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Democracy Fund

@democracyfund.bsky.social
2.2K followers 204 following 251 posts

Democracy Fund is a foundation working to build an inclusive, multiracial democracy that is open, just, resilient, and trustworthy.

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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Elections don’t start in November. They’re happening now. At this very moment, pro-democracy organizations are doing all they can to keep voters informed and elections safe. We're tracking key milestones between now and Election Day, and encourage you to stay ahead of our timeline.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
We are halfway through 2026 and four months from election day. Democracy funders, how do your predictions from 2025 measure up against where you currently stand? Let’s take a look back at the survey results.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Last week, our president, @joegoldman.bsky.social, and @protectdemocracy.org's @ianbassin.bsky.social released a new op-ed in the @inquirer.com, highlighting how the DOJ has forfeited the benefit of the doubt and that we must now act accordingly. Read more: www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
A new op-ed from Joe Goldman & Ian Bassin with a screenshot of the article from The Philadelphia Inquirer.The Justice department has forfeited the benefit of the doubt through:

1. A pattern of bad behavior, including more than 200 problematic instances identified by courts
2. A weaponization of the law against political targets, including nonprofits
3. A strain on our longstanding and formal guardrails: the courts
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
July 4 also marks the 12th anniversary of Democracy Fund as an independent grantmaking foundation. Our work of defending and strengthening democracy has expanded into reimagining it. We're working to fulfill the promises of liberty and justice—and to rebuild a stronger nation for the next 250 years.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The collective fuels our democracy. It's thanks to our communities that we remain united as an inclusive, multiracial democracy. In his latest piece, @joegoldman.bsky.social names the current authoritarian playbook hoping to divide us: anticipatory obedience. nonprofitquarterly.org/series/hope-...
A quote from Joe Goldman's Hope in the Dark Series in NPQ: "If the philanthropic sector decides - visibly, collectively, with money attached - that we will not allow our giving infrastructure to be used as a weapon against the civil society organizations we exist to support, then the playbook breaks. The administration cannot prosecute every nonprofit it dislikes. What it is counting on is that each institution will calculate, individually, that the smart move is to keep its head down. The counter-move is collective, public, and unmistakable. We will stand with the SPLC, we will stand with each other, and we will move our money accordingly."
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Though April is over, the spirit behind #AllByApril continues. It’s not too late to support free and fair elections. Thank you to every funder, grantee, and donor who helped ensure organizations can hire earlier, plan more effectively, and activate faster.
It's not too late to support free and fair elections. Nonpartisan nonprofits still need resources to plan, prepare, and activate. "All by April" is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 effort.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
We're proud to share that our President is one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in philanthropy. This reflects Joe’s steadfast leadership and the importance of philanthropy in building a democracy that works for everyone—especially those it has historically left behind. time.com/collection/t...
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
We are grateful to @staceyabrams.com and Virginia Kase Solomón for participating in yesterday’s panel at FCCP’s Annual Convening, moderated by Democracy Fund’s José Morales Jr. Thank you for your tireless work in building an inclusive, multiracial democracy—both now and for the future.
Stacey Abrams and Virginia Kase Solomón for sitting in chairs on a stage for FCCP's panel, moderated by Democracy Fund’s José Morales Jr. who is also sitting on stage.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
​Today marks the end of April and the final call for the #AllByApril campaign, which has urged funders to get their election-related grants out early. The threats to free and fair elections in 2026 are real and growing, and there’s still time to make a difference. Let’s keep going: AllByApril.org
A text image that reads, "All by April. The fight for an inclusive, multiracial democracy is won through sustained commitment."
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Thank you, Remaya Campbell from Open Shadows, Hannah Fried from All Voting is Local, and Mazin Sidahmed from Documented, for joining us during our Home Week, sharing the important work you all do to protect democracy, and helping us in our pursuit of continued education.
Remaya M. Campbell from Open Shadows, Hannah Fried from All Voting is Local, and Mazin Sidahmed from Documented speaking to the Democracy Fund staff during our Home Week.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
“What Does It Mean for Philanthropy to Be a Community Partner Anyway?” Janet Hernández, an associate director at Democracy Fund, wrote about what it actually takes for philanthropic partnerships to work. nonprofitquarterly.org/what-does-it... @npquarterly.bsky.social
3 ways Funders can be more Effective Community Partners
Democracy Fund’s Janet Hernández shares how reducing admin tasks can help grantees focus on their mission.AVOID:
BURDENSOME REPORTING
DO: 
Build relationships by showing up and learning. This might look like attending a community event that a grantee has already planned. Listen to the knowledge grantees share, trust their lived experience, and create meaning from it.AVOID:
ONE-YEAR GRANTS
DO: 
Give multiyear, unrestricted funding to:
Allow grantees to be more creative and focus on implementing their mission.
Provide stability to the organization to sustain staff and plan for the long term.AVOID:
FUNDING IN ISOLATION
DO: 
Become a support system to your grantees. Wellbeing grants and organizational grants that allow for residencies (such as fellowships) are also important.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Streamlining the grants management process can help get dollars out the door faster. In the spirit of #AllByApril, consider how you can ease the burden on nonprofit grantee partners. Get tips from our grants management team on how to apply best practices. ➡️ nonprofitquarterly.org/burnout-rate...
.org
“Even if funders don’t have any additional dollars to give, removing the burden of lengthy applications and traditional reporting can give nonprofits back some valuable time.”
- Democracy Fund for Nonprofit Quarterly

Allbyapril.org
“All by April” is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 effort.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Smaller, grassroots nonprofits — especially those led by and serving communities of color — bear the brunt of late funding. They're the first to cut programs, freeze hiring, or turn down opportunities. Early funding isn't just good practice. It’s a necessity. allbyapril.org
All by April. Every week counts.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
There is still time to show up to support #2026Elections We're moving more resources into the field, deepening partnerships, and calling on philanthropy to do the same, while the window is still open. The stakes haven't changed… The need for early funding is urgent. Act now: AllByApril.org
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Organizations protecting our elections, expanding voter access, and fighting disinformation can still use your dollars right now to hire, to plan, to build. The closer we get to April, the more your commitment matters. It’s not too late, learn more at AllByApril.org
All By April. Better late than later. Better now than never. What's your plan to give?
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Chaos is not an accident. It’s an effective tactic used to harm our democracy. #AllByApril is proof of what philanthropy can do when we address uncertainty head-on, together.
All By April

We can't freeze now...

The All by April Week of Action is your push to move
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Which of these strategies can you act on this week? AllByApril.org #AllByApril #2026Elections
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Join us and your peers in committing to moving on your 2026 election giving this week. AllByApril.org #AllByApril #2026Elections

“Democracy is being tested in real time, and sitting on the sidelines is no longer a neutral choice. Decisions being made now will shape whose rights are protected, whose voices are heard, and the power that the rule of law holds for years to come…" - Texas Civil Rights Project
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
We’re hearing it directly from grantees: funding hasn’t arrived early enough to support 2026 election planning. Today, we’re kicking off an #AllByApril Week of Action to encourage fellow funders to move money to organizations sooner to protect the #2026Elections. AllByApril.org
All By April - Week of Action 2026
Early funding and planning protect elections.As you read this...

Threats to free and fair elections are growing. The organizations tasked with protecting our elections need urgent support.The Gap

Many organizations are at risk of receiving funds too late. Too late to plan, hire, ad reach their communities at the speed election years demand.The Ask
Get your grants ready to move before time runs out:
- Review your 2026 plans now
- Find what you can commit/confirm before April
- Signal clearly to grantees that early support is coming
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Four questions Democracy Fund’s Janet Hernández asks herself before visiting a grantee. Read her full article on the importance of trust for successful partnerships between philanthropic and nonprofit organizations: nonprofitquarterly.org/what-does-it...
Being present means showing up meaningfully. Many times, a visit to a grantee might take the form of a meeting or an observation. To build relationships as a funder, it helps to ask partners about their needs and how your visit can help bring resources to the community. Ask yourself:

