“All by April” Campaign Calls on Philanthropy to Fund Democracy Early

Democracy Fund recently launched All by April, a coordinated national effort urging philanthropy to accelerate and streamline election-related grant-making ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The campaign calls on foundations, donor networks, and individual philanthropists to commit and distribute nonpartisan 501(c)(3) election funding no later than April 2026.

The goal is simple but significant: ensure that the nonpartisan organizations working to protect access to voting, strengthen election administration, and support civic participation have resources in place BEFORE election pressures peak. Early funding allows grantee partners to plan effectively, hire staff, build capacity, and respond quickly to emerging needs—all of which become more difficult as the election season intensifies.

For ACS clients, particularly those supporting civic engagement, public policy, and movement infrastructure through philanthropic support, this model reflects an evolving expectation: philanthropy must not only fund the work but also support the conditions that allow it to succeed. That includes predictable timelines, fewer administrative barriers, and trust in the expertise of community-based organizations.

As the 2026 elections approach, All by April is a reminder that timing matters. When resources arrive early, organizations are better positioned to build meaningful, equitable, and lasting impact. Learn more about the initiative, its impact in the 2024 election, and how nonprofits say funders can go further here.