Increasing Voter Participation
Supports nonpartisan research and outreach projects to increase voter participation among underrepresented communities in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
Funder: William Penn Foundation
Due Dates: July 30, 2026 (Full proposal, 5:00 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 per grant (24 months); requests under $350,000 are most competitive; $2.5M total available.
Summary: Supports nonpartisan projects to increase voter participation among underrepresented communities in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
Key Information: Voter registration activities are not eligible for funding; at least half of funds reserved for small-budget or historically excluded organizations.
Description
The William Penn Foundation’s Democracy and Civic Initiatives program invites proposals for projects aimed at increasing voter participation in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania, with a focus on underrepresented communities (including those defined by race, age, income, education, disability, and geography). The Foundation seeks nonpartisan initiatives that can demonstrate measurable impact in boosting voter turnout, particularly among groups that have historically participated at lower rates. Eligible activities may include nonpartisan outreach, organizing, voter education, advocacy, research, polling, communications, journalism, and more—but voter registration activities are not eligible for funding. The program encourages collaborative approaches and prioritizes organizations with deep connections to their intended beneficiaries.
