New America Foundation Via Public Dollars For Democracy Financing

Leo Migdal

-Dec 12, 2025, 8:10 PM

new america foundation via public dollars for democracy financing

In 2024, the United States spent nearly $16 billion on the 2024 election cycle. Yet, some of the most participatory forms of democracy—like citizens’ assemblies—struggle to get off the ground due to funding. Despite their demonstrated value, securing financial resources for them remains one of the biggest hurdles to implementation. That’s why on June 5th, the Political Reform Program, in collaboration with Columbia World Projects and FIDE North America, hosted a session focused on financing citizens’ assemblies. The conversation brought together practitioners and public officials with firsthand experience in designing and funding these processes. Moderated by Hollie Russon Gilman, Senior Fellow at New America, the panel featured Richard Johnson (Director, MASS LBP), Vivian Castro-Wooldridge (Planning Engagement Strategist, City of Boulder, Colorado), and Linn Davis (Program Director, Healthy Democracy).

Each shared insights into the funding models behind assemblies across North America and underscored the importance of storytelling in sustaining momentum and support. And as the conversation itself illustrated, the value of collaboration and dialogue exists beyond just the numbers. Johnson opened the session with a case study from Victoria and Saanich in British Columbia, where MASS LBP recently facilitated its 50th citizens’ assembly. The assembly was tasked with exploring whether the two municipalities should amalgamate. The project had a total budget of $750,000 CAD (about $550,000 USD), with one-third funded by each of the local governments and the final third coming from the provincial government. The assembly was approved through a non-binding ballot question in 2018, lending the process legitimacy and public mandate.

Strengthening oversight and innovation in the governance of artificial intelligence. Strengthening democracy and building a more equitable future by informing, engaging, and activating Americans through deep investments in just and inclusive news and narratives. Exploring new work, guided by our values and mission. Grantmaking supported strengthening human rights protections, advancing government accountability, and improving the reach and quality of justice. Grantmaking supported the development of more effective domestic policy by working to increase the policy impact of the Foundation’s program strategies. In a multiracial nation, democracy must serve all of us.

Democracy Fund works toward an inclusive, multiracial democracy that is open, just, resilient, and trustworthy. In collaboration with grantees, donors, and other partners, we are working to strengthen and expand the pro-democracy movement, defend against anti-democratic attacks, and advance structural change. Our democracy can’t wait. We hope you’ll join us. Democracy Fund supports the champions of our democracy, including movement leaders, activists, advocates, journalists, and public officials. We collaborate with our grantees, donors, and other partners to strengthen and expand the movement for an inclusive, multiracial democracy.

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Most efforts to reduce the influence of money on democracy have run aground in recent years, because of court decisions, the growth of new forms of political organization, and the sheer volume of money... But with little notice, one reform – voluntary public financing of campaigns – has taken hold in several states and jurisdictions. Public financing has taken several different forms, from full public funding to partial matching systems to tax credits that resemble a voucher. Most of these programs have been resilient, generally popular with candidates, and have withstood most legal challenges.New America Foundation’s Political Reform Program presented the results from the first book-length study of these modern public... In Subsidizing Democracy, Michael G. Miller of the University of Illinois, Springfield, looks at the results of public financing in Arizona and several other jurisdictions, and uses data as well as interviews to consider how these programs change politics.

Do they bring in different candidates? Do they allow candidates to spend more time with voters? Do they increase public confidence or participation?In addition to the author, New America was joined by three experts on money in politics, including a former member of the Arizona legislature who participated in the... Join the conversation online using #subsidizedemocracy and following @NewAmerica. ParticipantsMichael G. MillerAssistant Professor, University of Illinois, SpringfieldAuthor, Subsidizing Democracy Michael J.

MalbinExecutive Director, Campaign Finance Institute Spencer OvertonGeorge Washington University School of Law Matt HeinzArizona House of Representatives, 2009-2013, and U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Moderator:Mark SchmittDirector, Program on Political Reform, New America Foundation We are dedicated to realizing the promise of America in an era of rapid technological and social change. At New America, our research and policy recommendations focus on five key thematic areas: education and work; family economic security and wellbeing; global politics for people and planet; political reform and civic engagement; and... In each area of our work, we put equity at the center; elevate stories of people closest to the public problems we seek to solve; invest in the next generation of leaders; and intentionally...

Taken together, these efforts advance toward our vision of a more equitable America that lives up to its values. 💡 New Thinking on Funding Democracy Great new piece from New America on one of the most important, and often overlooked, questions in the deliberative democracy space: how do we sustainably fund citizens' assemblies? 👇 https://lnkd.in/e-_KFegY The article explores emerging models across the U.S. and Canada - from philanthropic funding to public grants - and highlights practical examples, including the Deschutes County Assembly on Youth Homelessness, which we were proud to support. It’s encouraging to see this conversation gaining momentum. If we want deliberative processes to scale and be inclusive, how we fund them is just as critical as how we design them.

#CivicEngagement #CitizensAssemblies #DeliberativeDemocracy #PublicParticipation #Deschutes #DemocracyInnovation #DelibWave Unlock the hidden power of federal and state grant programs to fuel local growth and transform communities. This guide breaks down how businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities can leverage funding opportunities to maximize economic impact, create jobs, and build sustainable futures. 🚀💡 https://lnkd.in/eq3c-V-5 #EconomicDevelopment #Grants #FundingOpportunities #BuildForwardNow" #EconomicDevelopment #FederalGrants #StateGrants #CommunityGrowth #BusinessFunding #LocalImpact #GrantPrograms #EconomicImpact #BuildForwardNow Nonprofits Must Plan for Uncertainty: Government Shutdown Preparedness As the federal government shuts down, the ripple effects reach far beyond Washington. Nonprofits—already stretched thin—often face delayed reimbursements, paused grants, reduced giving, and increased demand for community support.

Higher education institutions will be impacted even more by research funding, student aid programs like federal work-study, and visa complications for international students. Also, faith-based organizations are called to provide even more prayer, compassionate aid, and this work must continue regardless of political circumstances. At Holloway Media Group , we’re here to advise leaders to act now: • Scenario Planning: Build financial contingency plans for 30, 60, and 90 days of delayed funding. • Diversify Revenue: Strengthen partnerships with private donors and foundations to reduce reliance on government streams. • Communicate Clearly: Keep staff, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders informed with consistent updates. The future of your mission depends not only on how you lead through crises but also on how you prepare for them.

And remember: the upcoming midterm elections will shape future funding and policy decisions. Voting matters—regardless of party. Fair Elections Center Our CEO, Don Howard, recently spoke with Independent Sector about our work to help ensure #California is a place where all low-income workers can advance economically—and what the social sector must do during these... Check it out: https://bit.ly/4o6RPRq President and CEO at The James Irvine Foundation

New America Foundation Via Public Dollars For Democracy Financing

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