How do I want to engage with my partners?
What resources can I bring to the table when visiting a grantee?
Should I bring a peer funder along who might be interested in supporting the organization?
Should I help bring together other partners who can benefit from a mutual partnership with this organization?
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
All by April is about more than just moving money — it’s an opportunity for philanthropy to show grantee partners that we have their backs. www.allbyapril.org
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
⏰ The 2026 elections will be here faster than you think. 💰 Early money empowers nonprofit organizations to plan confidently, hire and train staff, and strengthen safety and operational infrastructure. Learn more about All by April: www.allbyapril.org
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
It’s not enough to be aware of the threats facing our elections—philanthropy must act. April is the latest point when nonprofits can still fully plan and prepare for the election cycle. Let’s get dollars out the door, #AllByApril. Visit AllByApril.org to learn more.
Faded paper background with two lists. The left list headline reads, Funding later, with the listed items: last-minute hiring, rushed planning, limited capacity, staff burnout. Each item has an x next to it. The right list headline reads, Funding earlier, with the listed items: thoughtful recruitment, strategic planning, full capacity, and sustainable programs. Each item has a check mark next to it. AllByApril.org written across the bottom with the disclaimer “All by April” is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 effort.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Early money meets the moment. When funders move quickly, nonprofits can plan confidently. This means more organizations supporting the election process can hire staff, lock in partnerships, and build trust long before November. Let’s get dollars out the door. #AllByApril AllByApril.org
Faded paper background with text reading: Nonprofits work to support elections long before November. So should the funds that support them. Underneath is a meandering dotted path with points along reading: hire and train staff, recruit and train poll workers, nonpartisan voter registration drives, support voter education, and early voting. The path ends at a calendar with the date November 2026 on it. AllByApril.org written across the bottom with the disclaimer “All by April” is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 effort.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
All by April is about more than just moving money — it’s an opportunity for philanthropy to show grantee partners that we have their backs. Ask yourself: How can I make it as easy as possible for elections and voting nonprofits to get the 501(c)(3) resources they need? #AllByApril AllByApril.org
Faded paper background with the headline: How to move money faster. Underneath are 4 steps in bubbles: review renewal grants ASAP, Make grant applications shorter, speed up board approval, and notify grantees by April (or earlier). On the side is a small message reading Small process changes equal major impact. A disclaimer at the bottom reads “All by April” is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 effort.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
📢 We’re excited to announce that All by April 2026 starts TODAY! When we first launched #AllByApril in 2024, hundreds of funders accelerated their timelines and moved $155M to support nonpartisan election-related work. 🏁 Let’s get moving and see what we can do in 2026! allbyapril.org
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Today we want to express our gratitude to everyone who has worked to make sure our election is free, fair, representative, and secure. Thousands of people dedicate their time not just on Election Day, but every day, to help their neighbors exercise their right to vote.
Graphic with text saying: "Thank you to everyone working to build a stronger democracy - on Election Day and every day" against a backdrop of "I Voted" stickers, with the Democracy Fund logo on the bottom.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Graphic text saying: Listen to the Giving Done Right episode wherever you get your podcasts. A gray "play" button icon below that. The Giving Done Right podcast at the bottom.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
The "play" button icon on the top right in blue. Then graphic text saying: For donors, "this is not a 'wait and see' moment..." We need a positive alternative: a democracy and society that can serve all of us well. The logos of The Giving Done Right podcast and Democracy Fund are at the bottom.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Graphic text saying: The pro-democracy community needs to offer people something new: "A solution that is better than what they've had in the past." On the right is an image of a podcast cover that says "Season 5 Episode 6 Joe Goldman" with a photo of Joe Goldman and "The Giving Done Right podcast" at the bottom.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Graphic text with the words: People are facing a choice between systems that have failed us and "a MAGA vision that is selling them on quick, easy solutions that probably aren't gonna work." - Joe Goldman on the Giving Done Right podcast.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
What can donors do right now to prevent further democratic backslide & disrupt authoritarian power consolidation? @joegoldman.bsky.social shares his advice in the latest episode of the Giving Done Right podcast from Center for Effective Philanthropy. bit.ly/gdrs5episode6
Image on the left that says "Season 5 Episode 6 Joe Goldman" with photo of Joe Goldman and then the words "The Giving Done Right podcast." Quote on the right that says "Courage breeds more courage. Solidarity breeds more solidarity." - Joe Goldman. Democracy Fund logo at the bottom.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
The pro-democracy community needs to offer people something new: "A solution that is better than what they've had in the past." An image saying "Season 5 Episode 6 Joe Goldman" with a picture of Joe Goldman and "The Giving Done Right podcast" at the lower right.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
People are facing a choice between systems that have failed us and "a MAGA vision that is selling them on quick, easy solutions that probably aren't gonna work." - Joe Goldman on the Giving Done Right podcast.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Check out Democracy Fund president @joegoldman.bsky.social’s recent interview on the Giving Done Right podcast, where he shared insights on how the pro-democracy community can move forward in these challenging times. givingdoneright.org/season-5-epi...
Blue graphic with yellow and white text on the left side that says:The Giving Done Right Podcast. "Courage breeds more courage. Solidarity breeds more solidarity." Joe Goldman. Season 5 | Episode 6. A photo of Joe Goldman is on the right side of the graphic.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Happy International Democracy Day! As our president @joegoldman.bsky.social recently reminded us, "The dream of a just, inclusive multiracial democracy — rooted in racial justice — is as important as ever." Today we're reflecting on the vision and mission that guides our work.
Our Vision and Mission. We envision an inclusive, multiracial democracy that is open, just, resilient, and trustworthy.

