Encouraging citizens to participate in our democracy by promoting campaign finance reform, ethical government, fair elections, and an independent judiciary.
Democracy Program Staff George Cheung Maria Demopoulos
Most Americans expect great things from our nation’s leaders. The Joyce Foundation aims to make these expectations a reality by strengthening our democracy and balancing political influence and promoting campaign finance reform. We believe in informing and empowering citizens so they can participate in our democracy. The foundation works to promote open and ethical government, fair and competitive elections, and an independent judiciary.
Too often, well-funded special interests have more access to, and influence with, decision-makers than ordinary citizens and the groups that represent them. The Joyce Foundation supports organizations seeking to balance political influence through campaign finance reforms. Learn More.
Gerrymandering – the drawing of districts to promote particular interests rather than the fair representation of citizens – has become a fine art and undermines the public’s confidence in elections. The Joyce Foundation supports open and nonpartisan redistricting procedures. Learn More.
The Joyce Foundation supports efforts to ensure efficient and honest elections that are open to all citizens who have the right to vote. Learn More.
The election of state judges has become increasingly partisan and expensive, raising concerns about an independent, impartial, and fair judiciary. In the U.S., nine out of 10 state judges are elected, but low voter turnout – sometimes barely above 10 percent – can give undue influence to well-financed and powerful interest groups. The Joyce Foundation supports efforts to keep courts fair and to ensure state judges serve the public’s interest. Learn More.
Report Released at Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Symposium.
Joyce Foundation staff speaks during philanthropy conference in Chicago April 7-9 in Chicago
In December, the board of the Joyce Foundation approved an updated strategy for the Money & Politics program, now renamed the Democracy Program to better...
The Joyce Foundation 321 North Clark Street, Suite 1500 Chicago, Illinois 60654 Phone: (312) 782-2464 | Fax: (312) 595-1350