Companies are people too, at least according to the US Supreme Court. And while they can’t vote, there are numerous ways companies big and small can empower their employees and communities, apply their political capital, and deploy resources toward supporting healthy democracies.
Companies can remove barriers to voting and volunteering at the polls by providing paid time off on election days and can ensure their employees understand their voting rights by partnering with organizations leading civic engagement programs. They can even move the needle through their business practices, implementing frameworks for exerting political influence responsibly and in ways that strengthen civic institutions.
As we move through the final 100 days of the US election season, we’re encouraging companies to consider supporting civic engagement programs across the country, like those Tides’ Healthy Democracy Fund is proud to support. We urge corporate philanthropies to fund nonprofits, research groups, and activists around the world that are working to protect democratic processes in their local context.
There’s a role for everyone — especially corporations — to play to defend democracy in the US and abroad. Whatever path your team determines is right for you and your stakeholders, we hope these examples of companies, funders, and activists playing their part to protect fair elections provide some inspiration.
— Tides’ Corporate and Strategic Initiatives Team
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Nonprofits, research groups, and activists around the globe are grappling with the unique ways bad actors are using AI and other related emerging technologies to discourage civic engagement and impact elections. Tides’ managing advisor Diana Hunter and Albert Cevallos, who led Tides Center’s efforts supporting the Innovation for Change network, uplift organizations that are working to ensure a responsible AI future, protect fair elections, and maintain reliable information ecosystems.
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41% of nonprofits report having been victims of a cyberattack within the past three years and, with cybercrimes continuing to increase in frequency and complexity, investing in the cybersecurity of nonprofit and public institutions is critical. Tides’ chief digital and transformation officer Sajit Joseph explains why cybersecurity is a social justice issue and why funders should invest in bolstering nonprofit cybersecurity capacity and building a diverse cybersecurity talent pipeline.
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- Zoom is not just for virtual meetings; it’s a vital tool for organizing. This month, Zoom enhanced its capabilities to enable up to one million meeting participants, seemingly in response to demand from organizers supporting the 2024 presidential election efforts, creating a vital space for voter engagement and mobilization. See how this technological expansion is empowering supporters and enabling significant engagement from voters across the board.
- The Upwork Foundation works to close the global opportunity gap by connecting marginalized communities with life-sustaining knowledge work, no matter their location. And they’re continuously evolving their funding strategy to lean into trust-based philanthropy and better support grant applicants. Learn how they are reducing the burden on grant applicants so they can spend more time changing the world and less time filling out forms.
- Sephora North America CEO Artemis Patrick passionately defends the company's DEI initiatives, showcasing how integral these values are to their corporate identity and success. Explore how Sephora is setting a standard for inclusivity and what other companies can learn from their approach.
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Through its Okta for Good initiative, Okta commits $50 million to tackle critical global challenges including cybersecurity, digital equity, and climate action. Discover how this strategic investment is not only a continuation but an expansion of Okta’s foundational impact, reinforcing its role as a leader in both tech innovation and corporate responsibility.
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- Fast Company suggests five ways brands can encourage civic participation and remain true to their values without “getting too political.”
- Forbes makes the case for helping employees vote, highlighting the work of several companies who believe “workers shouldn’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and voting.”
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- Tides’ Healthy Democracy Fund lead, Beth Huang, explains how “suddenly, there’s a lot funders can do to increase turnout.” Funders looking to boost civic engagement can take inspiration from the work the fund’s partners are doing to counter voter suppression.
- Leaders of Tides’ Just Health Fund and Healthy Democracy Fund met with our partners to discuss the steps marginalized communities have been taking to protect themselves in the two years since Roe was overturned. Learn how Tides and our partners are fighting for reproductive justice in 2024.
- Funders leaning into trust-based philanthropy often must confront the ways their practices and approaches have fallen short. Consider these six questions that funders can ask themselves to ensure they're working to build genuine and equitable relationships with their grantees.
Photo credit: Engage Miami, partner of Alliance for Youth Organizing, a Tides HDF grantee.
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