Healthy Democracy Action Fund

Fostering a More Inclusive Democracy

Tides Advocacy’s Healthy Democracy Action Fund (HDAF) is an initiative committed to fundamentally changing the balance of power in U.S. politics by building the influence of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, with a focus on mobilizing for elections, shaping the public agenda, and demanding policy change.

A collage depicting BIPOCs standing up for equality and democracy

HDAF supports year-round civic engagement and organizing work in key states and transformative strategies for centering BIPOC-led movements in the broader political process.

The Healthy Democracy Action Fund (HDAF) is a Tides Advocacy grantmaking initiative whose grantmaking purpose is to foster a more inclusive democracy and shift power to historically underrepresented communities. 

Strong BIPOC-led organizations are foundational to securing progressive wins now in a way that catalyzes transformative advocacy victories in the long-term. And, funding these efforts well in advance of elections helps to solidify winning campaign plans, address critical staffing needs, and ensure rigorous political engagement towards electoral justice in 2024 and beyond. 

Transforming the Political Map

HDAF supports organizations that are running electoral and policy field programs at the local and state level. We are committed to partnerships in states where there are strategic policy and electoral justice opportunities, and where strong BIPOC-led coalitions are transforming the political system for the long-term. 

Strengthening Political Movements  

HDAF connects organizations with the resources they need to continue testing new strategies and to advance critical, underfunded work for broader movement building, with an eye towards increasing the political influence of under-represented communities in politically challenging contexts.

HDAF's early infusion of c4 funding to BIPOC-led grassroots organizations ensures that we don't leave power on the table this year. c4 funding is vital to building our multiracial democracy because it allows organizations to move in lockstep with the communities they serve, and deliver in ways that make meaningful change well beyond this election cycle.

Quanita Toffie

Executive Director of Groundswell Action Fund and Tides Advocacy Board Member

In 2024, HDAF will prioritize grants to 501(c)(4) organizations that are:

  • Multiracial coalitions and base-building organizations with potential for long-term power building and governance through mobilization in 2024, especially in geographic areas where BIPOC, young, and working-class voters can make up the margin of victory. 

  • 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations with progressive voter engagement programs that can scale up to meet the moment. 

  • Communication and narrative projects that focus on persuasion and mobilization of BIPOC, young, and working-class voters.

  • Safety and security for community organizations due to the threat of political violence.

Together we can build long-term political progressive power to safeguard community wellbeing and advance a social justice agenda.