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Democracy and Civic Initiatives is a grantmaking program from William Penn Foundation that funds efforts to enable more people to participate in democratic processes in the Greater Philadelphia region. The program supports collaborative approaches to improving civic participation, including voter engagement, census outreach, redistricting advocacy, and efforts to strengthen local government responsiveness.
The Foundation partners with funders to accelerate systemic improvements in democratic participation. Eligible organizations include nonprofits focused on democratic participation and civic engagement in Philadelphia and greater Pennsylvania. Award amounts vary by project.
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Democracy and Civic Initiatives | William Penn Foundation Democracy and Civic Initiatives Environment and Public Space Workforce Training and Services Understand Our Grantmaking Frequently Asked Questions Program Advisory Committees Democracy and Civic Initiatives Enabling more people to participate in democratic processes and finding collaborative ways for funders to accelerate improvement.
Photo courtesy of Committee of Seventy Awarded Grants | February 2026 Awarded Grants | November 2025 Preparing for the 2030 Census Decision-Making Framework Emerging Civic Initiatives Change for the better, for the region and the people who live here, happens when we take action together.
Our Democracy and Civic Initiatives Program focuses on building trust and participation in democratic processes so that more voices can be heard, and more interests equitably represented. We want to help the region better respond to what its residents need, when they need it.
We want to expand collaboration among funders nationally and locally to focus more dollars here, to advance initiatives that may be outside of our five grantmaking programs.
Democracy and Civic Initiatives Democracy and Civic Initiatives Team See All Awarded Democracy and Civic Initiatives Grants Program Advisory Committee We build trust and participation, particularly among underrepresented communities, in Pennsylvania’s democratic processes. In Philadelphia’s 2031 general election, voter turnout increases, compared to 31% in 2023.
In Pennsylvania’s 2032 presidential election, voter turnout in communities of color increases to the same level as overall voter turnout. In 2030, decennial census self-response rate increases by 1. 5 percentage points statewide and 4.
0 percentage points in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania redistricting in the 2031-32 cycle results in less gerrymandered maps compared to the 2021-22 cycle. Responsive Local Government Philadelphians have confidence that city government is responsive to their needs and accountable to constituent priorities.
We increase the amount and efficiency of philanthropic giving in the Philadelphia region. Regional Funder Collaboration Improve regional funder coordination and collaboration as measured by regional survey. Increase the amount of funding the region accesses from national private and public sources.
We respond to emerging developments of citywide and regional significance. Respond to emerging developments of citywide and regional significance. Democracy and Civic Initiatives Team Democracy and Civic Initiatives Democracy and Civic Initiatives See All Awarded Democracy and Civic Initiatives Grants Use our search tool and filter by the Democracy and Civic Initiatives to see previously awarded grants and grantees.
Click 'How to Apply for a Grant' to learn about our application process. If the Democracy and Civic Initiatives program isn’t a match for you, explore our other programs to find what's right for your organization. Program Advisory Committee The Democracy and Civic Initiatives program is supported by a Program Advisory Committee, which provides knowledge, expertise, experience, and insight to inform the judgment of Program staff.
Learn About the Committee Explore Our Other Programs Environment and Public Space Workforce Training and Services
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Nonprofits focused on democratic participation, voter engagement, census participation, redistricting, and local government responsiveness in Philadelphia and greater Pennsylvania. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Varies by project Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
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Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.