What It Takes to Build Democracy: Lessons from the Frontlines

Earlier this year, Borealis Philanthropy mobilized $2 million to 36 grassroots organizations as part of our commitment to the All by April campaign, which urges funders to get early resources into the hands of leaders creating the conditions for free, fair, and representative elections.

In the months since, communities have continued to navigate deepening uncertainty as coordinated efforts to spread misinformation and disinformation, erode public trust, and undermine the systems that support civic participation continue to escalate. At the same time, our communities are facing growing threats to their safety, health, and access to essential resources. The cumulative impact of these pressures shapes not only how people experience democracy, but whether they feel able to participate in it at all.

It was against this backdrop that we spoke with many of our grantee partners about the challenges they’re confronting, the strategies they’re employing, and where they’re finding momentum and possibility. While every conversation reflected a different community, geography, or focus, the same themes surfaced time and again. Together, these grassroots reflections offer a clear picture of what it takes to build a democracy that works for everyone.

Democracy is built long before Election Day.
Democracy isn’t built in the months leading up to an election; it’s built year-round through trusted relationships, community leadership, and sustained investment. That’s why moving resources early matters. Jalyn Radziminski, Founder of Count US IN, reflects on what becomes possible when organizations have the time to serve their communities long before ballots are cast.

 

Trusted relationships are the strongest defense against misinformation.
Efforts to divide communities, spread misinformation, and intimidate voters are making civic participation more difficult. Our partners shared that trusted, community-rooted relationships remain one of the strongest ways to respond and make people feel informed and empowered. Kristin Powell, Executive Director of Black Futures Lab, reflects on how these dynamics are affecting Black and Brown communities across the country and how they’re responding.

 

Collaboration strengthens democracy.
No organization can meet today’s challenges alone. Our grantee partners described working alongside local organizations, coalitions, journalists, and community leaders to learn from one another’s work and deepen their collective impact. Conchita Hernandez, Founder and Chair of METAS, reflects on how collaboration strengthens both communities and democracy.

 

Holistic approaches build stronger communities.
Rather than focusing on a single program or issue, our grantee partners are building interconnected strategies that reflect the full realities of their communities. Whether it’s building up emerging leaders, educating voters, organizing neighbors, or creating spaces for people to come together, they’re creating more meaningful pathways for civic participation. Aramis Sundiata, Executive Director of People’s Justice Project, shares how that holistic approach is taking shape in Ohio.

 

Care and joy sustain the work.
Sustaining democracy means sustaining the people building it. Our partners spoke about making space for rest, healing, celebration, and joy because those practices allow people to keep showing up for their communities in the best and most difficult of times. Dom Kelly, Co-Founder and CEO of New Disabled South, reflects on why care and joy is essential infrastructure for building the future we are bringing into being.

 

True philanthropic partnership means investing for the long haul.
Our grantee partners are building the kind of change that will take generations, and philanthropy must be willing to do the same if we want to realize a truly multiracial democracy. Joshua Vincent, Executive Director of Southern Vision Alliance, reflects on why long-term investment is essential, particularly in historically under-resourced BIPOC communities across the U.S. South.

 

How Funders Can—And Must—Resource Democracy-Saving Work

Taken together, these conversations make clear what democracy-building looks like on the frontlines. Our partners have been leading this vital work—testing strategies, navigating barriers, and learning exactly what it takes to help people participate in civic life. Philanthropy doesn’t need to come up with anything new; our job is simply to back the brilliance that already exists. 

To move beyond reactive funding and match the year-round determination of those moving us closer towards true freedom and democracy, we urge our funding peers to put these practices into action:

• Commit early: Don’t wait for the next major election cycle to provide support. Give organizations the space and security to plan ahead for their communities.
• Provide flexible, multi-year support: General operating support allows partners to pivot when conditions rapidly change.
• Partner with community-rooted intermediaries: Intermediaries help bridge philanthropy and grassroots organizations in ways that many can’t, helping resources reach communities with greater trust, proximity, and responsiveness.

Learn more about the unique value of intermediaries, particularly in moments of heightened crisis.
Grassroots leaders are already showing what it takes to strengthen democratic participation. Today, philanthropy has the opportunity to ensure they have the resources to keep leading, building, and winning.