Researchers at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs have received a $1 million gift from The Reynolds Foundation to support a new project aimed at strengthening democracy worldwide. The initiative, called “On the Front Lines of Democracy: (Re)Shaping the Ecosystem of Freedom and Philanthropy,” seeks to create a global map that connects organizations and individuals supporting democratic efforts with those providing resources.
“We hope to be able to map the global democracy movement, to create bridges between those individuals and organizations that can provide resources and support and those on the front lines doing the work of democracy,” said Tina Nabatchi, Joseph A. Strasser Endowed Professor in Public Administration and director of the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC).
“This project is based on a fundamental premise,” Nabatchi continued. “If we want to shape and strengthen the ecosystem for democracy and freedom around the world, then we must bridge the critical gap between what actors on the frontlines of democracy are doing and how and why the philanthropic community is, and is not, supporting them.”
The Reynolds Foundation funds initiatives in medicine, education, freedom, and democracy. Alvaro Salas-Castro G’18, president and CEO of The Reynolds Foundation, said: “The Front Lines of Democracy project is a timely intervention in a global crisis. It comes at a pivotal moment in history, making it of particular interest to The Reynolds Foundation.”
Salas-Castro added: “With 72% of the global population now living under authoritarian rule, the erosion of democracy is no longer a distant concern, it is an urgent global emergency. Yet, the philanthropic response remains dramatically disproportionate. By spotlighting this imbalance and exploring why democracy and freedom remain underfunded, the project fills a critical gap in both awareness and strategy and offers a unique opportunity to respond at a moment when the need for bold, coordinated support for democratic resilience has never been greater.”
Nabatchi noted that only about 2% of U.S.-based philanthropic funding supports democracy-related efforts. The project will study how foundations view investments in this area. She explained: “Maybe they are interested in women’s rights or biodiversity. Can we articulate a case connecting those interests with democracy efforts? Can we help philanthropists figure out better ways to get their money to groups on the ground who are doing good work, even—or maybe especially—if they are working in countries that lack stable democratic institutions.”
The research team will analyze both sides of this ecosystem—those providing resources such as foundations or philanthropists as well as activists advocating for democracy globally—and build networks intended to direct resources where they are most needed.
“This initiative embodies the kind of bold, systems-level thinking we urgently need,” said Maximilien Reynolds, director of projects at The Reynolds Foundation. “By highlighting the ecosystem and connecting those on the front lines with meaningful philanthropic resources, this project offers not only insight, but actionable pathways to strengthen freedom globally. We’re proud to support a vision that turns data into strategy, and strategy into real-world impact.”
Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke stated: “There are few things more important in the world or more fundamental to Maxwell’s mission than the preservation and promotion of democracy. This gift from The Reynolds Foundation will enable our researchers, led by Tina Nabatchi, to expand the scope and impact of all those supporting, studying and investing in the foundations of democracy.”
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud commented: “Interdisciplinary research is the hallmark of Syracuse University. Bringing together the best minds in social sciences, public policy, public administration, international relations, sociology, geography, public affairs and more creates an ecosystem from which innovative ideas can translate into real-world change.”
Alvaro Salas-Castro highlighted his connection with Syracuse: “My own experience at Maxwell gave me a deep appreciation for the power of rigorous, interdisciplinary research to address complex global challenges. That approach is clearly evident in the Front Lines of Democracy project. The combination of academic excellence, practical application and a strong commitment to democratic values mirrors the very ethos of the school. Knowing the strength of the faculty, the collaborative culture, and the resources at PARCC, I have complete confidence in the project’s ability to generate meaningful insights and lasting impact.”
Nabatchi pointed out ongoing work by other university institutes such as Washington D.C.’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism & Citizenship (IDJC), noting its role as an extension bridging campus research with advocacy efforts.
“I’d like to see similarly impactful work integrating research in democracy, advocacy, activism and philanthropy centralized on the University’s main campus through PARCC and Maxwell School,” she said.
The new funding will allow development of data-driven strategies that prioritize key issues across different regions by mapping major actors involved in democratic advocacy along with their resource flows.
Beyond traditional academic publications such as journal articles or reports often produced by universities (https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/research/centers-institutes/parcc), guides aimed at funders—as well as webinars or training materials—will also be created so donors can learn how best to assist pro-democracy movements.
“I envision a Grantmaker’s Guide to Democracy and Freedom,” Nabatchi said. “This would help those who are passionate about democracy and freedom direct their resources to individuals and groups on-the-ground who are doing good work—and help ensure that philanthropy is having a measurable impact on improving lives.
“In this polarized world,” she concluded,”the work we are doing is not partisan. It is inherently political but not partisan. It’s collaborative…It’s about making philanthropy more potent—and ultimately strengthening democracy globally.”
