Equitable Civic Engagement Fund

The Equitable Civic Engagement Fund is a grant program administered by Cleveland VOTES, an organization focused on strengthening democratic participation and civic engagement in the Greater Cleveland area. The fund was created to address a gap in funding for nonpartisan civic engagement work, particularly among organizations that may not traditionally focus on voting or elections. The program emerged from early efforts by its founders to support nonprofit partners lacking dedicated civic engagement staff and to ensure that organizations are compensated for their time and effort in advancing democratic participation. The primary purpose of the Equitable Civic Engagement Fund is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that are committed to educating, connecting, and empowering voting-age residents. The program emphasizes equitable civic engagement, with a strong focus on racial equity, inclusion, and participatory practices. It seeks to shift power structures and foster innovation by supporting a diverse range of organizations, including both traditional civic groups and nontraditional entities that integrate civic engagement into broader community work. This inclusive approach allows for a wide variety of programming and community-based activities that contribute to a stronger and more representative democracy. Funding provided through this program is intended to support organizational goals related to civic engagement. While specific allowable cost categories are not explicitly defined, the fund is designed to enable grantees to expand their outreach, programming, and engagement strategies. In addition to financial support, Cleveland VOTES provides grantees with access to mentorship, tools, and resources, as well as opportunities to collaborate with other organizations through a community of practice. These non-monetary benefits are a core component of the program and are intended to build long-term capacity and relationships among participants. Eligibility for the grant is limited to organizations that are recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or that operate under a fiscal sponsor. Applicants must be based in Ohio or be national organizations with a physical presence in the state. Additionally, organizations are expected to demonstrate a commitment to equitable civic engagement principles, including prior training or demonstrated integration of racial equity and inclusion into their work. Applicants must also provide organizational information and designate both an executive director and a primary point of contact for the grant period. The application process involves responding to a request for proposals released annually. For the current cycle, the application period opens on April 15, 2026, and closes on May 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Applicants are required to submit their materials within this timeframe, though specific submission platforms or required documents are not detailed in the available information. Following the submission deadline, applications are reviewed, and selected grantees are notified on June 10, 2026. While evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined, the program’s emphasis on equity, collaboration, and civic engagement suggests these factors are central to the review process. Grantees are expected to actively participate in program activities throughout the grant cycle. This includes attending scheduled community of practice sessions, engaging in collaborative learning, and maintaining communication with Cleveland VOTES staff. Grantees must also provide updates and feedback during and after the grant period, which may include reports or surveys. These requirements reflect the program’s dual focus on funding and community-building, ensuring that grantees contribute to and benefit from a shared learning environment. The Equitable Civic Engagement Fund operates on a recurring annual cycle, with funding rounds announced each year. While earlier iterations of the program offered micro-grants ranging from a few hundred dollars, the program has grown significantly over time. It continues to be supported by major philanthropic partners, including The George Gund Foundation and the Cleveland Foundation, along with individual donors. For questions or additional information, applicants are encouraged to contact the program via email at grants@clevotes.com.

Emphasize demonstrated commitment to racial equity and civic engagement integration; highlight collaboration and readiness to participate in community of practice