Democracy Fund

Description

The Democracy Fund supports programs that seek to build resilient and responsive democratic societies, increase respect for human rights, and counter foreign authoritarian influence. Funding supports objectives that are integral to defending U.S. national security, supporting American values, and fostering a community of democratic allies.

Use of Funds

Funds support USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation (DDI) and State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).

Justification

• The DDI Bureau is a centralized resource for democracy, human rights, and governance. The Bureau’s DRG Center supports initiatives that promote responsive and inclusive democratic governance, human rights, election integrity, independent media, vibrant civil society, and the rule of law.
• The State Department’s DRL Bureau advances democratic values and individual freedoms through bilateral diplomacy, multilateral engagement, reporting, and foreign assistance. Its priorities include: anti-corruption, fundamental freedoms and human rights, internet freedom, labor rights, political accountability, religious freedom, and the rule of law.
• In 2020, President Biden held the Summit for Democracy, convening governments, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an agenda for democratic renewal and collective action. The ensuing Year of Action ahead of a second summit in 2022 is premised upon participating countries implementing pledged commitments that advance the Summit’s three themes: anti-corruption, defending against authoritarianism, and promoting human rights, with oversight and expertise from local civil society.
• Authoritarians are capitalizing on shaky public confidence in the efficacy of democracy. Authoritarians are collaborating to reshape international norms and institutions, and attempting to subvert democratic governments and sow doubt in democratic governance.