Thanks to investments from FCCP network funders and participation from so many in our field, the Foundation Funding for U.S. Democracy (FFUSD) mapping database by the Foundation Center is fast becoming an indispensable tool for helping funders, nonprofits, journalists and anyone else interested in understanding philanthropy’s role in U.S. democracy. As with any database, the tool is only as good as the data it holds. And when it comes to our election-cycle work, timing is everything.

Five Reasons to Submit Your Democracy-related Grants to the Foundation Center at Docket Time 

1.   You want to do your part to create the full picture of the civic engagement funding field

2.   You’re interested in finding potential collaborators whose efforts compliment your own

3.   Knowing who is funding where and in what amounts could inform your strategies

4.   You can geek out on the data that will help the field collectively make smarter decisions

5.   Because pie charts and constellations fascinate you

This tool is really cool. But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself how the Foundation Funding for U.S. Democracy database can help you and your grantees broaden your knowledge of the funding landscape, identify additional funding sources, and understand where your philanthropic dollars can have the most impact. In his PhilanTopic blogpost, FCCP’s own Eric Marshall shows how the tool was used to contrast the civic engagement funding landscapes in Arizona, California, and Texas, and gleans from the data a valuable lesson for both state and national funders.

If you’re not already reporting your grant data to the Foundation Center at docket time, just two simple steps will get you on your way. Ready to send your data now? This easy-to-use template makes it a snap.