To get there, Democracy Fund champions the pro-democracy leaders and organizations who work to shift power toward the people and counter efforts to undermine American democracy.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Military deployment first to L.A. and now D.C. are moves straight from the authoritarian playbook. Funders and grantees must resist the weaponization of law enforcement, bad-faith congressional investigations, and attacks on our partners’ ability to serve their communities. (1/3)
“Authoritarians are always checking to see what they can get away with. Each time they succeed at limiting public displays of dissent, they win a little more ground and it becomes harder to fight back.” - Joe Goldman, president of Democracy Fund. Democracy Fund logo.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
To learn more about the results of this survey, read the full article on Candid: blog.candid.org/post/how-bip...
We stand at a defining moment. A diverse philanthropic sector is essential to a stronger pro-democracy field — and through that field, a stronger American democracy. But more donors and grantmakers of all backgrounds need to step forward.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
How does BIPOC-led philanthropy view the relationship between racial inequality and democracy? Democracy Fund’s Lauren Hill unveils a new analysis of funders for Candid, explaining how “BIPOC-led philanthropy is stepping up."
Is racial inequality a critical issue facing democracy? Findings from the 2025 Pulse Survey. Democracy Fund logo below the title. We analyzed the responses to our Pulse Survey from organizations who identified as BIPOC-led. Here’s what we found.Stark differences in views of racial inequality. 88% “strongly agree” that “racial inequality is a critical issue facing American democracy” compared to just 46% from non-BIPOC-led.Unequal interest in funding equity and social justice. 79% are concerned about the declining interest in promoting equity and social justice for marginalized groups. 38% of non-BIPOC-led philanthropy agreed.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
In the wake of the decision to end federal funding for public media, we’re revisiting @jcstearns.bsky.social‬ compelling case for supporting local news. democracyfund.org/idea/why-fun...
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
How is BIPOC-led philanthropy doing things differently? Democracy Fund’s Lauren Hill unveils a new analysis of funders for Candid, explaining how “BIPOC-led philanthropy is stepping up."
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Congrats to the 22 local news projects receiving support from Press Forward’s Open Call on Infrastructure. Each one is helping newsrooms address urgent challenges, including the need for legal protections, mental health support, and revenue tools. pressforward.news/infrastructure25
Promotional poster titled 'Press Forward', congratulating local projects on receiving $22.7 million funding in the Open Call on Infrastructure. Features an individual with light skin, short dark curly hair, thick-rimmed glasses, and dark facial hair in a colorful button-up shirt smiling and holding a mobile phone.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
To our partners, our grantees, our colleagues, and our friends: Thank you. You push democracy forward — not just every four years, but every day. Thank you for 11 years of building power, trust, and community.
Thank you. You push democracy forward...not just every four years, but every day.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Juneteenth is a celebration of emancipation, but also a reminder that the work of freedom isn’t finished. Together, we are working to build a multiracial, representative democracy for everyone — and we’re in it for the long haul.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
A lot has changed since January, but our pledge to get through it together hasn’t. Here’s how: Choose hope. Stick together. Practice solidarity. Seek opportunity. Remain humble. Bolster resilience. Live our values. democracyfund.org/idea/a-pledg...
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Democracy Fund president @joegoldman.bsky.social shares his thoughts about recent threats to the tax-exempt status of nonprofits:
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Will you stand up for democracy? Join us and 525 philanthropic partners in our pledge to Unite in Advance. Link in comments to read Democracy Fund President and CEO @joegoldman.bsky.social's full statement on why we joined the campaign.
Image of a quote saying "We act in solidarity when we recognize that our own interests lie with those of others. Authoritarians depend on us isolating ourselves out of a sense of self-protection." A callout box says "Unite in Advance — sign on to protect our freedom to express ourselves, to give, and to invest in our communities." Democracy Fund's logo of its name and overlapping arcs in the bottom left corner.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
democracyfund.org/idea/how-phi...
"Will philanthropy rise to the occasion? Results of the 2025 Pulse Survey." Democracy Fund's logo is below the text.
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
We are proud to partner with Press Forward, a national movement to strengthen our democracy by revitalizing local news and information. They were named to Fast Company’s 2025 list of Most Innovative Companies, not-for-profit category, and we congratulate everyone who is a part of this work!
Fast Company logo in white text above a centered title of "Most Innovative Companies 2025 not-for-profit category." Below is the Press Forward logo in white text. In the background is a photo of a woman with blonde hair and pale skin placing an orange post-it note on a large sheet of notepaper titled "If you were a reporter, what local topic would you want to cover?" that has multiple post-it-notes of different colors. At the bottom in small black letters is the caption: "Marcello Hutchinson-Trujillo/Santa Cruz Local"
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Democracy Fund @democracyfund.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
🎉📰 Congratulations to Press Forward, named to Fast Company’s 2025 list of Most Innovative Companies, not-for-profit category! An inclusive, multiracial democracy depends on the public being well-informed and ready to engage with their communities, and we are proud to partner with Press Forward!
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