A gathering of community leaders and stakeholders comes together.

Civic Participation Impact Strategy

Increase civic participation, community leadership, and organizing capacity

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The Civic Participation Impact Strategy seeks to further A Just Democracy by advancing community-driven policy measures that foster a strong civic infrastructure through more inclusive representation, fair and accessible electoral systems, and deliberative democratic processes. The cornerstone of this work is organizing—building community and civic power within underrepresented and marginalized groups, particularly Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and communities of color, to influence decision-makers and public policy.

We believe everyone has a stake in our democracy and that focusing on individuals and communities who are most underrepresented and marginalized within public, civic, and political systems, ensures we truly have a democracy that works for all.

Grantmaking Strategies

Our approach is designed with an eye towards long-term systems change and supports not just the formation and passage of new policies, regulations, and legislation, but also the sustained backing to ensure these community-driven priorities are fully implemented. The four areas of focus are:

  • Representation – We must support equitable representation of communities that determine the allocation of resources and access to systems of power.
  • Access – We must promote a fair electoral voting system and broaden access to democratic participation.
  • Inclusion/Belonging – We must change inequitable systems that have historically and intentionally excluded communities from civic life and processes to create a more inclusive democracy.
  • Narrative Change – We must strengthen efforts that counter disinformation and shift culture and public perception in order to protect and promote a just democracy.
Read more about the Civic Participation Framework

In addition, Seattle Foundation supports nonpartisan voter engagement efforts through the Voter Education Fund.

2023-2024 Grantees

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