Democracy Funders Strategy Summit: Combatting Authoritarianism

The Democracy Funders Strategy Summit: Combatting Authoritarianism will provide a unique and timely opportunity for funders concerned about American democracy to come together and identify how to prevent authoritarianism from gaining hold in the U.S. in the near term, while working to enhance democracy’s effectiveness and allure over the long run.

Funders and organizations invested in the health of American democracy are facing yet another major election year in which the stakes appear higher than at any point in recent history. Far beyond questions of one political party winning or losing, we are grappling with the possibility that democracy as a system of government is in peril, along with all of the liberties such a system entails.

As authoritarian forces tighten their grip around the world, the United States is continuing to see upticks in politically motivated violence; attempts to undermine free elections; normalization of anti-democratic behavior; escalation of white supremacy, marginalization, and targeting of minority groups; openly authoritarian presidential campaign promises; elevated risks to philanthropic and civil society organizations; and further degradation of the public’s trust in government – and each other.

In an intimate mountain setting, this strategy summit will be an unparalleled opportunity for funders to discuss work already underway to combat authoritarianism, identify remaining opportunities, and explore areas for collaboration. Funders will consider how short-term investments can be leveraged to positively impact democracy in the long run. Through a combination of programmed and unprogrammed sessions, we will intentionally lean into areas of strategic disagreement and tension in order to deepen our understanding and elevate the best collective thinking about the space. Using scenario planning and other tools, we will collectively wrestle with what to expect in the months to come.

June 2024 will not be a moment for business as usual. There will already be much work underway and much more yet to discuss. We hope you can join us.

Co-Hosted by:

• Center for Secure and Modern Elections
• Civic (Re)Solve
• Democracy Funders Network
• Institute for Responsive Government
• Leadership Now Project
• New Pluralists
• One for Democracy
• Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement
• State Infrastructure Fund
• Trusted Elections Fund
• Trust for Civic Life
• Unite America
• Voter Engagement Fund

General registration for all funders will open March 1st.

For current DFN members: To register during the DFN member early registration period between February 15-February 29, enter your exclusive DFN member access code to get your ticket. If you do not have an access code, please contact Hillary Hooke at hillary@thirdplateau.com.

This Summit is for funders supporting organizations in the democracy space. If you’re not a funder, please email Hillary Hooke (hillary@thirdplateau.com) to discuss your participation before registering.

DFN members are eligible for a $250 discount on registration -- one discount per member family or organization. Note that contributions to DFN from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are not able to cover membership benefits, including the registration discount.

COVID Safety:

The summit hosts are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic status and public health guidance. We will require all participants to take a COVID test (rapid antigen or PCR) prior to arrival at the event. We do not currently plan to require masking indoors but certainly welcome it for participants who feel more comfortable masked. Some meals will take place outdoors. Registrations will be fully refundable (minus the Eventbrite fee) until May 30.