Independent Sector, the League of Women Voters, Nonprofit VOTE, and the Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy Program launched Voices in Action, a collaborative initiative designed to equip nonprofits with the tools, confidence, and clarity they need to engage their communities in the democratic process ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Nonprofits are navigating growing challenges that directly affect the communities they serve, from shifts in public policy to increasing barriers to participation in civic life. At the same time, many of the people nonprofits reach every day remain underrepresented in elections and decision-making. As some of the most trusted institutions in these communities, nonprofits are uniquely positioned to help people access information, participate in the democratic process, and have a say in the issues that shape their lives, according to language in the announcement of the coalition.
“Nonprofits are uniquely positioned to boost civic engagement within their communities and to educate voters on how to have their voices heard at the polls,” Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort, Senior Bolder Advocacy Program Director at Alliance for Justice said via a statement. “While 501(c)(3)s are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates, they have a critical role to play during election season.”
“Charitable nonprofits have always been integral to our nation’s advancement of voting rights. From the anti-slavery societies of the 19th century to the churches, student groups, and civil rights organizations of the 1950s and 1960s, nonprofits have been there, helping our neighbors organize and cast their ballots,” Akilah Watkins, president and CEO of Independent Sector, said via a statement.
“Recent polling commissioned and released by Independent Sector shows that Americans overwhelmingly want nonprofits to help people in their communities register to vote, find and access their polling locations, and learn about candidates’ positions on the issues. Ahead of incredibly consequential midterm elections, it is essential that nonprofits answer the call to educate and engage voters in their community. Nonprofit VOTE, the League of Women Voters, and Alliance for Justice all have strong records of success building voter participation, and we look forward to working alongside them to support nonprofits in creating and sustaining their own high-impact voter engagement programs,” according to Watkins.
There is growing recognition across the sector that civic engagement is central to nonprofit missions themselves. The policies that shape communities directly affect access to housing, healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and public safety. When nonprofits help people participate in civic life, they are strengthening their ability to achieve their missions, according to information in the statement.
“Nonprofits are already deeply connected to the communities they serve and understand the challenges people face every day,” Brian Miller, executive director of Nonprofit VOTE, said via a statement. “Voices in Action is about meeting organizations where they are and giving them practical, trusted tools to help the people they serve participate in the democratic process. When nonprofits engage voters, they’re not adding something new, they’re strengthening the impact of the work they already do.”
Jeanette Senecal, chief of Civic Learning & Impact for the League of Women Voters, said via a statement: “At a time with heightened barriers to participation and misinformation spreading, ensuring that every community has access to trusted, nonpartisan election information has never been more important.”
According to the statement from Senecal: “For years, the League’s VOTE411.org has helped millions of voters access personalized election information, from registration deadlines to polling locations to candidate information. Voices in Action builds on that legacy by equipping nonprofits with the tools to connect voters with trusted resources, and help more people engage in action and turn-out-to-vote, ensuring communities shape our collective future.”
In the months leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, the initiative will offer a comprehensive set of resources to support nonprofit engagement, including practical guidance on nonpartisan voter engagement, key election dates and planning tools, proven strategies for reaching underrepresented communities, and training opportunities to build capacity across the sector.
