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Applications now open for 2019-2020 Voter Education Fund

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Applications now open for 2019-2020 Voter Education Fund

Summary

The Voter Education Fund is a government, philanthropic and community partnership to remove barriers to voting in diverse communities. This cycle the Voter Education Fund will place a special emphasis on engaging people with disabilities, African American and Native American voters, and historically marginalized communities in South King County.

Story

Applications for the 2019-2020 Voter Education Fund are now open. King County Elections and Seattle Foundation are awarding $950,000 in grants to increase voter engagement in underserved communities over the next two years.

Previous cycles of the Voter Education Fund have made grants on an annual basis. Seattle Foundation and King County Elections are shifting  to a two-year grant cycle to ensure community-based organizations have the resources they need to do significant voter engagement leading up to the 2020 election.  Organizations encouraged to apply include, but are not limited to, those serving communities of color, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, limited-English speaking communities, LGBTQ residents, formerly incarcerated individuals, and residents in South King County. 

This cycle the Voter Education Fund is placing an increased emphasis on voter outreach to people with disabilities, African American and Native American voters, and historically marginalized residents in South King County.

“I’m especially excited to see organizations that serve South King County, where we know we need to work harder to engage historically disenfranchised voters,” said Julie Wise, Director of King County Elections. “Our democracy works best when all of its citizens can exercise their most basic right to vote.”

Community-based organizations can apply for up to $40,000 to develop a two-year campaign to engage voters or potential voters, or up to $15,000 to provide a series of smaller activities through 2019 and 2020. 

“It’s important that we do everything we can so that all people can vote and participate in our democracy. Seattle Foundation is excited to partner with King County Elections to offer multi-year funding to organizations that ensure underrepresented communities have a voice in the electoral process and shape the policies that affect them,” said Tony Mestres, President and CEO of Seattle Foundation.


The application period for the 2019-2020 Voter Education Fund is open from March 4 to April 1, 2019. Interested organizations can apply online.

Information sessions will be held:

About Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation ignites powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all. Focused on creating equity and opportunity, our goal as a community foundation is to simplify giving and strengthen the impact of philanthropy for the more than 1,200 individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits we serve. We provide deep community insights, powerful civic leadership, effective philanthropic advising and judicious stewardship of assets in support of our mission. 

Quotes

I’m especially excited to see organizations that serve South King County, where we know we need to work harder to engage historically disenfranchised voters. Our democracy works best when all of its citizens can exercise their most basic right to vote.

Julie Wise, Director of King County Elections

It’s important that we do everything we can so that all people can vote and participate in our democracy. Seattle Foundation is excited to partner with King County Elections to offer multi-year funding to organizations that ensure underrepresented communities have a voice in the electoral process and shape the policies that affect them.

Tony Mestres, President and CEO of Seattle Foundation

Media contact

Kafia Hosh
206-477-4111
kafia.hosh@kingcounty.gov

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