Election Integrity is Everyone’s Philanthropic Imperative

As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, we all have a role to play in strengthening civic institutions, protecting our fundamental freedom to vote, and ensuring election integrity. The consequences of failing to do so threaten the very fabric of our democracy. Regardless of your philanthropic priorities, free and fair elections directly affect your ability to achieve your mission. 

The growing evidence that our democracy is under attack is undeniable. Across the country, we have seen coordinated efforts to erode trust in elections, restrict civic participation, and undermine the institutions and leaders that safeguard our democratic processes. Organizations and movement leaders nationwide face escalating intimidation and political pressure that threatens access to the polls under the guise of making elections safe from fraud – an issue that has been repeatedly proven to be nearly nonexistent. 

We have seen several California funders take bold and necessary actions in response to these attacks, such as increasing payouts and investments, adapting giving practices, collaborating with peers, and using their platform and privilege to stand against threats to our communities and democracy. Funders recognize that protecting elections and ensuring they are conducted safely is an all-in moment that can set the stage for building a new long-term governance strategy that transcends one election cycle. 

Philanthropy California — the statewide alliance of Northern California Grantmakers, SoCal Grantmakers, and Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties — remains deeply committed to bringing together California funders to uphold democracy and protect communities across our state. In this urgent moment, we believe strengthening our civic infrastructure requires us all to come together and coordinate on a short and long-term strategy to protect our fundamental freedoms. This plan must include sustained commitments that support institutions and their leaders over the long term, even decades — and it all starts here and now. 

We have seen philanthropic innovation, flexibility, and collaboration in moments of crisis, from the pandemic to last year’s wildfires to the unprecedented assaults on communities we’ve seen over the past year. This moment requires no less than our best. It requires that we consider new strategies, deepen partnerships with community organizations, and help strengthen the civic infrastructure that creates an environment in which communities can reimagine an equitable civil society that we truthfully have never quite achieved. 

Philanthropy California calls on all funders dedicated to building lasting civic and community power. In defense of democracy, we will illuminate avenues to invest in the leadership and infrastructure communities need to drive our democratic process, reinforce community-led governance, and build a California designed to serve all of us for generations to come. 

In the short run, we’re ready to connect you to the people, networks, and spaces to protect election integrity — today, while it can still make a difference. Right now, this means amplifying the lessons learned from movement leaders about what is needed to navigate these perilous moments. Moving forward, it will mean integrating these lessons into long-term strategies and leveraging our momentum to make civic infrastructure a consistent investment priority for the sector. This will include election integrity, safe public spaces (to gather and to converse), a complete, accurate Census, and more. 

We are dedicated to connecting California’s diverse philanthropic regions, creating opportunities for all funders who believe in the power of collaboration, shared learning, and collective impact. We are deeply grateful for the trust that funders across the state have placed in us, and we remain committed to building on that foundation in the years ahead. 

For those considering how you will step forward and take bold action in this moment, we invite you to join us by subscribing to SCG's Public Policy Roundup, NCG’s Together for Good newsletter, and Catalyst’s Navigating Policy Shifts newsletter to stay up to date on the latest information and events to unite funders. Together, we will ensure that philanthropy plays a meaningful role in protecting the institutions and values that sustain our civic life.      

In Partnership, 

Christine Essel 
President & CEO, 
SoCal Grantmakers 

Dwayne S. Marsh 
President & CEO, 
Northern California Grantmakers 

Megan Thomas 
President & CEO, 
Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties