The relationship between faith and democracy has long been an area of interest for funders. In the United States, debates about the proper role of religion in public life are enduring—but so too is the dynamic, evolving interplay between faith communities and democratic practice. Headlines often highlight how this relationship shapes civic life, for better and for worse.
How are grantmakers to make sense of this complexity?
This guide examines the role of faith communities in shaping American civic life and offers a practical framework for funders seeking to engage them as partners in advancing a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
This guide is meant for funders who are:
• Focused on democracy and civic life and want to increase their impact by engaging faith communities.
• Already investing in faith-inspired organizations but who are seeking a deeper understanding of the unique role those organizations play in the health of democracy and civic life.
• Anyone else who cares about the intersection of faith, democracy, civic engagement, and public life.
Faith communities have long contributed to American democracy and civic life. They have served as custodians of democratic values and builders of much of the civic infrastructure that supports our democracy today.
Why are some so hesitant to integrate faith communities into their efforts to strengthen democracy?
In this episode of Keeping PACE, Kristen presents PACE’s new Funding Guide for Faith and Democracy, shares why she is personally excited about the project, and why she thinks the project was a worthy pursuit.
From 2019-2022, PACE facilitated a pooled fund which granted over $1 million to more than 30 faith-inspired organizations.
We also organized a learning community of 35 practitioners, academics, funders, and analysts who gathered regularly to consolidate knowledge regarding best practices for successful work and funding at this intersection.
Our hope is to amplify the good and necessary work happening at the faith-democracy nexus to generate increased interest, attention, and resources from philanthropy. We would love to connect and tell you how to get involved.
