Foster involvement of underrepresented communities in public decision making and increase rates of voter participation.

Broad civic participation is a cornerstone of effective governance. We support community-based projects to encourage voting and civic involvement among low-income, ethnic and immigrant communities that traditionally have been less engaged in public affairs. We recognize that stronger voter participation, combined with regular dialogue between public officials and these diverse constituencies, will lead to policymaking that is more accountable and representative of all Californians.

Types of activities supported

The Foundation supports projects that:

• Educate eligible voters, particularly among underrepresented populations, on the mechanics of voting and other political processes
• Encourage eligible voters among underrepresented populations to vote in state and local elections
• Promote a series of exchanges between people in underrepresented communities and elected officials on issues of concern to those communities
• Work with underrepresented communities to advance policy solutions to issues of concern
• Develop innovative approaches to improve deliberation of public issues and to increase voter turnout, especially among underrepresented populations

Review criteria

Competitive projects will:

• Be sponsored by organizations with experience working with community members to address issues of concern
• Be sponsored by organizations with a track record of success in advancing policy solutions to improve community well-being
• Employ a model of outreach and engagement that is inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives
• Demonstrate expertise in the issues addressed, as well as an openness to various points of view
• Provide a thoughtful, detailed plan for working with communities to advance policy solutions to issues of concern
• Address how the impact may be extended to other communities by, for example, connecting with other community mobilization efforts or communicating the project's results via media strategies or other means

While we accept unsolicited inquiries from grantseekers, we are able to fund very few of them. Please click here. if you would like to learn more about submitting a letter of inquiry. Full proposals are accepted by invitation only.

Profile of illustrative grant

The following grantee profile is illustrative of the type of work the California Perspectives program seeks to fund through its Mobilizing Californians priority:

• Latino Health Access