Thank you for your interest in the Action Network’s Scaling Impact Program, supported by the Healthy Democracy Fund, a fund of Tides Foundation.

Purpose: To help build capacity for local organizations working on countering disinformation and advocating for fair voting rights by enabling them to mobilize hundreds of thousands of supporters, develop leaders, and deepen connections within their communities.

2022 Program Priorities are to:

• Build community power and local leadership utilizing technology
• Drive voter turnout and voter education
• Protect election integrity and help dismantle voter suppression
• Create momentum for stronger pro-voter policies

To apply, see the application below. Complete applications must include:

• Application Form
• IRS letter of determination for 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 tax letter, 990
• W-9

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Only applicants that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code are eligible. Action Network does not make grants that support participation in, or intervention in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office, or that fund partisan political activity of any kind. In accordance with rules regulating the use of 501(c)(3) funds, Action Network also will not make grants to cover fundraising or overhead expenses of a 501(c)(4) organization or to cover the costs of building a 501(c)(4) organization’s assets, except to the extent that the expenses and costs are directly related to/used for the implementation of identified charitable and educational activities.

Applicant organizations must be based in the United States or its territories. Submissions from teams that include international members are not eligible.

Organizations that serve BIPOC, women, and youth communities are preferred.  

Strength of civic engagement focus: How will this project increase opportunities for everyone to have access to safe and fair elections?

Strength of insight: How will this project help us anticipate, adapt to, and influence future organizing around elections?

Strength of idea: Is this project pioneering in one or more of these ways?

• Takes an existing idea and gives it a new spin;
• Challenges assumptions or cultural practices;
• Or is pioneering in a new and innovative way

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money is Action Network allotting for this grant program?

Action Network is granting $20,000 for each recipient.

Who should apply for a grant?

Applicants should be organizations who have a new or existing voting rights project that will build community power and local leadership, drive voter turnout and voter education, protect election integrity, help dismantle voter suppression, or create momentum for stronger pro-voter policies.

Who should NOT apply for a grant?

Grants will not be awarded to organizations with substantial budgets and will not be awarded to for-profit entities.

What is the application process?

We’ve tried hard to make the application process as simple as possible. Just submit your application by May 27, 2022. We’ll get back to you in June 2022 with our decision.

Who is on the selection committee?

The selection committee is made up of a small group of Action Network staff.

How is the money for the grant released?

We’ll send a wire to the provided bank account.

How long do I have to finish my project?

We understand this probably isn’t your only commitment. However, we do require that you complete your project by January 31, 2023.

What expenses will the grant cover?

Please see the eligibility and selection criteria section in the application.

What can I expect if I receive a grant?

If you receive a grant, you can expect Action Network to maintain steady contact and communication with you; there'll be some light reporting, storytelling, and marketing components.  This is to strengthen the relationship between Action Network and you, as well as provide support for your ongoing work.

What do you expect from the report due when my project is complete?

The report is simple. It should detail how the grant money was spent, the number of people impacted by the project, what you learned from their project, and your overall thoughts on the grant program.