GOVERNANCE & DEMOCRACY INITIATIVE
Governance and Democracy in the Los Angeles Region
Our initiative on Governance and Democracy funds high-quality planning and research grants that:
Add significantly to knowledge and understanding of governance and democracy issues in the Los Angeles region (Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties).
Help influence policies and practices.
Offer promise of helping to improve the lives of people and our communities.
We expect researchers to seek opportunities to collaborate with community-based organizations and/or policymakers. We are open to all fields of study and disciplines that address governance and democracy in the Los Angeles region.
SPECIAL FOUNDATION FOCUS: County Governance Reform
The Foundation particularly invites proposals focused on Los Angeles County governance reform, as well as county governance reform across the broader LA region. Applicants can view the full RFP, including suggested topics, here.
- Planning grants are made for up to one year for up to $100,000.
- Research-to-action grants can be made for up to two years, with a third-year renewable that may be considered. The grant maximum is $250,000 per year. Depending on the nature of the research-to-action project, consideration may be given to a larger award.
NEW!! The Haynes Foundation considers grant applications from public and private universities, university centers, and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including academic partnerships, whose work aligns with the Foundation’s mission and priority areas.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND SUBMISSION DEADLINES
The application process for our initiative on Governance and Democracy varies by grant type:
NEW!! For planning grants, applicants submit a short proposal consisting of framed questions to propose the planning effort and how it aligns with the Foundation’s priorities.
The gateway for research-to-action grants is a short Letter of Interest (LOI). The Foundation will select from among the LOIs those that will be invited to submit a full proposal.
All submissions are reviewed in accordance with the Foundation’s published deadlines and considered quarterly as part of its regular grantmaking cycle.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Governance and Democracy LOI and Full Proposal submission deadlines for the remainder of 2026 are as follows:
- Tuesday, April 7
- Tuesday, June 30
- Tuesday, October 6
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the submission deadline.
