Co-Sponsored by Funders Together for Housing Justice 

About the Series

The Philanthropy for Voter Engagement initiative—led by Nonprofit VOTE in collaboration with United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, and Independent Sector—provides tools, resources, and best practices for funders interested in strengthening democratic participation.

This summer, the initiative conducted a national landscape analysis, interviewing foundations, philanthropic advisors, and philanthropy-serving organizations and reviewing emerging research on the intersection of democracy and philanthropy. The findings revealed a complex picture:

• Some funders feel more motivated than ever to invest in voter engagement.
• Others are uncertain about strategic direction.
• Some are divesting entirely from voter engagement activities.

Yet one theme was consistent: funders who remain committed—or are exploring their commitment—need clearer direction, candid guidance, and actionable strategies in a climate of legal uncertainty, political volatility, and increasing attacks on civic participation efforts.

To meet that need, the Philanthropy for Voter Engagement Initiative is launching a Funder Learning Series designed to help funders:

• Ground their strategies in current insights about the voter engagement landscape
• Navigate common concerns raised during the landscape analysis
• Explore actionable approaches to supporting civic participation
• Learn alongside national and regional philanthropic partners

Funders Together for Housing Justice is proud to co-sponsor this series, recognizing that housing justice and civic participation are deeply interconnected—and that communities cannot build power without access to trusted information, equitable voting systems, and inclusive democratic processes.

Upcoming Sessions

How Voter Engagement Organizations Are Adapting Their Approaches in a Challenging Era
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 1:00pm ET, 12:00pm CT, 11:00am MT, 10:00am PT, 9:00am AK

With midterm elections less than a year away, voter engagement organizations continue to prioritize civic participation despite mounting pressures—from federal budget cuts, to escalating immigration enforcement, to misinformation and threats to organizational safety.

This session will spotlight organizations and funders that are:

• Responding to rapid shifts on the ground
• Adapting voter engagement methods in real time
• Sustaining long-term strategies centered on community power
• Building a democracy that reflects and serves their communities