$3 million in new funding invested in participatory democracy
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Three foundations are investing $3 million in People Powered to help governments become more responsive and better able to engage communities in addressing major global issues. The funding will enable our staff and members to support more than 70 governments as they launch or improve participatory programs, using our accelerator programs. We will provide comprehensive training, mentorship, resources and funding to help cohorts of government innovators plan participatory and deliberative democracy programs, with a special focus on climate change and data policies.
The Waverley Street Foundation (WSF), which invests at the intersection of climate solutions and community priorities, is granting nearly $1.8 million to support a three-year expansion of the Climate Democracy Action accelerator program. With this funding, People Powered will convene and support government and civil society leaders in launching up to 60 participatory programs that engage community members in shaping climate policy.
“A just society is more possible when frontline communities have the right to self determination. Investments in their success and engagement in public processes are key to realizing that future,” says Tatianna Lyne, strategy associate with WSF.
Open Society Foundations are providing $700,000 for a new digital democracy accelerator, which will convene and support 12 government and civil society teams as they launch participatory programs for digital policymaking. The program will focus on artificial intelligence and data policies, as well as other emerging digital policy issues. The initial funding will support new programs in Europe, but we are in active discussions with other funders to expand the program to other regions.
“Tech issues affect us all, and yet many of us feel unable to engage with the rules governing our digital lives. This is why we’re excited to support People Powered to undertake this initiative, which will explore whether digital policymaking can be made more inclusive, more effective and more just, by bringing the people affected by tech issues into the decision-making process about it,” says Rose Longhurst, head of team for democratic renewal with Open Society Europe and Central Asia.
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, the initial funder of People Powered, is also renewing its support with an additional $500,000 grant. This will enable People Powered to continue working with our members and partners to build essential global resources and infrastructure. These funds will support continued development of the projects chosen by our members as priorities, including the Participation Playbook, Rising Stars mentorship program, and digital participation resources and ratings.
To learn more about working with People Powered, contact us at info@peoplepowered.org.