An Anti-Authoritarian Playbook for Donors With Joe Goldman
President of the Democracy Fund Joe Goldman offers both urgency and clarity for donors concerned about the U.S.’ democratic backslide into authoritarianism in this conversation. As the second Trump administration consolidates power, he offers a practical three-part framework for strategic, democracy-focused giving: strengthening guardrails, powering breakthrough strategies, and working toward reconstruction.
In a conversation that grapples with difficult questions about donor fear and the paralyzing sense of overwhelm that many feel when considering the breadth of threats to democracy right now, Goldman shares specific examples of organizations doing critical work, and an array of ways that donors can get involved. His message is clear: “Courage breeds more courage. Solidarity breeds more solidarity.”
Guest Info:
Joe Goldman is the President and member of the board of directors of Democracy Fund, a nonpartisan foundation that seeks to create an inclusive multiracial democracy where people are treated fairly, feel they belong, and have a voice.
Joe incubated Democracy Fund for three years inside Omidyar Network — Pierre and Pam Omidyar’s philanthropic investment firm — where he was an Investment Director. He then launched Democracy Fund as a private foundation in 2014, alongside Democracy Fund Voice, a sister 501c4 organization for which he also serves as president. Since its inception, Democracy Fund and Democracy Fund Voice have committed more than $425 million to support organizations that are working to create a more vibrant and diverse public square, free and fair elections, effective and accountable government, and a just and inclusive society.
In 2024, Joe was named “Foundation Leader of the Year” by Inside Philanthropy for his leadership of a campaign to support earlier nonpartisan election-year giving, called “All by April”. Joe has played a key role in creating and leading several bodies aimed at strengthening and growing the field, including chairing the Trusted Elections Fund and co-chairing the Partnership for Safe Voting.
Credits:
Podcast Production: Rococo Punch
Artwork: Jay Kustka
Resources:
Democracy Fund
Democracy Fund Voice
Free DC
Press Forward
More Equitable Democracy
Protect Democracy
Democracy Forward
Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law
Government Accountability Project
GovAct
States United
Community Change