Democracy Not Theocracy | Local Group Grants

Democracy Not Theocracy Grants for AHA Groups

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is the first phase of a comprehensive plan to dismantle the federal government, instill theocratic mandates, and attack our fundamental freedoms. It threatens everything humanists value: fair and just courts, an educated population, governmental checks and balances, a multi-party system, a free press, an equitable economy, multiculturalism, environmental protections, bodily autonomy, LGBTQIA rights, healthcare access, and religious freedom. To defend democracy across the United States, the American Humanist Association is launching our largest grant program for local Chapters and Affiliates to protect Democracy Not Theocracy!

We’re calling on AHA local groups to help us educate the public about the dangers of Project 2025, the actions needed to stop it, and the importance of participating in democracy by voting. And we’re giving you the tools to take action. Groups can choose one or more of these actions:

  • Postcard Party up to $500 – Host an in-person or virtual Postcard Party to inform people of Project 2025 and remind them to make a plan to vote. AHA will provide a contact list and postcards with space for a supportive message from your attendees. (NOTE: This is a non-partisan action. Messages can only be about policies and voting, not about any candidate or party.) Groups will outreach to volunteers, provide directions, writing materials, postage, and a good time. Grant funds may be used for advertising, venues, staffing, materials, refreshments, and technical needs. Grant funds may not be donated to another nonprofit or used for honorariums.
  • Democracy Not Theocracy Event up to $500 – Organize an in-person or virtual presentation and/or discussion on Project 2025 to educate your attendees and motivate them to spread awareness. AHA speakers are available upon request, or you can use a speaker or video from another organization. This is a great opportunity to reflect on how your area will be impacted most and what regional partnerships will help with more actions (consider your local progressive religious allies). Grant funds may be used for advertising, venues, staffing, materials, refreshments, and technical needs. Grant funds may not be donated to another nonprofit or used for honorariums.
  • Local Ad Campaigns up to $1,000 – Publicize the dangers of Project 2025 in your area with a local advertisement where folks will pay attention. AHA can help resize one of our campaign graphics for use or design your own with support. Could be used for ads in print newspapers, online websites, social media, radio, podcasts, or flyers.
  • Propose Another Action up to $500 – Create another action that will help us engage more people in your community to protect our secular democracy. We’d love to help make your group’s ideas a reality! Share your plan in the form and we can follow up by email or phone as needed.

APPLY HERE

Timeline

  • Applications open September 14 to October 23
  • Grants will be provided on a rolling basis until funds are depleted
  • Actions take place October 1 – November 5
  • Reports due by November 8

Eligibility

Applicants must be Chapters or Affiliates of the American Humanist Association as of September 30. Groups don’t need to be 501c3 non-profits but must follow non-partisan standards by focusing on policy and voting, not supporting or attacking any candidate or party. Grant funds may be used for advertising, venues, staffing, materials, refreshments, and technical needs. Grant funds may not be donated to another nonprofit or used for honorariums.

For questions or assistance with applications, contact AHA Senior Education Coordinator Emily Newman at enewman@americanhumanist.org

APPLY HERE

Resources

Here are useful guides with more details about Project 2025: