Civic engagement connects residents to the systems of governance that impact their daily lives and is a powerful tool for advancing empowerment, belonging and representation. Rose Community Foundation is committed to strengthening democracy and fostering inclusive civic engagement by investing in organizations that encourage community involvement and nonpartisan voter participation.
In 2023, the Foundation awarded over $500,000 to local organizations that engage diverse and historically under-reached populations to participate in policy and electoral processes at the local level. Each organization prioritizes the voices of impacted communities, demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing equity, and is led by individuals who reflect the communities they serve.
“Advancing civic engagement takes more than just aspiration; it requires active investment,” says Lindy Eichenbaum Lent, president and CEO of Rose Community Foundation. “This is where philanthropy can serve as a catalyst for change, recognizing the invaluable role of civic participation in cultivating inclusive, equitable, informed and engaged communities.”
Solutions in Action
Beyond grantmaking, the Foundation recently hosted a learning session on building strong, inclusive civic engagement in the Greater Denver region and how charitable giving can support these efforts. Session speakers included Katherine Archuleta of Latina Initiative, Neha Mahajan of Transformative Leadership for Change and Susie Roman of YouthScan. These organizations are dedicated to engaging diverse communities before, during, and after the election, aiming to increase participation in policy and electoral processes.
Katherine Archuleta emphasized that key issues like inflation, fair and just immigration policies, healthcare—especially reproductive healthcare—and community safety will be prominent this election season. However, middle- and low-income families often face challenges accessing the information needed to make informed decisions when voting on these topics.
Latina Initiative works year-round to increase the influence of Latina voters by promoting and implementing culturally relevant, inclusive communication, education, and voter engagement strategies. This approach ensures that civic engagement extends beyond election cycles.
Susie Roman highlighted that many youth feel disconnected from policy processes. YouthScan is working to change this by elevating youth voices in decision-making, identifying emerging needs, and offering youth-driven solutions to community issues.
“The project was designed to proactively connect with youth who have historically been furthest from power,” says Susie. “Youth have a voice and we can tap into that with our project.”
Another organization, the Climate Justice Collaborative of Boulder County, is mobilizing residents to address environmental injustices, particularly the Valmont Power Plant’s toxic coal ash waste, which poses significant risks to surrounding communities. The group’s project focuses on advocating for a transparent and fair cleanup process.
“This grant gives us the resources to ensure that impacted residents can have their voices heard by the institutions that need to listen,” said Micha Kurz of the Climate Justice Collaborative Steering Committee. “There can be no justice without strong communities.”
How to Support Strong & Inclusive Civic Engagement
For individuals looking to support civic engagement across the Greater Denver region, the panelists stressed the importance of year-round support for projects that foster active participation from communities furthest from power.
“I would ask people to think about their path to victory and if it includes communities that have been historically ignored,” says Katherine. “When you write or talk to a campaign organizer, ask how they are including communities of color and what they are doing to build democracy.”
By continuing to collaborate and innovate, nonprofit organizations and philanthropic partners can pave a way towards civic engagement and voter participation that is inclusive, dynamic, and capable of driving meaningful change.