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 integral to defending U.S. national security, supports American values, and fosters a community of democratic allies.

Use of Funds

Funding for the Democracy Fund supports USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation (DDI) and the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).

Justification

• According to Freedom House, 60 countries’ global freedom scores declined over the past year, with only 25 improving. Today, “some 38% of the global population live in ‘Not Free countries,’ the highest proportion since 1997.”
• The DDI Bureau is a centralized resource for democracy, human rights, and governance. Its 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 DRL Bureau helps bolster democratic institutions, confront democratic backsliding, promote accountability, and advance the rights of marginalized communities.
• 2022 was the Year of Action, with the U.S. and its partners implementing the Summit for Democracy’s 750 commitments and creating multi-stakeholder Democracy Cohorts. In 2023, a second Summit for Democracy will review the Year of Action and stress democracy’s advantages.