Our Recent Grantees

 
  • Rendering of a lively urban neighborhood with a brick building that has outdoor balconies, people walking, sitting outside at a cafe, children playing, cyclists, and a bike lane with green markings.

    Albina Vision Trust

    Created to steward the vision for the future of lower Albina neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. AVT honors the neighborhood’s past by transforming what exists today into a socially and economically inclusive community of residents, businesses, artists, makers, and visitors. (albinavision.org)

  • People participating in a parade holding a large ACLU banner promoting civil liberties and freedom.

    ACLU Oregon

    Works in courts, in the legislature, and in communities to protect and advance our civil rights and liberties. They work so our democracy can better serve all people and are committed to centering the individuals and intersectional communities historically disenfranchised by institutions and systems. (aclu-or.org)

  • Two protesters holding signs outside a McDonald's restaurant, with other people nearby, protesting issues related to poverty and hunger.

    Arizona Center for Empowerment

    A member-led social justice organization that develops and mobilizes undocumented working youth and adults, students, and LGBTQ individuals to strategically take ownership and responsibility to advance economic, social, and racial justice. (empoweraz.org)

  • Group of five young adults holding signs about voting and voter eligibility, standing outdoors during sunset, with a large pink structure in the background.

    Arizona Coalition for Change

    Empowers everyday people to transform their community through building civic power, just and equitable schools and safer neighborhoods. They are committed to advocating for lasting progressive public policies that change the dynamics for our communities. By putting people first, they are working to develop and lift up voices of communities to take on our nations most pressing issues. (azc4c.org)

  • Group of six people standing behind an information table at an event, with a red tablecloth displaying the ADC logo and website, in a room decorated with birthday balloons.

    Asian Community Development Council

    Improves the general well-being and education of the Asian, Pacific Islander and other ethnic communities in Nevada. The ACDC will promote, foster, champion and advocate for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the greater Nevada community. (acdcnv.org)

  • A large crowd of people gathers outdoors for a protest or rally in front of a government building, some holding signs with messages like "Respect Our Vote!" and "Stop Criminalizing." The scene takes place on a sunny day with bare trees and tall buildings in the background.

    Beloved Community Center

    A community-based, grassroots empowerment oriented organization based in North Carolina and rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of proactive struggles for racial and economic justice, democracy and beloved community. The BCC is committed to grassroots empowerment within the context and spirit of forging a beloved community for all residents. (belovedcommunitycenter.org)

  • Young man with curly hair and a black T-shirt that says 'i love my HISTORY, CULTURE, PEOPLE, AND ME' speaking or shouting while participating in a public demonstration or rally on a city street, with other people in the background also engaged in the event.

    Blueprint North Carolina

    A network of 41 non-profit, non-partisan organizations working together across issues and racial lines to advance equity and social justice in North Carolina. (blueprintnc.org)

  • A woman in a pink jacket and face mask holding a sign that reads 'VOTE TODAY!' during a protest or rally. Several people around her are visible, some wearing masks and holding their fists up, with a brick building in the background.

    Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute

    Founded in Georgia’s black belt where they helped flip a local state legislature race, breaking Georgia’s GOP supermajority. In a recent election, they supported dozens of local partners in 25 counties of Georgia’s rural black belt – filling a unique gap – with a historic black woman candidate at the top of the ticket. (bvmcapacitybuilding.org)

  • Man standing next to a work truck with Central City Concern branding, wearing an orange hoodie.

    Central City Concern

    Works to end homelessness in Portland and help people achieve their highest potential by providing housing, health care and jobs. CCC’s approach addresses both the systemic drivers of homelessness and the individual factors that can reinforce it. Each year, more than 13,000 people turn to them for compassionate support to become self-sufficient and productive. (centralcityconcern.org)

  • Group of people protesting in front of a government building, holding various signs advocating for immigrant rights and opposing illegal immigration, including messages like "No Human is Illegal!" and "Fight For Families."

    Colorado's People Alliance

    A member-driven, racial justice organization dedicated to building governing power in Colorado. CPA builds power by mobilizing voters, electing our own people to office, holding elected officials and corporations accountable, and working to put people before profit. (coloradopeoplesalliance.org)

  • A group of protesters wearing masks and holding signs stands in front of a large monument with a woman speaking into a megaphone. One man holds a sign that reads, 'Black and Brown Students Deserve Equal Access and Opportunities Now.' The protest takes place in an urban area with tall buildings in the background.

    Detroit Action Education Fund

    Is a union of Black and Brown, low and no-income, homeless and housing insecure Detroiters fighting for housing and economic justice. This organization is a grassroots and member-led, multigenerational, community-based organization fighting for real political power. (detroitaction.org)

  • Group of people standing under a balloon arch spelling 'EOF', celebrating outdoors with trees in the background.

    East County Rising

    Organizes and builds grassroots leadership within East Multnomah County to create an equitable, inclusive, and livable community centered on the needs of the most underrepresented and marginalized residents. They focus on civic engagement, community organizing and leadership development (ecrcommunityprojects.org)

  • A diverse group of people holding a red banner that reads "El Pueblo Votes! ¡El Pueblo Cuenta!" during a protest or rally. Some are holding signs advocating for voting rights and education.

    El Pueblo

    A nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, NC, specializing in leadership development for both youth and adults among Wake County’s growing Latinx community. (elpueblo.org)

  • Group of diverse young adults and seniors smiling, with a blue graphic that reads, 'Faith Organizing Alliance,' and the phrases 'Educating, Engaging, Encouraging Our Community' and 'Embracing the Future.'

    Faith Organizing Alliance

    Increases civic participation through faith-based and civic organizations within the Las Vegas valley in order to advance a community and government that is more caring, just, and equitable. (faithorganizingalliance.org)

  • A woman and a young boy sitting together, smiling in an indoor setting with a wooden shelf and green plants in the background.

    Family Forward Oregon

    Is organizing Oregon mamas and caregivers across a range of identities to fight for economic and reproductive justice. (familyforwardoregon.org)

  • A black-and-white photo of a crowd of protesters, one holding a sign that reads 'NO JUSTICE NO PEACE,' with other signs visible in the background.

    Free Press

    Created to give people a voice in the crucial decisions that shape our media. They seek to change the media to transform democracy to realize a just society. (freepress.net)

“I’m excited to continue encouraging young people to vote and understand why it is so important.”

Forward Montana Youth Fellow

  • A family of six sitting on a black couch, smiling at the camera. The family includes two women, two men, and three children, all in casual clothing inside a home.

    HereTogether

    A coalition of service providers, business leaders, elected officials, community leaders and advocates who work to solve homelessness in the Portland metro area. They organized to pass a region-wide measure to target the roots of the homelessness problem and have continued their engagement during the implementation of this measure. (heretogetheroregon.org)

  • Two women in a kitchen, one elderly with white hair wearing a patterned sweater, and middle-aged with short gray hair wearing a blue shirt, preparing drinks. The younger woman holds a coffee mug and a yellow watering can, while the older is focused on something on the counter.

    Home Share Oregon

    Expands access to affordable housing in Oregon through homesharing. They believe that this is a direct way to prevent housing instability, foreclosure, and homelessness. (homeshareoregon.org)

  • Inside view of a modern, bright dining area with large glass windows, wooden ceiling, and several people eating and socializing.

    James Beard Public Market

    Showcases the best of Oregon's food producers and the incredible abundance of Northwest farms, ranches, fields, vineyards, farmers markets, breweries and restaurants. They are committed to establishing a daily year-round indoor/outdoor marketplace to showcase Oregon’s food bounty. (jamesbeardmarket.com)

  • Four people in a radio station studio, smiling at the camera. One woman with glasses and dark hair on the left, a man with short gray hair in a hoodie next to her, an elderly woman with short gray hair in a tan jacket sitting in front, and a young woman with long dark hair on the right. Behind them are radio station signs and computer monitors.

    KLCC Public Radio Foundation

    Public radio station located in Eugene, Oregon, serving more than 88,000 listeners a week. Their mission is to engage the mind, enrich the spirit, and deepen understanding of our community and our world. (klcc.org)

  • A young man with dreadlocks wearing glasses, a gray face mask, a gray t-shirt, and a red plaid shirt holding a megaphone at an outdoor gathering. Other people are partially visible, and there is a modern building with large windows and triangular roof peaks in the background.

    Leaders Igniting Transformation

    Is building political power that is controlled by young people of color. They invest in base building, leadership development, training, and a relational organizing model to build power to affect change in Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin. (litwi.org)

  • An elderly woman with styled gray hair smiling and a man wearing a bright yellow vest with a logo, both outdoors, sharing a joyful moment.

    Meals on Wheels People

    Enriches the lives of seniors, and assists them in maintaining independence, by providing nutritious food, human connections and social support. They provide 24,000 nutritious meals each week, delivering to dozens of dining centers throughout the region and sending meals to homebound older adults. (mowp.org)

  • Group of seven young people, six women and one man, wearing masks and sitting or standing behind a registration table outdoors during daytime. They are participating in a community event supporting voting and civic engagement, with some wearing shirts that say 'MI FAMILIA VOTA' and 'UNCAGED VOTES UP-LIFT COMMUNITIES.' The table has bottles of water, hand sanitizer, and various materials, with a colorful mural and trees visible in the background.

    Mi Familia en Acción

    Works to unite the Latino community and its allies to promote social and economic justice through increased civic participation.Their organization works to enhance the political voice of the Latino community across the country through sustained civic engagement. (www.mifamiliaenaccion.org)

  • Group of diverse young people standing on porch, holding a red flag with a black raised fist, raising fists in solidarity.

    Michigan Student Power Alliance

    Is a statewide association of progressive student organizations, started in 2014 and currently operating on 8 campuses across Michigan. The Power Network works to connect student struggles across campuses, issues and identities, in order to share skills and build a statewide movements capable of effecting progressive change. (mistudentpower.org)

  • Protester wearing a blue face mask holding a sign that says 'ENOUGH' at a crowded outdoor demonstration.

    Michigan United

    Organizes to build the power our communities need to win the justice they deserve. We're working for an equitable and sustainable world that reflects our values of economic and racial justice. We are a statewide organization of community members and institutions fighting for the dignity and potential of every person, and we have won major victories to improve the lives of those who have been marginalized by poverty, racism, and inequality. (miunited.org)

  • A large group of women, children, and babies gathered together indoors, posing for a group photo during an event. Some women are holding children, and everyone is smiling. There is a banner in the background that says 'Mothering Justice'.

    Mothering Justice

    An organization dedicated empowering mothers to influence policy on behalf of themselves and their families; returning decision making power to the ones affected most by these decisions the most. Mothering Justice hopes to change the future of families in Michigan for the better because for too long, mothers have been defined by others but, as a group, they have been left out of the conversation. (motheringjustice.org)

  • Group of seven people standing outdoors in front of a school entrance, wearing casual clothing and smiling for the photo, some wearing purple 'Apri' shirts and blue gloves.

    N.C.A. Philip Randolph Institute

    Improves the quality of life for economically disadvantaged families by providing the necessary resources that improve their standard of living, foster self improvement, self empowerment, and self sufficiency. This agency is dedicated to those disenfranchised by situation, circumstance or indifference. (ncapri.org)

  • A large group of people celebrating in front of a peach-colored building with big windows. They are holding gold balloons shaped as the number 40000, and wearing party hats and accessories. Some are smiling and posing for the photo.

    New Era Colorado

    A nonpartisan, multi-issue civic engagement organization that is mobilizing and organizing young people to participate in our democracy to advance progressive change. New Era organizes year-round, building an independent political home for Colorado’s young people and building the bench of our state’s next set of progressive leaders and organizers. (neweracolorado.org)

  • Group of diverse people wearing purple and black shirts, with some holding signs that read 'the NEW GEORGIA PROJECT,' standing in front of a van promoting free rides to the polls and voting.

    New Georgia Project

    Engages Georgians in the electoral and voting processes. They work to meet new voters where they are – in churches, on college campuses, in their neighborhoods – to share information about how to register and how to vote. (newgeorgiaproject.org)

  • Group of young people at a rally with signs saying 'NEXT UP' and a woman holding a sign that says 'If you aren't doing politics, politics are doing you! #VOTE'.

    Next Up

    Next Up amplifies the voice and leadership of diverse young people to achieve a more just and equitable Oregon. Through civic engagement, community building, and issue advocacy, they want young people to see, feel, and know that their collective political power can transform our communities. (nextuporegon.org)

  • Four people standing outside a brick building. The two women and one man are holding voting information, and everyone is wearing masks.

    North Carolina Black Alliance

    Working toward state-level systemic change by strengthening the network of elected officials representing communities of color throughout the state and collaborating with a progressive, grassroots networks on intersecting issues. (ncblackalliance.org)

  • Crowd of diverse people marching in a protest or rally holding various signs and banners, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

    Ohio Organizing Collaborative

    Builds transformative relational power with everyday Ohioans for statewide social, racial, and economic justice. (ohorganizing.org)

“We’re tapping new constituencies and building game-changing coalitions in the fight for free and fair elections.”

Voting Rights Lab CEO Samantha Taraz

  • Group of people participating in a protest or rally, holding signs, with some wearing red shirts that have the words 'FIGHT FOR' and a raised fist graphic. A boy in a blue shirt appears to be shouting or cheering, holding the hand of a woman in a red shirt.

    One Arizona

    Includes more than 20 organizations representing diverse communities across Arizona, working side by side to build a culture of civic engagement and democratic participation and registering 190,000 people to vote in 2018 alone. (onearizona.org)

  • A man wearing a red T-shirt, black patterned pants, and white and red sneakers is holding a sign that reads 'Black Lives Matter, Register & Vote, Text 'VOTE' 79606' in front of a house with a gray door and some greenery.

    One Pennsylvania

    Is a multiracial, intergenerational and multi-issue membership organization. Our members are workers, students, parents, seniors, people with disabilities, and retirees excited to learn, collaborate, and build power together. (onepa.org)

  • Group of seven diverse people standing outdoors in a wooded area, holding a sign that reads "Economic Justice for All Oregonians." One person on the right holds a small sticker that says "Give now and get this cool sticker!" and features a graphic of a fist with the text "Disrupt Power, Build Economic Justice."

