Democracy Action Lab

In recognition of U.S. democracy’s increasingly fragile state, Forward Global members came together in 2020 to mobilize resources and take collective action to safeguard institutions, support organizations, and empower communities that serve to protect and strengthen democracy and civil society. A diverse set of funders working across a range of issues and geographies mobilized more than $100 million of additional funding to protect democracy through multiple initiatives for informed and collective action.

Member meetings to learn, share, and problem-solve evolved into the DAL, which focuses on sharing resources, expertise, and giving opportunities. Invited guests include member grantees, leading practitioners, and experts in democracy philanthropy. DAL balances speaker presentations with interactive discussion and members-only sessions devoted to information sharing and problem solving.

DAL is a solicitation-free space where members and practitioners can engage in candid, off-the-record conversations to inform better grantmaking. Session topics have included combatting mis- and dis-information; renewing civic engagement; preventing political violence; responding to toxic polarization; restoring trust and faith in elections; and leveraging the tools and tactics of unlikely allies. In every session, we combine peer conversation with deep dive learning to operationalize action.

Unless otherwise noted, we gather every fourth Wednesday of the month, for one hour at 10am PT | 1pm ET | 6pm BST, with drop-in office hours 15-minutes before the official start of each program. Vice President of Third Plateau and Deputy Director of the Democracy Funders Group Emily Thielmann facilitates most sessions alongside Forward Global staff, who are available for ongoing and individual support. A DAL listserv also serves as an ongoing platform to share ideas, articles, investment opportunities, events, and data. 

The goal of these sessions is to equip Forward Global members with the tools and information that yield better decision making and more effective funding in the democracy space. By providing these resources in an interactive and ongoing peer community, DAL provides members with a continuous support network that extends beyond any one session, issue, or geography.

For the already politically active, DAL provides a space to compare, evaluate, and crowd-source what strategies and opportunities need the most assistance. For the apolitical and those looking to safeguard civic institutions that combat polarization, conflict, and the suppression of human rights, this lab provides access to key decision makers, resource materials, and opportunities that support democracy beyond any one election cycle. In short, if you want to know when to give, how to give, and where to give in a way that aligns with your values and maximizes impact to protect democracy, we encourage you to join.

You will find that each DAL member brings unique experience, perspective, and approaches. It’s a space to discuss what is or isn’t working and to give and get support in an environment that believes funders, even if working in very different areas, can better support democracy when connected.

No. Members are welcome to join at any time and attend as they choose, although regular attendance results in a more meaningful experience and a greater return on time spent in each session. While you do not need to join for every program, members gain more from each other and the group by getting to know fellow members over time. Join for what you can and invite fellow democracy champions.