Our democracy must reflect the needs and interests of all our citizens.

The Voter Action Fund is committed to building a more inclusive democracy. A democracy free of voter suppression and which through the power of the ballot grants power to each of us, as its citizens, to hold the government we share accountable on the issues we, as voters, deem most critical.

Getting out the vote and creating an impassioned electorate once every four years constitutes neither an engaged electorate nor a thriving democracy. To more accurately reflect the increasingly diverse communities and constituencies that are the new mainstream of American politics – young people, immigrants, people of color, single women – we must build long-term capacity among nonpartisan nonprofits focused on greater voter participation and education. We must also continue to eradicate the multitude of barriers prohibiting so many Americans from voting. And, we must ensure that voting is meaningful for all voters, and that each vote is counted.  

 We have much work ahead of us. Only about half of adult Americans participate in our democracy by exercising their right to vote, but this percentage dramatically decreases in low-income communities across the nation. Currently, only about a third of voters living below the poverty line do so. By not participating, these people are not counted, their interests not heard, and their lives not improved. The results of inaction produce devastating effects, from to wide-spread community marginalization, to extreme limits placed on these citizens’ power post-election to voice concerns at local, regional and national levels.

increasing electoral participation

Tides Voter Action Fund has supported grassroots organizations working to build an informed, engaged, and diverse electorate as well as policy and advocacy groups working to address the legal, procedural, and technological barriers to electoral participation. The fund has made grants totaling more than $8 million including partner or donor-designated grants to over 100 organizations working to strengthen and increase donor participation across the U.S.

• 2008 Civic Engagement Evaluation Assessment and Recommendations for the Field - Prepared in collaboration with Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation

Voter Action Fund grants focused on: 

• Reaching Under-Represented or Disengaged Communities
• Reaching the South West & Western United States
• Targeting Youth
• Protecting All Communities' Right to Vote
• Building the Organization and Technological Capacity and Expertise of Civic Organizations

The Voter Action Fund is continuing to invest in the organizations that are building a "constant campaign" that engages citizens and builds electoral power in every election. If you are interested in contributing or wish to learn more about the Voter Action Fund, contact us today.