    Oregon Center for Public Policy

    Is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that researches and analyzes tax, budget, and economic issues. Their mission is to achieve economic justice for all Oregonians through research, analysis, and advocacy. (ocpp.org)

  • People shopping for vegetables at an outdoor farmers market, with lettuce, carrots, and other produce on display.

    Oregon Food Bank

    Provides access to nutritious food for all Oregonians, while also working to build community power to eliminate hunger and its root causes for good and eliminate barriers to employment, affordable housing, health care and more. (oregonfoodbank.org)

  • Collage of eight diverse people with colorful backgrounds, including portrait portraits of men and women smiling.

    Oregon Futures Lab

    Uplifts leaders of color to enter public office and govern effectively. Grounded in principles of equity, representation, and racial justice, their work is built on disrupting the ideas of who is best positioned to lead and how leaders are found. (oregonfutureslab.org)

  • Radio station recording studio with two people wearing headphones, working with microphones, with a digital clock showing 1:13:38, visible through a glass window.

    Oregon Public Broadcasting

    Is the primary radio public broadcasting in Oregon and SW Washington working to give voice to the community, connect Oregon and its neighbors, and illuminate a wider world. (opb.org)

  • A group of people standing in a circle with their hands stacked together in the center.

    Oregon Values and Beliefs Center

    Provides public opinion research that is accurate, inclusive, and nonpartisan to help Oregonians working to build stronger communities. (oregonvbc.org)

  • Farm workers harvesting crops with a mechanical harvester in a field.

    PCUN / Willamette Valley Law Project

    Values the ability for workers to take action against exploitation and all of its effects, and continues to build an agenda that strengthens workers rights by creating safer workplaces, advocating for fair wages, and pushing for enough economic security to care for our families. (pcun.org)

  • Group of people holding a large banner at a protest or rally, with signs and banners visible in the background.

    Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada

    Builds power with our community through strategic organizing and policy advocacy to build a strong and fair Nevada that puts people and planet first. (planevada.org)

  • A group of people protesting for fair wages outdoors. Some hold signs reading 'ONE FAIR WAGE' and 'NOT ON THE MENU,' while a woman speaks into a megaphone.

    Restaurant Opportunity Center

    Works to improve restaurant workers’ lives by building worker power and uniting workers of various backgrounds around shared goals and values. (rocunited.org)

  • People holding signs at a rally advocating voting rights and voting importance, with one sign saying 'Voting Rights Now!' and another saying 'It's Our Time, It's Our Vote'.

    N.C. NAACP

    Made up of over 100 Adult, Youth and College NAACP units across the state, convenes the more the 150 members of the Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) Peoples Assembly Coalition, and is the architect of the Moral Monday & Forward Together Movement. (ncnaacp.org)

  • Children and adults gather on a porch staircase outside a colorful house with blue, beige, and gray siding.

    Portland Habitat for Humanity

    Believes that everyone deserves a stable and affordable place to call home. Works to build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership in the Portland region. (habitatportlandregion.org)

  • A large outdoor concert with a stage set up on the grass surrounded by tall trees. The audience, sitting in chairs and on blankets, is densely packed and enjoying the performance during late afternoon or early evening.

    Portland Parks Foundation

    Helps Portland communities create more equitable access to nature, play, health, and places of connection, with the guiding belief that people flourish with thriving parks. (portlandpf.org)

  • Group of people holding a large yellow protest banner that reads, 'Congress Won't Fix Corruption We Will,' in front of a brick building with campaign posters and a yellow 'represent' sign.

    RepresentUs Education Fund

    A national, nonpartisan organization challenging the undue influence of well-financed special interests over American politics and government. They support public education, research, and online and traditional grassroots organizing to amplify the message of money-in-politics corruption and increase civic participation. (representuseducationfund.org)

  • Illustration of three housing options: a single-family home, a co-living space, and a tiny home on wheels, with descriptions and potential rental prices.

    Sightline Institute

    An independent, nonprofit research and communications center think tank, focusing on the Pacific Northwest region. They work to make the Northwest a global model of sustainability — strong communities, a green economy, and a healthy environment. (sightline.org)

  • A large group of people at a conference or meeting, holding signs and flags supporting education and leadership, with some signs reading 'School Leadership' and 'Reading is fundamental'.

    Stand for Children Leadership Center

    Leadership development and training organization that trains ordinary people to be effective citizen leaders capable of solving problems facing children, both locally and statewide, by convincing elected officials and voters to invest in and reform vital children’s programs. (standleadershipcenter.org)

“Our victory is not just the number of events we hold—it is the hope, connection, and engagement growing throughout our community.”

Veola Perry, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Member