Democracy Fund

With Election Day just days away, I published an op-ed with U.S. News & World Report about how losing local news provides fertile ground for rising authoritarianism, and how funding local news can help combat and undermine authoritarian tactics. ⏩ I haven't seen enough discussion about the role of local news and authoritarian movements, so I hope this piece sparks more conversations among funders who care deeply about democracy and see a need to push the future of local news forward. 💡 I’m curious to hear what parts of the op-ed resonate with you and how you’re thinking about this topic in your organization. My door is always open for discussion on funding local news and collaboration. (With thanks to Indira Lakshmanan for publishing this piece, and Carrie Fox (she/her) and Elena Hilton for feedback, and Ian Bassin and the Protect Democracy team for their foundational work which informed this piece) https://lnkd.in/eysu4NY5

“Until we achieve a true multiracial democracy in which the most marginalized among us can thrive, democracy will always be under threat. Full stop. That is not only an Election Day problem — it’s an everyday problem.” — Cora Daniels https://lnkd.in/eCtzmgjK

🛑 If put into place, Project 2025 would not only reduce the effectiveness of the federal government, but would significantly enable abuses of power. Check out our recent explanation on what Project 2025 could mean for democracy and how philanthropy can help by funding accountability work (link in the comments).

“Local news – community-centered, fact-based journalism – upholds democracy by building bridges between people, empowering informed and engaged residents, and holding our democratic institutions accountable.” — Josh Stearns, senior director of Democracy Fund’s Public Square program, writes in a new op-ed for U.S. News & World Report. https://lnkd.in/ezUXr67E

"I have seen firsthand how local journalists can serve as the first line of defense against falsehoods that undermine public trust in our democracy. Local journalists are uniquely positioned to understand the nuances of their communities, to reflect residents’ diverse voices and viewpoints, and to build bridges and find solutions. This makes them a powerful defense against anti-democratic tactics that seek to divide us and diminish us."— Josh Stearns' compelling case for supporting local news. https://lnkd.in/eB4vVa3v

As we approach Election Day, we want to take this moment to express our enormous gratitude to every organization and individual working to build the inclusive, multi-racial democracy that our country needs. https://lnkd.in/eqTtrN-b

"What can we as funders do about misinformation?" If you're a funder who has asked yourself that question, this piece from  Angelica Das is for you! Link in the comments.

🎉 Big news for local newsrooms: 205 small local news outlets have received funding from Press Forward’s Open Call on Closing Local Coverage Gaps. The grant recipients are a bright mosaic of independent, non-partisan sources that are reimagining what local news looks like across America.

How can we build resilience against political violence? Three foundations — Democracy Fund, Omidyar Network, and Humanity United — have come together to address risk factors and build strong, interconnected networks of allies, including bridge builders and conflict mediators, social and racial justice organizers, LGBTQIA+ activists, democracy advocates, and supporters of pluralism in related fields. This joint effort is working towards a healthier society marked by an inclusive, multi-racial democracy that is open, just, resilient, and trustworthy. https://lnkd.in/eVmBCtP2

Thanks so much for sharing, Kelly. Oklahoma is a news and information ecosystem we describe as “ripe with opportunity”! Here’s what that means: https://lnkd.in/gcYF2A2Q