Make Democracy Work Grant Program

Make Democracy Work Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Educational Foundation of America
Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Summary

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.

Overview

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. Vision The Educational Foundation of America is a family foundation that envisions a society in which every person has a meaningful voice in an inclusive democracy, with unrestricted access to full reproductive freedom, and lives in creative, thriving communities on a healthy, regenerative planet. Mission The Educational Foundation of America advances progressive change through support for creative initiatives working toward sustainability, justice, and equity. Values The Educational Foundation of America believes in strategic grantmaking and impact investing that: Collaborate with communities and causes seeking structural changeSupport innovative ideas and talented leadersTake risks to achieve results Invest in people, places, and organizations underserved by philanthropy Our Approach The Educational Foundation of America is working to fulfill its mission using a two-pronged approach: Effective Grantmaking Philanthropy is our primary tool for driving positive change. 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 Our second tool allows us to scale our social and environmental impact. We are a proud leader in the impact investing movement. 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. Our assets have grown as a result of this strategic shift. (To learn more, read this report by the Croatan Institute, which features EFA as a case study.)  Furthermore, we are engaged shareholders. By owning shares in public companies, EFA is able to raise environmental, social, and corporate governance issues with management. We do this through productive dialogue or by filing shareholder resolutions. 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

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