Community Foundations Are Urging Residents to Get Out and Vote. Here’s How.

With Election Day fast approaching, community foundations across the country are stepping up efforts to increase voter turnout and encourage more people to get to the polls.

In Connecticut, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation recently launched a nonpartisan, bilingual Get Out the Vote campaign that informs and encourages residents to vote, especially individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in the political process.

Through a combination of audio streaming, digital advertising, print,  social media, and earned media outreach, the foundation is committed to raising awareness, so residents are well-informed and have the confidence to get out and vote.

Through a series of grants awarded to local organizations, FCCF is hoping to reach as many people as possible.

“Throughout Connecticut, the absence of county-wide governments creates the potential for isolated decision-making and a “not-in-my-backyard” mentality, making the upcoming local election a crucial moment in shaping our county’s future,” said Chin Nnodum, the foundation’s director of community strategies.

Meanwhile, The New York Community Trust — through its GoVoteNYC Fund — recently announced $475,000 in grants to support voter participation, with particular focus on ramping up turnout for local elections.

“GoVoteNYC supports nonprofit partners that are deploying both creative new ideas and proven approaches to reach voters,” said Patricia A. Swann, program director of Thriving Communities at The New York Community Trust and a GoVoteNYC co-chair. “And it’s inspiring to see the success of traditional engagement and the development of new tools and approaches.”

The effort included a published op-ed that highlighted key findings regarding voter engagement and motivation.

Elsewhere, community foundations are focused on increasing voter education or engaging communities where chronic gerrymandering has led to significant disenfranchisement. 

The Greater Toledo Community Foundation recently granted Reinvest Toledo $15,000 to support the education and recruitment of residents from low voter turnout ZIP codes to increase voter turnout.

And in Alabama, the Black Belt Community Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting its residents and partners by providing resources that will educate and encourage voter participation, especially in predominantly Black communities.

The trend toward community foundations supporting increased voter education and participation is likely to accelerate in 2024 with the high profile presidential election and the battle for control of Congress, along with scores of statewide and local races.