We are in a crisis of democracy on all fronts. The president has plans to gerrymander districts in states like Texas to ensure wins in the 2026 midterm elections. It is a deliberate strategy to thwart our constitutional democracy, taking away the power of voters and putting it into the hands of a few people to control all levers of government. This is a time for philanthropy to lean in.
On November 4, California is holding a special election that gives voters a voice in the California Election Rigging Response Act, or Proposition 50. California voters will have a say in how to protect our democracy through Proposition 50, unlike in Texas, where the governor is forcing a vote at the state legislature, bypassing voters altogether. Proposition 50 is our best shot at holding the line on California’s values of a multiracial democracy and an opportunity to level the playing field on the national level.
Donors and foundations can provide an infusion of hope and investment at a time when many communities are paralyzed with fear. Philanthropy can still fund civic engagement for this election, similar to supporting outreach for the Census or getting people to the polls.
By no means is Proposition 50 a slam dunk. A perfect storm is threatening this special election. Our communities are still reeling from the militarized immigration raids in Los Angeles that have spread across the country. Most voters don’t even know there is an election, compounded by fears of federal intimidation at voting centers. Meanwhile, a crucial and expanding bloc of no-party preference voters may not turn out unless we engage them directly at their homes and in their own language.
As the fourth-largest economy in the world, what happens in our state matters. It is our civic duty — for California and the rest of the country — to educate voters and protect their ability to cast votes on November 4. The California Donor Table has sent out nearly $2 million ($200,000 from our 501c3 fund for nonpartisan voter engagement work and $1.75 million from our issues committee in direct support of Yes on Prop 50). There are legal, nonpartisan avenues for foundations to engage. We invite our friends in philanthropy to fund and to donate courageously, like the California Community Foundation’s donation of over $1 million for Proposition 50.
According to a July 2025 Berkeley IGS poll, an overwhelming majority, or 64%, of California voters believe American democracy is under attack. Investing in grantee partners on the front lines will go a long way this election and next year’s midterms towards long-term infrastructure. The need for credible messengers and robust civic engagement programs is especially critical in countering disinformation.
As one of California’s lead philanthropic advisors, I have observed the chilling effect the federal administration’s threats to progressive philanthropy have had across the board. And it’s having an impact on fundraising for this special election.
Among my many roles, I am a mother of two school-age children, an elected school board member in Los Angeles County, and a former civil rights attorney. Each year, I do a presentation about our constitution to elementary students. It’s something I look forward to and consider it my civic duty to teach the younger generation about how democracy works.
A central part of my presentation is how the government’s authority comes from the people — that we, and yes, even elementary school kids, are the ultimate source of power. This is exercised through free and fair elections and is what Proposition 50 is about.
Progressive philanthropy has a record of being bold and courageous. Most recently, over 100 foundations announced plans to push back against the president’s crackdown on nonprofits. Funders have been instrumental in moving the needle on voting rights, climate change, education, reproductive justice, healthcare, and racial justice, only to see generations of progress erased over the last eight months.
Our democracy is in peril. Philanthropy can stand up to authoritarianism by funding in record amounts.
Nonprofit 501c3 and 501c4 organizations have a critical role in voter education and civic participation. Our grantees have a track record of successful civic engagement efforts and are already knocking on doors and canvasing on the phones. They just need more funding.
Our democracy is stronger when communities exercise their right to vote. It’s not too late for philanthropy to make a difference.
Rebecca Hamburg is Chief Impact Officer of the California Donor Table.