Grants Engage Voters ahead of 2022 Elections

Thanks to our generous donors, Heartland Fund grants support organizations at a critical moment to defend democracy and build momentum ahead of the 2022 elections.

The stakes are sky high this year. The same factions that conspired to attack our country on January 6 are taking away women’s right to make healthcare decisions, placing deliberate barriers to voting, and spreading disinformation meant to divide us. While we push back against these divisive forces, we also have opportunities to pass historic legislation that will give people the tools they need to improve their lives.

Heartland Fund grantees engage hundreds of thousands of people in rural areas, small towns, and small cities, changing what’s possible in rural communities. 
 

Democracy Victories in Alaska

We recently renewed support to AKPIRG, The Mobilization Center, and Alaska Native People's Action, who led and contributed to two major Alaska victories: fair election districts and Tribal recognition of Alaska's 229 federally recognized tribes. These policies transform Alaska by establishing foundational pro-democracy policies and shift power so communities are in a better position to address the challenges they face. 
 

Funding Civic Engagement in Key States

More Ohio voters have been purged from the rolls in the past decade than any other state except Georgia — disproportionately stripping the opportunity to vote from young and low-income people, and voters of color. A smart and disciplined pro-democracy coalition is fighting back, laying the groundwork for a voting access ballot measure, and winning multiple state Supreme Court decisions against highly gerrymandered districts. However, the rulings are being challenged, and Ohio is still using the unfair maps in 2022. This year’s state-level and local outcomes will determine the state landscape for the decade ahead. We are funding seven groups that make up a new rural coalition that includes several small industrial cities and key exurban battlegrounds. These efforts are central to the democracy defense strategy this year, and we’re excited to support: Freedom BLOC, RuralOrganizing.org, Ohio Student Association, Faith in Public Life OH, Innovation Ohio, and River Valley Organizing.

We also are providing critical support in Montana to Northern Plains Resource Council, Big Sky 55+, Western Native Voice, Montana Women Vote, MontPIRG, and United Today Stronger Tomorrow. Our grantees will be working to turn out voters in a high-profile State Supreme Court race and newly formed second congressional district.
 

Supporting Small Businesses to Advocacy for Us All

For many rural communities and small cities, small businesses provide valuable jobs and services. They often play a significant cultural role, creating unique main streets. Small business owners speak with moral authority and have unparalleled public support. With grants to Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, and Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Heartland Fund is supporting small businesses to advocate for the solutions we all need — limits on giant corporations to encourage competition, support for working families, and voting rights. These coalitions are shifting the narrative.
 

Engaging Youth Leaders

The actions we take over the next few months will determine how many rural young voters participate in this year’s elections. Rural voters under 40 are highly undecided and turnout varies significantly. But don’t mistake inconsistent voting patterns for apathy. Rural young people care about their communities, often hold a deep connection to local outdoor places, and are concerned about larger environmental and social issues. Most young people support policies to ensure good jobs, affordable housing, and healthcare. They also want authentic ways to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives. When young people carve a path to participate, they can make a big difference in outcomes. We recently committed funds to Loud Light, MontPIRG, and New Hampshire Youth Movement — organizations developing successful youth leaders who bring fresh energy and new voters to larger statewide coalitions. 
 

Path to Progress Runs Through Rural America

These are just a few examples of how recent grants support the Heartland Fund network to defend democracy and give people the tools they need to transform rural communities. Our grants ensure the groups in our network can build their capacity, engage in meaningful policy, and mobilize people to engage in this year’s elections. This work requires ongoing, year-round engagement, and the opportunities far outstrip our current resources. With your help, we will continue to support the highest impact efforts in small cities and rural areas.

Support rural people working to transform rural America. Make a gift to Heartland Fund today!

Photo Credit: MontPIRG