December 12, 2022
We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us. - Freedom’s Journal, 1827 In April 2022, Democracy Fund announced our…
Ideas
Explore insights, lessons, and resources from our work
Democracy Fund staff — alongside grantees, researchers, and other field experts — regularly develops resources and shares lessons on strengthening democracy. Here you will find guides, reports, and insights from our team and network.
Blog
Envisioning a Just and Open Digital Democracy: Expanding Our Commitment to Platform Accountability
September 14, 2021
Last month, after Facebook attempted to undermine the efforts of independent researchers — and Democracy Fund grantees — who were studying the effects of the…
March 8, 2021
Social media companies have harmed our economy, government, social fabric, and public square. The January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol, which was…
Blog
Fighting for an internet that is safe for all: how structural problems require structural solutions
September 30, 2020
In 2017, a college student named Taylor Dumpson achieved what many young scholars dream of: she was elected student body president. As the first African-American…
August 11, 2020
According to the Pew Research Center, one in five Americans rely primarily on social media for their political news and information. This means a small…
June 15, 2020
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google play an essential role in our democracy. They provide a way for communities to organize and speak…
Systems Map
Digital Democracy Initiative Core Story
May 15, 2020
Our democracy is a complex political system made of an intricate web of institutions, interest groups, individual leaders, and citizens that are all connected in…
January 23, 2018
Today four foundations are announcing a new joint fund designed to fuel a new era of journalism rooted in listening to communities. The Community Listening…
April 4, 2017
Josh Stearns co-authored this piece with Paul Waters. At the Democracy Fund we believe that a healthy democracy depends on a vibrant and trustworthy public…
November 7, 2016
This week in Chicago journalists from around the country will gather for the People-Powered Publishing Conference. The conference brings together innovators and pioneers who are…
July 22, 2015
The Democracy Fund congratulates the Knight News Challenge winners announced yesterday at the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at the University of Texas at…