Make Democracy Work Grant Program

The Educational Foundation of America's Make Democracy Work Grant Program focuses on enhancing democratic participation and protecting voting access. This initiative supports innovative efforts to advocate for fair redistricting and empower communities, especially among New American Majority populations. By fostering systemic change, EFA aims to create a more inclusive and equitable democracy, ensuring every voice is heard and valued in the political process.

NOTE: Thank you for your interest in the Educational Foundation of America (EFA). While we value the intentions of so many of the organizations working for the greater good of our society, we believe the best way for us to affect positive change is to allocate resources to the causes and projects most closely aligned with our grantmaking goals. For this reason, EFA accepts grant applications by invitation only. However, we do occasionally announce Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on this page. In addition, we welcome you to submit new project or program ideas (in 250 words or less) that will help achieve the goals of our grant initiatives. All submissions will be automatically confirmed and a member of the EFA team will reach out to you if your idea gains traction.
The Educational Foundation of America believes in strategic grantmaking and impact investing that:
Our Approach
The Educational Foundation of America is working to fulfill its mission using a two-pronged approach:

• Effective Grantmaking

EFA funds innovative nonprofit groups working nationally, regionally, and locally. We also serve as a partner in advocacy, policy work, and community engagement for our grantees.
Impact Investing
In the early 90s, EFA was one of the first private foundations to begin screening its investments using Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria to guarantee those investments aligned with our core values. Building on our commitment to ensure that our portfolio supports, rather than dilutes, our grantmaking goals, our investments became 100% fossil-fuel free in 2015. That year EFA was also one of the original signatories to the Divest-Invest Movement, actively avoiding fossil fuel investments and instead seeking out forward-thinking companies leading the clean energy revolution. (To learn more, read this report by the Croatan Institute, which features EFA as a case study.) By owning shares in public companies, EFA is able to raise environmental, social, and corporate governance issues with management.
Making Democracy Work
EFA’s Make Democracy Work Program endeavors to support the pillars of a free, fair, and transparent democratic system with a focus on expanding voter access and participation.
Most of our grantee partners are state-based and include those advocating for fair and nonpartisan redistricting, building durable community power, and advancing innovative, long-term solutions to structural challenges. We also support some national organizations developing creative new ideas to strengthen American democracy.

Eligibility

Currently, we support grantee partners that are bolstering democratic participation among New American Majority populations and working for systemic change: this includes advocating for fair and nonpartisan redistricting, building durable community power, and advancing innovative, long-term solutions to the structural challenges facing American democracy.