Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Program
Funding Amount
Over $1.3 million in scholarships; first-place national winner receives $35,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- High school students
Other requirements
- Must submit a recorded audio essay
Overview
Program Overview: The Voice of Democracy program invites high school students to express their views on democracy through a recorded audio essay.
Purpose: This contest aims to deepen young Americans' understanding of democratic values and civic responsibilities.
Geographic Scope: National program; Texas Department of VFW participation
Eligibility:
- High school students
- Must submit a recorded audio essay
Award Information:
- Over $1.3 million in scholarships available nationally
- National first-place winner receives $35,000 scholarship for education
- Additional scholarship opportunities throughout competition levels
How to Apply
How to Apply
- Visit the contest entry page (link provided on website as "Express Your Voice")
- Prepare a recorded audio essay on democracy
- Submit through the designated platform
Note: Specific application materials and detailed submission requirements not fully detailed in provided content. Applicants should visit the entry portal for complete instructions.
What Veterans of Foreign Wars Dept of TX actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 22
- Total given
- $137K
- Median grant
- $1,422
- Range
- $255–$100K
- By dollars: Texas 100%. Top recipient cities: Austin, TX; Pipe Creek, TX; Caldwell, TX.
- 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
- 0% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.
Example grants
Dept of TX VFW Foundation · Austin, TX
Support for veterans and families
$100K
District 20 · Pipe Creek, TX
Veterans District Post activities
$5,150
District 17 · Caldwell, TX
Veterans District Post activities
$3,348
District 1 · Pottsboro, TX
Veterans District Post activities
$2,833
District 5 · Martindale, TX
Veterans District Post activities
$2,578
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Youth programs
- Education
Categories
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