National Nonprofit Leaders Launch “Voices in Action” to Strengthen Civic Participation Ahead of 2026 Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 2026 – Independent Sector, League of Women Voters, Nonprofit VOTE, and Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy Program today announced the launch of Voices in Action, a new collaborative initiative designed to equip nonprofits with the tools, confidence, and clarity they need to engage their communities in the democratic process ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Across the country, nonprofits are navigating growing challenges that directly affect the communities they serve, from shifts in public policy to increasing barriers to participation in civic life. At the same time, many of the people nonprofits reach every day remain underrepresented in elections and decision-making. As some of the most trusted institutions in these communities, nonprofits are uniquely positioned to help people access information, participate in the democratic process, and have a say in the issues that shape their lives.

“Charitable nonprofits have always been integral to our nation’s advancement of voting rights. From the anti-slavery societies of the 19th century to the churches, student groups, and civil rights organizations of the 1950s and 1960s, nonprofits have been there, helping our neighbors organize and cast their ballots,” said Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector. “Recent polling commissioned and released by Independent Sector shows that Americans overwhelmingly want nonprofits to help people in their communities register to vote, find and access their polling locations, and learn about candidates’ positions on the issues. Ahead of incredibly consequential midterm elections, it is essential that nonprofits answer the call to educate and engage voters in their community. Nonprofit VOTE, the League of Women Voters, and Alliance for Justice all have strong records of success building voter participation, and we look forward to working alongside them to support nonprofits in creating and sustaining their own high-impact voter engagement programs.”

There is growing recognition across the sector that civic engagement is central to nonprofit missions themselves. The policies that shape communities directly affect access to housing, healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and public safety. When nonprofits help people participate in civic life, they are strengthening their ability to achieve their missions.

“Nonprofits are already deeply connected to the communities they serve and understand the challenges people face every day,” said Brian Miller, Executive Director of Nonprofit VOTE. “Voices in Action is about meeting organizations where they are and giving them practical, trusted tools to help the people they serve participate in the democratic process. When nonprofits engage voters, they’re not adding something new, they’re strengthening the impact of the work they already do.”

That is why Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program provides guidance regarding the rules governing nonprofit engagement in election season advocacy. “Nonprofits are uniquely positioned to boost civic engagement within their communities and to educate voters on how to have their voices heard at the polls,” said Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort, Senior Bolder Advocacy Program Director at Alliance for Justice. “While 501(c)(3)s are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates, they have a critical role to play during election season.”

“At a time with heightened barriers to participation and misinformation spreading, ensuring that every community has access to trusted, nonpartisan election information has never been more important,” said Jeanette Senecal, Chief of Civic Learning & Impact for the League of Women Voters. “For years, the League’s VOTE411.org has helped millions of voters access personalized election information, from registration deadlines to polling locations to candidate information. Voices in Action builds on that legacy by equipping nonprofits with the tools to connect voters with trusted resources, and help more people engage in action and turn-out-to-vote, ensuring communities shape our collective future.”

Voices in Action is grounded in a shared belief: When nonprofits are equipped to engage voters and advocate for their communities, democracy works better for the people they serve. In the months leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, the initiative will offer a comprehensive set of resources to support nonprofit engagement, including practical guidance on nonpartisan voter engagement, key election dates and planning tools, proven strategies for reaching underrepresented communities, and training opportunities to build capacity across the sector.

Together, this effort is designed to reduce barriers to participation, increase voter engagement, and strengthen the role of nonprofits as trusted civic leaders. It also aims to normalize voter engagement as a standard, mission-aligned practice across the nonprofit sector rather than advocacy-central only work.

The Voices in Action initiative officially launches May 5, 2026, with a national kickoff webinar bringing together nonprofit leaders from across the country to learn, connect, and prepare for the year ahead. Additional resources and opportunities to get involved will be released in the coming weeks.