Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than the right to vote. However, there was a time in our nation’s history when many, including women and Black people, did not have access to the ballot and/or were prevented through legal means and violence from exercising this right. Through a series of constitutional amendments and legislative actions implemented over the years, all Americans now have the right to equal, unencumbered access to the ballot. However, voter suppression efforts are not a thing of the past. Since the 2013 Supreme Court ruling to remove federal oversight of state voting rules, there has been a surge in state bills to limit voter access. 

We seek to support the ability of the nonprofit sector to engage historically underrepresented populations and communities that have documented low voter turnout. Engagement will occur within and beyond election cycles to ensure every eligible voter has a voice in our democracy at all levels. 

Specifically, we are interested in supporting the following activities:

• Non-partisan voter education, including efforts that teach residents about the electoral process and how government works and build knowledge about the candidates and relevant issues in any given election cycle. 
• Non-partisan registration and turnout, including Get-Out-The-Vote events, door-knocking/ canvassing, and efforts to eliminate logistical barriers to voting. This includes ensuring that voters have accurate polling location information and transportation to the polls. 
• Voter access: Advance reforms that preserve existing rights and support inclusive ballot practices.

Contact

Michelle McMurray, MSW

Vice President, Program and Community Engagement

mcmurraym@pghfdn.org 412-394-2610

Contact

Tika Good

Program Associate

goodc@pghfdn.org 412-394-4293

More Grantmaking Supporting Equity and Social Justice

The Pittsburgh Foundation also offers the following funding opportunities to eligible applicants.

Access to Information

We seek to support public media outlets and other platforms that produce professional, regionally focused, fact-based news coverage and information, especially those covering low-income and Black, Indignous and people of color (BIPOC) communities.

Protect Basic Needs

We seek to support grassroots organizations and resident-informed initiatives that utilize advocacy, community organizing, and other systems change strategies to address the barriers that prevent families from being able to meet their basic needs and thrive.

End Mass Incarceration

We seek to uplift and provide resources for community-led efforts to change policies and practices that result in over-incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal legal system.

Youth Justice

We are interested in supporting intervention and prevention activities that support youth who have any involvement with the criminal and juvenile justice systems.