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. Above all, to achieve this change we need sustained, vigorous participation of those directly affected by injustice and those disaffected with a political system that benefits from their exclusion.

 

Centering on these communities and supporting their power building work is essential to securing progressive wins now in a way that catalyzes transformative victories in the longer term.

 

Political Movement Infrastructure Project 

Our belief is that a strong, permanent political infrastructure is core to navigating complexity and building community power for the long-term. And that greater community influence in politics and policymaking can lead to justice.

 

We also understand that no two movement processes look the same. That’s why the Healthy Democracy Action Fund launched a call for proposals in the fall of 2021 to strengthen our collective political infrastructure, starting with investments in individual organizations and movements.

 

An advisory committee of Tides Advocacy partners led grantmaking strategy development, submission review, and grant recommendations through a collectivist and participatory process.

 

Announcing Grantees for our Inaugural Cycle

 

We’re thrilled to announce the HDAF partners for the Political Movement Infrastructure Project, representing $1M in 501(c)(4) grants to BIPOC-led groups building long-term advocacy and political power.

 

As a pro-Black organization, Tides Advocacy is committed to advancing racial justice and collective liberation by growing the political power of Black, Indigenous and people of color-led movements and communities.

 

“We are excited to liberate more political dollars into the field. In this moment, it is important for all donors and funders to consider how we may move 501c4 dollars as communities are battling for their lives at every front.”

Romy Avila, Tides Advocacy Chief Executive Officer

 

This year, the Political Movement Infrastructure Project is partnering with 19 organizations across 13 states and regional initiatives that are transforming our movement infrastructure.

 

HDAF is committed to supporting vibrant, permanent and community-led political infrastructure as core to building BIPOC influence in decision-making spaces. Our grantee partners are centering abolitionist, anti-capitalist and liberatory principles in their visions for movement strengthening. From creating sustainable power within Muslim and BIPOC communities every year in Michigan, to strengthening the political voice of Black communities in Kentucky and Arizona, our grantees are laying the foundations for long-lasting change.

 

"We're living through transformative times and it's inspiring to see so many organizations across our country working to not only fight for a more equitable America but also fighting to preserve our democracy."

   Quentin Savwoir, HDAF Advisory Committee member

 

“This process was an amazing experience to see there are Black and brown groups focused on grappling with abolitionist, anti capitalist and equitable electoral justice organizing efforts throughout the country in new visionary and refreshing ways. Best of blessings to all the organizations-- those which received, and those which didn’t, because your work and goals are valid, exciting and worthy.”

Lenisha Gibson, HDAF Advisory Committee member

 

1000 Women Strong
1Hood Power
Alabama Forward Action
Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance
Black Leadership Action Coalition of Kentucky (B.L.A.C.K.)
CEJA Action*
CIRC Action Fund
COLOR Action Fund
DC Working Families Party
Dream Defenders*
Emgage Action
FLIC Votes
LA Voice Action
Make the Road Pennsylvania
Mass Liberation Arizona*
Miami Freedom Project
Sage Leaders
TIRRC Votes
VOCAL-NY Action Fund

 

Political Infrastructure Project Advisory Committee

 

We are grateful for the leadership and strategic direction from our Advisory Committee.

Jonathan Bix – For the Many*

Anathea Chino – Advance Native Political Leadership Action Fund*

Lenisha Gibson – Dream Defenders*

Quentin Savwoir – Make It Work NV*

Mabel Tsang- CEJA Action*

Regina Tsang- Rising Voices*

 

*Each a project of Tides Advocacy

 

Healthy Democracy Action Fund is a program of Tides Advocacy, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.