Moving Money to the Ground
Money and power are some of the most valuable resources in our fight for a healthy democracy. That’s why we’re committed to building intentional relationships and investing in lasting structures in our communities – where we know people power propels change.
State Voices makes meaningful investments into every state across our network to support efforts for a healthy democracy.
After 2020, we recognized how early and significant investments across our network better equip our State Tables to navigate the tremendous challenges and opportunities we continue to face. Our focus is on capacity building, sending needed resources directly to State Tables that set them up for long-term success.
Areas of Focus
Secure & Direct Funding- Strategy Development & Complete Plans
To build a reflective, responsive and accountable democracy, we make year round investments in intersectional power-building strategies to align state, regional, and local campaigns and data infrastructure.
Building People Power All Year, Every Year
In 2021, State Voices regranted more than $5M to support redistricting education, voting rights, organizational capacity, and technology–resulting in a 454% increase in regrant totals compared to past off-year cycles.
The Challenge
Funding in the civic engagement space can be volatile, and surge funding may arrive too late to effectively build the capacity and infrastructure needed for successful and impactful programs.
The Approach
Since 2008, State Voices has regranted over $32 million to our State Tables. Our regrant strategy is multi-tiered to support Tables’ continued and sustained growth in their areas of need.
In 2021, we provided State Tables with over $3 million for general operating and core support staff, including funding to hire full-time resource development and communications staff members.
We provided an additional $1 million to State Tables to fund at least one data staff position and support general data and technology needs. To support state-specific policy work, State Voices regranted $800,000 to State Tables for redistricting, election protection and voting rights. Alongside monetary support, State Directors also have access to coaching and professional development.
State Voices Convening 2019.
“Money on its own does not make movements, it takes ideas and organizing and people to build the future.”
— Alexis Anderson-Reed, Executive Director of State Voices
Alabama Forward partner HICA shares voter registration and COVID19 resources with a community member.
Our Impact
As a result of State Voices’ investments in data staff positions and data and technology needs across our network, we now have more women and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) state data directors in our network than at any time in SV history. We also exceeded our work plan by growing the ecosystem of organizations who have access to our tools: there are now close to 1,200 organizations in this pool.
Conclusion
In order to build lasting people power and sustain healthy organizations for the long-term, State Tables need adequate staff and monetary resources that are unrestricted.
Moving money to the ground to support the core needs of State Tables provides the capacity, resources, and support required to address their communities’ needs for years to come.
Give to the People Power Fund to support on-the-ground organizing.
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