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Voter Action Fund

The goal of the Tides Voter Action Initiative is simple and clear:  Our democracy must reflect the needs and interests of all its citizens.

It is simply not enough to get out the vote every four years. For a truly engaged electorate, we must build long-term capacity among nonpartisan nonprofits working toward greater voter participation and education; continue to eradicate the multitude of barriers prohibiting so many Americans from voting; and ensure that voting is meaningful for all voters, and that each vote is counted.

• List of 2009 Grantees
• 2008 Civic Engagement Evaluation Assessment (.pdf)
  

In 2008, the Tides Voter Action Fund granted more than $4 million to support the following strategies:

Building the New Electoral Mainstream

Supporting organizations whose programs and projects reach the increasingly diverse communities and constituencies comprising the new mainstream of American politics– young people, immigrants, people of color, single women.

Framing and Communicating Progressive Values

Progressives are learning to lead the movement by stating what we stand for, rather than what we are against. Grants from the Tides Voter Action Fund will support organizations whose programs and projects are grounded in communications and mobilization strategies that clearly define shared values framed by an inclusive, progressive worldview.

Building Local, State and Regional Capacity

A key lesson of the past two election cycles is that permanent, state-based organizing capacity is essential to building an effective progressive movement. Grants from the Voter Action Fund will support state, local and regional organizations with demonstrated ability to identify and communicate with the public, and build and sustain infrastructures that advance progressive values and support progressive constituencies.

Building Inclusive Democracy

Expanding the electorate, protecting voting rights and building long-term power in communities to hold government accountable on the issues critical to voters are all essential elements of a healthy democracy in the United States—a democracy fragile in the face of voter suppression and wide-spread community marginalization that limits citizens' power at local, regional and national levels.