Democracy, Ethics, & Public Trust Grants

_NOTE: Grant applications for this program are typically submitted by invitation only, however we reserve a limited amount of funding for unsolicited proposals. If you would like to bring your project or organization to the Foundation’s attention, please complete and submit a Concept Note through the grants portal._

Democracy, Ethics, & Public Trust Grants

The Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust (DEPT) Initiative helps grantees ‌reimagine and reinvigorate democratic culture and practices by expanding networks and encouraging new research and approaches. DEPT turns its goals into reality by funding institutions and projects designed to create equitable and accessible media and information ecosystems, and by fostering enthusiastic community participation in policy development.

Grant Categories

Responsive Grants- The Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust Initiative welcomes proposals related to its three focus areas:

Information Ecosystems Grants

We’re interested in funding innovative news gathering and publishing initiatives that will enable journalists and audiences to produce and interpret news more effectively. We’re also seeking projects that further the development of equitable and inclusive digital spaces.

Information Ecosystems Grants

We’re interested in funding innovative news gathering and publishing initiatives that will enable journalists and audiences to produce and interpret news more effectively. We’re also seeking projects that further the development of equitable and inclusive digital spaces.

Communities and Government Grants

We encourage applications that focus on improving the responsiveness of public officials and the effectiveness of public policies and services, especially at the regional level. Grants in this category also support efforts by citizens and communities to participate more actively in priority-setting, policy development, and resource allocation.

Confidence in Democracy Grants

Members of a democracy expect their governments to provide education, healthcare, safe environments, and economic opportunity. Grants in this area focus on projects that boost confidence in democracy.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• The Luce Foundation’s Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust Initiative primarily supports projects in the United States.
• Grants are only made to institutions.
  • Typically, grants are made to U.S. not-for-profit organizations or their international equivalents.
• An organization that already has an active Luce Foundation grant should contact the appropriate Program Director before applying for a second grant in the same area.
• An organization with an active grant from one of our programs is welcome to apply for a grant from a different program category.

Ineligibility

• Grants cannot be awarded directly to individuals, with the exception of the Luce Scholars Program.
• The Foundation does not support healthcare, medical initiatives, disaster relief, or international development projects.
• The Foundation does not provide support to political parties, political campaigns, lobbyists or any political activities.
• The Foundation does not contribute to annual funds, fundraising events, endowments, or building campaigns.