As CivicsEDU observes Civic Learning Week this week, I am reminded of the infinite and resolute work of grassroots organizing. Years ago, in an undergraduate political theory class, my professor instituted a powerful and dynamic viewpoint on the significance of government and democracy saying, “Government only works when it’s clear why it exists.” I can still remember how quiet the room became, how nascent this simple, yet profoundly honest ideology was, and how it was, rightfully so, the groundwork and foundation of our class. This was the first time I witnessed a room full of my peers understanding and passionately debating policy, with confident voices, open minds, and profound, almost passionate knowledge. If we want a future where our democracy thrives, we must start by investing in civic education and literacy today.

The Case for Funding Civic Education

What we know is that civic education is not just a complementary subject to History or Government curriculum – it is the foundation of an engaged, informed, and empowered citizenry. According to the Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey (2024), about half of all respondents could name the three branches of government, and only one out of every five respondents could name any of the five rights protected by the First Amendment.¹ This study reinforced the point that communities of people who receive quality civic education are more likely to know and understand their rights, vote, participate in community service, and engage in political discussions. Despite this, funding for civic education remains inadequate, trivial, and even experimental. This gap represents a missed opportunity. When communities lack an understanding of how the government works, how to advocate for change, or how to engage in civil discourse, democracy itself is at risk.

Fundraising for civic education is about more than sustaining and developing programs; it is about ensuring that every student, irrespective of background, has access to the knowledge and skills necessary to be an active and informed participant in our democracy. At CivicsEDU we work to fill this gap through our Civic Academy Programs, Civic Pulse Surveys, Civic Seminars, Focus Groups, and partnerships with other organizations doing meaningful civics work. These programs, projects, and partnerships are all designed to give communities the tools they need to engage meaningfully in civic life. But we can’t do it alone!

Building Meaningful Partnerships for Lasting Impact

Investing in civic education and literacy is our collective and individual responsibility. Schools, nonprofits, businesses, civic groups, parents, students, philanthropists, etc. Whatever hat you wear, we all have a role in equipping our communities and the next generation with the tools they need to lead. By fostering strong partnerships, we can expand civic education’s reach and impact. Here are a few ways that we can build these meaningful connections:

• Corporate Partnerships: Collaboration with businesses and companies that prioritize civic engagement, and securing funding and resources that allow our programs to expand.
• School/Educational Collaborations: Partnering with educational entities to ensure civic education is not just an extracurricular privilege, but a fundamental part of student’s learning.
• Philanthropic Support: Foundation and individual donors play a crucial role in developing, sustaining and growing civic education initiatives.
• Community Engagement: Networking, developing focus groups, and surveys bringing together local leaders, educators, students and concerned citizens to discuss communal needs and develop solutions.

At CivicsEDU, we believe that civic education should be a right, not a privilege. With continued support from donors, corporate partners, municipalities, schools, community leaders and volunteers, we can ensure that all members of the communities we serve have access to the civic knowledge and skills they need to shape the future. The cost of inaction is too high. Let’s work together and be empowered to build a stronger, more engaged, and more civically minded future for all.

1. Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey (2024). https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/political-communication/civics-knowledge-survey/ ↩︎