The Civic Engagement Initiative gives community nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston the tools to engage their constituents as voters and leaders. Nonprofits receive grant funding, one-on-one coaching, and state-of-the-art civic engagement technology in return for a commitment to the hard work of civic engagement. Working together, the four foundations and dozens of nonprofits in the Civic Engagement Initiative are building a better Greater Boston.

“We believe that voting and civic participation are integral to enhancing the vitality and health of our city. Bringing together this group of exceptional foundations has allowed us all to leverage our collective impact and encourage people to get involved in democracy.” —Paul Grogan, President and CEO , The Boston Foundation

A great city has many elements. Quality schools. A Thriving Economy. Safe Streets. Strong Communities. Clean Air. Vibrant Culture. Neither the government, nor the private sector, nor the nonprofit sector can create a great city. Only engaged citizens, working together, can do so. The Civic Engagement Initiative has worked since 2002 to ensure that the citizens of Greater Boston have a powerful voice in the decisions that affect their lives. By registering and educating voters and strengthening nonprofit organizations, the Initiative has helped shatter voter participation records in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009. At the same time, it has given community nonprofit organizations a stronger voice in the critical decisions facing their communities.