*An important note about this focus area: As part of a strategic review, the ZSR Board of Trustees has decided to limit grants in the Democracy and Civic Engagement focus area for the Spring 2010 grant cycle. Only grantees from the past three years (November 2006-present) will be considered for small or strategic grant funding in this focus area. The Board of Trustees will re-examine the Democracy and Civic Engagement focus area through the Spring of 2010 and will announce changes to the focus area description in June 2010. If you have questions about this change or grant eligibility please contact the Foundation (info@zsr.org or (800) 443-8319).

The Foundation seeks to foster a government that is accountable to the needs of the people; a media that provides fair and substantial information on issues facing the state and its people; a citizenry that is engaged, well-informed and participates in the life of the state; and sound public policy that is built upon comprehensive and balanced research.

Results Sought:

Responsive and Accountable Governance:

• Reduce the influence of money on politics
• Increase educational opportunities for local and state policymakers
• Increase the degree of fairness and equity with which government policies and practices affect each resident of the state
• Create credible, timely, policy-relevant research on pressing issues (particularly those within the focus areas of the Foundation)

An Informed and Civically Active Populace

• Increase knowledge of, participation in, and discourse about state and local government policies and politics
• Increase the number of individuals from marginalized or underrepresented populations who gain and use leadership skills to address community issues
• Increase public understanding and analysis of media content and operations
• Protect and strengthen voters’ rights
• Increase voter participation in elections and government affairs

Fair, Accurate, and Substantial Media Coverage of State and Local Policy and Politics

• Increase the level of reporting about state and local government institutions and issues
• Protect media and public access to government records and meetings
• Increase investigative reporting (particularly on issues within the focus areas of the Foundation)

The Foundation gives priority to regional and statewide efforts in this focus area.