Way to Rise is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) philanthropic fund and strategy center working toward multiracial democracy, especially where it is most undermined—in the South and Southwest. Way to Rise is exclusively focused on designing and executing data-informed programs and grantmaking that lead to breakthroughs in building a vibrant and sustainable democracy.
SUNBELT REVIVAL REPORT
Demographic changes across Sunbelt states reflect broader national trends, offering critical insights into the future of American democracy. These shifts present both challenges and opportunities, particularly as we assess the impact of the 2024 elections. As highlighted in the report, those who ignore the Sunbelt do so at their peril.
VOTER OUTREACH
As part of the AMPLIFY program, Way to Rise supports grassroots organizations by providing a powerful “air game” to reinforce their on-the-ground efforts. Through (c)3 aligned versions of our top-performing creative—in tandem with our Our Families, Our Futures message framework—23 grassroots partners across AZ, WI, GA, PA, NV, NC, TX, and MI received localized ads, b-roll, and branded assets designed to resonate deeply with their communities.
These tools, combined with biweekly newsletters, toolkits, and strategic briefings, offer the narrative "air cover" organizers need to anchor their voter contact in tested, compelling messages. Together, we’re creating a surround-sound effect—building local power while shaping a cohesive, values-driven national story. Explore our latest nonpartisan content on the AMPLIFY page.
Defiance
In response to anti-trans ads running before Election Day 2024 throughout Southern swing states, and in partnership with the Transgender Law Center and the National LGBTQ Task Force, Way to Rise released an ad titled "Defiance," which builds solidarity across races and genders while confronting the increased use of racist dog whistles and transphobic siren songs as a strategy to divide us. Americans won't let anyone dim our light. So let's take this country forward!
Keep Marching
In partnership with Broadway Votes and Joy to the Polls, Way to Rise collaborated on an ad inspired by Tony Award-winning Broadway show Suffs that reminds voters–"The world can be changed, we've done it before...The future is ours. Keep marching."
OUR IMPACT
Explore our Impact Report to see how far Way to Rise has come and where we’re headed. This report celebrates the progress we’re making together toward a vibrant, inclusive multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive—and they offer transparency into the impact and effectiveness of our work. We don’t shy away from tough fights—that’s why we focus our efforts where democracy is most under threat—the South and Southwest.
OUR STRATEGY
Investing in Leadership, Data, & Narrative Change
Led by women, the Way to Rise strategy sets out to strengthen multiracial democracy by funding in three main areas:
INVESTING IN LEADERS
We fund leaders poised to try new tactics and strategies to achieve their goals, which often require capital to experiment and take risks. If we are to tackle the existential crises of our times, like climate change or the threat to our freedom to vote, local leaders need room to experiment.
CREATING INNOVATIONS IN DATA
We support our charitable partners by providing them with access to helpful data, such as voter file information and analysis, as well as data-centered events and training opportunities. Visionary and disciplined Leaders need good data to create, execute and evaluate their strategies.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
We cannot become a multiracial democracy if we cannot see a multiracial democracy. We fund research, content, content distribution hubs, and state-based organizations experimenting with creating and distributing content that makes multiracial democracy irresistible and beneficial to all. We also know that owning the modes of communication is as important as what messages we share, we fund the purchase of media properties to enhance scaled distribution.
EXAMPLES
INVESTING IN LEADERS
Some examples of Way to Rise partners leading in new and innovative ways include Arizona Democracy Resource Center and Texas Civil Rights Project, which are protecting the right to vote through strategies tailored to their focus communities and situations; as well as Way to Rise partners Organizing Resilience and Alliance for Youth Organizing, which are leading the way on issues like equitable responses to the climate crisis, and empowering youth voices to take on issues like student debt.
CREATING INNOVATIONS IN DATA
An example of this work includes our “Pathways to Power'' and Data Cohort projects, which Way to Rise partners participated in in 2021 and 2023. These programs are specifically geared towards sharing the most up-to-date information, research, data, and learnings to our partner organizations to help improve the way we organize, as well as create standardized recommendations and metrics for organizations across the country to use.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
One element of this work includes the Narrative Coordinator program in partnership with We Make the Future, which hires and supports individuals in key states to build a working narrative ecosystem that strengthens our ability to engage diverse communities in democracy.
OUR TEAM
GET INVOLVED
Join us and be a part of a shared strategy to transform our country.
The world changes when people, ideas and money get organized. Join us in the opportunity to align your giving as part of a collective strategy for maximum impact. By investing in new leaders across the South and Southwest, alongside quality research and narrative strategies, we can build up a true multiracial democracy that protects our most vulnerable communities.
To learn more about Way to Rise, please reach out to [email protected].
LEGAL DISCLAIMER & NOTICE
Way to Rise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Employer lD number: 88-3300694. Contribution Questions: [email protected].