sacramento CA 95825
• CEO: Priscilla Enriquez
• Chief Impact Officer: Misty Avila

Background: Created in response to civic disengagement in California's Central Valley, where voter participation in 2024 primary ranged from just over 20-30%. The fund addresses systemic barriers to democratic participation including disconnected local government, poverty, underfunded communities, and underrepresentation.

Application Process

Note: Grant proposals are by invitation only. The foundation only accepts letters of inquiry or proposals by mail or email if requested by Foundation staff.

Application Requirements:

• Contact foundation directly to express interest
• Invitation required before submitting formal proposal
• Letters of inquiry accepted only if requested

Submission Information:

• Mail or email (invitation required)
• No unsolicited proposals accepted

Timeline:

• Funds distributed every 30 days once approved