Tina Nabatchi, Joseph A. Strasser Endowed Professor in Public Administration in the Maxwell School, submitted a request to The Reynolds Foundation to fund a project called “On the Front Lines of Democracy: (Re)Shaping the Ecosystem of Freedom and Philanthropy.”
With a new $1 million gift from The Reynolds Foundation, researchers at the hope to create a new global map, one that provides a clear pathway to strengthening democracy and freedom throughout the world.
“We hope to be able to map the global democracy movement, to create bridges between those individuals and organizations that can provide resources and support and those on the front lines doing the work of democracy,” says Tina Nabatchi, Joseph A. Strasser Endowed Professor in Public Administration and director of the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC). She submitted a request to The Reynolds Foundation to fund a project called “On the Front Lines of Democracy: (Re)Shaping the Ecosystem of Freedom and Philanthropy.”
“This project is based on a fundamental premise,” says Nabatchi. “If we want to shape and strengthen the ecosystem for democracy and freedom around the world, then we must bridge the critical gap between what actors on the frontlines of democracy are doing and how and why the philanthropic community is, and is not, supporting them.”
The foundation, which focuses its funding on medicine, education, and freedom and democracy, was impressed. “The Front Lines of Democracy project is a timely intervention in a global crisis. It comes at a pivotal moment in history, making it of particular interest to The Reynolds Foundation,” says Alvaro Salas-Castro G’18, president and CEO.
“With 72% of the global population now living under authoritarian rule, the erosion of democracy is no longer a distant concern, it is an urgent global emergency. Yet, the philanthropic response remains dramatically disproportionate,” Salas-Castro says. “By spotlighting this imbalance and exploring why democracy and freedom remain underfunded, the project fills a critical gap in both awareness and strategy and offers a unique opportunity to respond at a moment when the need for bold, coordinated support for democratic resilience has never been greater.”
Nabatchi notes that only about 2% of U.S.-based philanthropic funding is directed toward supporting democracy and freedom efforts. A critical focus of the Front Lines project is to facilitate research into understanding how foundations, philanthropists and other funders perceive investments in democracy and freedom.
“Maybe they are interested in women’s rights or biodiversity. Can we articulate a case connecting those interests with democracy efforts?” says Nabatchi. “Can we help philanthropists figure out better ways to get their money to groups on the ground who are doing good work, even—or maybe especially—if they are working in countries that lack stable democratic institutions.”
The project team will conduct extensive research to assess the supply side of the ecosystem (foundations, philanthropists, etc.) and examine the demand side of the ecosystem (democracy advocates and activists operating on the ground around the world), and then build an effective network of connectors and connections. The intention, of course, is to ensure that resources (funding, technical and operational support, etc.) are directed where they are needed most, and where they have the greatest chance of impacting lives in positive ways.
“This initiative embodies the kind of bold, systems-level thinking we urgently need,” says Maximilien Reynolds, director of projects at The Reynolds Foundation. “By highlighting the ecosystem and connecting those on the front lines with meaningful philanthropic resources, this project offers not only insight, but actionable pathways to strengthen freedom globally. We’re proud to support a vision that turns data into strategy, and strategy into real-world impact.”
“There are few things more important in the world or more fundamental to Maxwell’s mission than the preservation and promotion of democracy,” says Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke. “This gift from The Reynolds Foundation will enable our researchers, led by Tina Nabatchi, to expand the scope and impact of all those supporting, studying and investing in the foundations of democracy.”
“Interdisciplinary research is the hallmark of ϲ,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Bringing together the best minds in social sciences, public policy, public administration, international relations, sociology, geography, public affairs and more creates an ecosystem from which innovative ideas can translate into real-world change.”
The University’s interdisciplinary research and experience were important to The Reynolds Foundation and familiar to Salas-Castro, who completed his doctoral studies at ϲ.
“My own experience at Maxwell gave me a deep appreciation for the power of rigorous, interdisciplinary research to address complex global challenges. That approach is clearly evident in the Front Lines of Democracy project,” Salas-Castro says. “The combination of academic excellence, practical application and a strong commitment to democratic values mirrors the very ethos of the school. Knowing the strength of the faculty, the collaborative culture, and the resources at PARCC, I have complete confidence in the project’s ability to generate meaningful insights and lasting impact.”
Nabatchi believes the new gift strengthens the University’s position in the global study and strengthening of democracy. She notes the impressive and important work of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC) in Washington, D.C., as an extension of the research taking place on campus and a bridge between PARCC and the Maxwell School’s advocacy efforts in the nation’s capital.
“I’d like to see similarly impactful work integrating research in democracy, advocacy, activism and philanthropy centralized on the University’s main campus through PARCC and the Maxwell School,” Nabatchi says. “Maxwell has a long history of success with projects that connect research and practice. We are great at research and teaching and we are insanely good at building networks. I’ve never seen the kind of alumni networks we’ve built at Maxwell and ϲ anywhere else! I’d like to see us bring together all those strengths to impact the lives of people around the world.”
The new research funding will help develop data-driven strategies to strengthen networks of advocates and funders by mapping key actors, resources and funding flows and prioritizing issues, geographies and communities in urgent need of support. Beyond more traditional academic research publications, the project team also will create comprehensive guides, webinars and training materials to educate funders and activists on the most impactful ways to assist and advance democracy movements.
“I envision a Grantmaker’s Guide to Democracy and Freedom,” says Nabatchi. “This would help those who are passionate about democracy and freedom direct their resources to individuals and groups on the ground who are doing good work, and help ensure that philanthropy is having a measurable impact on improving lives.
“In this polarized world, the work we are doing is not partisan. It is inherently political, but not partisan. It’s collaborative,” Nabatchi says. “It’s about making philanthropy more potent, and ultimately, strengthening democracy globally.”
