American Democracy BFF Grantees

Meridian International Center is a premier nonprofit, global leadership organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Building on more than 55 years of experience, Meridian prepares U.S. and international leaders to meet global challenges and opportunities. Meridian’s programs delivers the approach and environment for leaders to understand global issues and cultures, exchange ideas, collaborate on solutions, and build valuable relationships.

A vibrant democracy requires an engaged electorate at every level. Yet, low voter participation rates have become a persistent feature of elections up and down the ballot, and in 2016, voter turnout dropped to a 20 year low. Participation rates are even lower in local elections than in state and national elections and are continuing a decades-long trend of decline. Young people, communities of color, and low-income citizens are consistently underrepresented among the electorate.

Co-Chaired by Michelle Obama, When We All Vote (WWAV) is a 501(c)(3), nonpartisan, non-profit on a mission to increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap, specifically targeting young people and historically underrepresented voters. WWAV works across all 50 states and DC while making additional focused investments in cities where there are high concentrations of historically underrepresented voters.

Democracy Works provides the infrastructure for a 21st-century democracy. We accomplish this through three main strategies: TurboVote directly helps millions of voters participate in elections, our Voting Information Project turns the internet into an amplifier for information about where and how to vote, and our services and technology help states modernize. Our network of major tech platforms, corporations, nonprofits, universities, and election officials in all 50 states gives us the power to reach every voter in the US.

Officially opened in October 2005, The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) is a $27 million, 110,000 square-foot campus located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC’s Ward 8. THEARC was built and is operated by Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR) a nonprofit 501-c-3 organization. Funding for building THEARC ($27 million) came entirely from charitable contributions by the Federal and District government, corporations, foundations and individuals. THEARC is a key part of a revitalization of the area known as East of the (Anacostia) River in Washington, DC.

THEARC is a home away from home for the many underserved children and adults of East of the River, enabling them to participate in dance classes, music instruction, fine arts, academics, continuing education, mentoring, tutoring, recreation, medical and dental care, and other services at a substantially reduced cost or no cost at all.

Meridian International Center is a premier nonprofit, global leadership organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Building on more than 55 years of experience, Meridian prepares U.S. and international leaders to meet global challenges and opportunities. Meridian’s programs delivers the approach and environment for leaders to understand global issues and cultures, exchange ideas, collaborate on solutions, and build valuable relationships.

Welcoming America’s goal is to help communities across the USA and the Washington DC region take a proactive approach to incorporate their growing immigrant populations. Our Member Network of over 200 local government and nonprofit partners have worked with business, faith, and community partners to help more immigrant families learn English, access employment opportunities, become citizens, open and grow businesses, and feel at home in their adopted hometowns. We work to make communities across the country places of shared prosperity and where everyone is valued, with inclusion for all.

For over 37 years, Martha’s Table has worked to support stronger children, stronger families, and stronger communities by increasing access to quality education programs, healthy food, and family supports. Every child deserves the opportunity for their brightest future, and a deeply engaged family and community committed to their success.

Meridian International Center is a premier nonprofit, global leadership organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Building on more than 55 years of experience, Meridian prepares U.S. and international leaders to meet global challenges and opportunities. Meridian’s programs delivers the approach and environment for leaders to understand global issues and cultures, exchange ideas, collaborate on solutions, and build valuable relationships.

The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy.

As the National Archives’ nonprofit partner, the Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world.