Democracy & Policy

Investing in a new paradigm of multiracial democracy.

About

Achieving racial equity and sustaining a viable democracy go hand in hand. NCG defines democracy as the processes, systems, and structures for historically marginalized and underrepresented community members to participate in a political system that fulfills the promise of an equitable multiracial society. As a region, Northern California can model a viable democracy, ensuring that people of color and other communities fully engage in the democratic process.

NCG's Approach

NCG is building on three approaches to make this condition a reality:

Deepen Analysis

NCG believes investing in democracy is an investment in the success of thriving and resourced communities. While there are foundations leading the way in funding this way, the majority of foundations have yet to change their grantmaking. To support this, NCG is sharing learnings, resources, and wisdom from movement groups so we can deepen the consciousness of democracy investments.

Sharpen Practice

NCG believes that philanthropy must shift how and what it funds to support the lifecycle of democracy. By doing this philanthropy can give movement groups the freedom needed to lead the way. To support this, NCG is identifying and promoting tools for foundations interested in funding this way. Our newest Community of Practice, the c(4) Learning Community brings teams of foundations together to understand the art and craft of c(4) and aligned c(3) investments to build power for movement groups.

Mobilize Progressive Investments

NCG believes progressive local and statewide policy investments in California are key to transforming power structures. By investing in movement groups working to strengthen democracy, philanthropy can build on the wisdom of local communities and invest in confidence. To support this NCG amplifies intersectional policies and voices that are creating a functional democracy.

How to Engage

NCG creates and supports programming, communications, and organizing efforts that support the life cycle of a functional democracy, from equitable access to fair elections to governance to policy implementation, holding decision-makers accountable with emphasis on investing in movement builders to strengthen these systems. We recognize policy is a powerful tool to advance equitable change and believe philanthropy has a vital role to invest in power-building organizations.

As ever, this work cannot progress alone. NCG relies on a number of informal and formal partnerships to play its part effectively, including a formal partnership with One4Democracy that intentionally works to increase direct investment in the democracy ecosystem with an eye to increasing both individual and institutional giving to movement groups in the region.

Democracy Hub

NCG's Democracy Hub brings focused information for philanthropy to stay up-to-date, take action, collaborate with others, and learn from a curated resource list.

As chaos is unleashed at the federal level, many in philanthropy are striving to track, understand, and respond to the shifting landscape, the whirlwind of executive actions, and the real material impact on local communities. This frenzy of activity has been concerning and distressing even for the most prepared organizations and team.

You and your institutions are not alone in trying to sort through, make sense of, and determine how to best operate under these difficult and evolving conditions. It's imperative we move through the overwhelm and distractions to ensure we can stay grounded in our values of justice and equity for a better future.

At NCG, we remain committed to our goals of advancing racial equity, uplifting and drawing more resources to our movement partners, and engaging philanthropy to strengthen civil society and invest in a multi-racial democracy. NCG members and partners are invited to help shape public policy and advocacy strategies with us and plug into our upcoming programming. Additionally we invite you to share you resources with us to help you amplify. Connect with the democracy team to learn more.

Opportunities for Action

Upcoming Events

When Nonprofits are Under Attack, Philanthropy Must have their Back | When: March 18, 2025
100 Days Funder Briefing | When: March 25, 2025
Sacramento Advocacy Day | When: April 1 & 2, 2025

NCG's Policy and Movement Committee: For more info on NCG’s policy and movement committee, reach out to Liana Molina.

Rapid Response: To view and submit information on rapid response and long-term funds focused on sustaining and strengthening the vital work of our nonprofit partners, visit Philanthropy California’s Nonprofit and Community Resilience website.

Funds & Funder Pledges