Press Releases

Democracy Fund Proposed to Massachusetts Legislature, Governor Patrick
April 2007

A law proposing to create a state fund for civic renewal and community building has been filed in the Massachusetts legislature.  Called the Democracy Fund, the bill would require the state to allocate 1 million for ten consecutive years across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“This law would allow organizations across the state to access funds to renew community life and promote civic engagement in its many forms.  The law would  focus upon re-investing in democracy in cites and towns throughout the state,” said Kevin Peterson, founder of New Democracy Coalition.  “It would function as a booster shot for democracy,” he added.

The law would make funding available to community organizations working in the area of community development and is intended to serve areas where civic capital is low—where voting is lowest and where communities are working on collaborative projects that will define their civic future.