Community Feature
A Path Forward Toward a Healthy Democracy
As the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation prepares to close its doors in 2034, it is working to ensure that the organizations and communities it supports are positioned to thrive beyond its lifespan.
Last year, the family foundation launched its Democracy program with the belief that healthy democracy is essential for success across all of its program areas.
“Our commitment to supporting democracy in Michigan has not changed. A healthy democracy is foundational to everything we care about – clean water, thriving arts and culture, advancing Alzheimer’s research, sustainable business, and communities where everyone belongs,” Melissa Damaschke, president of the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, said.
According to Damaschke, 2025 reminded the family foundation of two things: democracy faces real challenges and civil society organizations across our state continue to show extraordinary courage and steadiness, even with limited resources.
“Municipal elections across Southeast Michigan were conducted with professionalism and care, resulting in historic milestones and encouraging levels of participation,” Damaschke said. Michigan ranked 3rd nationally in turnout, with more than 60% of voters casting ballots before Election Day.
Earlier this year, the Erb Family Foundation announced $3.6 million in grants to strengthen election administration and voter protection. $2 million of which was invested in Michigan’s statewide nonpartisan Election Protection Plan. This is a coordinated effort led by five statewide organizations working together to safeguard voters and the election process.
“This kind of coordination matters. It reduces duplication. It strengthens shared strategy. And it builds trust with voters. We also recognize that predictability is a gift. When organizations have clarity about resources early in the year, they can plan responsibly and focus on their mission rather than uncertainty,” Damaschke said.
According to Damaschke, that investment decision came directly from conversations with partners, peer funders, and experts who shared their concerns about misinformation, disinformation, and potential attempts to interfere with election processes.
“We know Michigan’s clerks and election officials work diligently to administer fair and secure elections. We also know that strong systems require support. These resources help ensure that Michiganders know where, when, and how to vote. They help local officials do their jobs well. And they help protect the integrity of the election so that every valid ballot is counted without interference,” Damaschke said.
Given the urgency of this moment, the family foundation is doing its best to deploy resources as early as possible so its partners can prepare with confidence.
Amid an election year in 2026, the family foundation’s focus remains consistent and nonpartisan. It continues to support four priorities: voter registration and turnout, election administration, voter protection, and upholding the rule of law.
Later this year, the family foundation expects to make additional grants aligned with its other democracy priorities. Damaschke shared that they are also hoping to learn from other funders about how they engage in their work, help direct resources to areas of critical importance, and cultivate a shared commitment among partners to bolster and strengthen the state’s democratic community.
As a spenddown foundation, Damaschke shared, they are carrying Fred and Barbara’s legacy forward with care and intention. As we get closer to 2034, the family foundation is thoughtful about how it uses the time it has.
“We want to support the leaders and organizations doing this work now while helping ensure that the infrastructure for a strong democratic community continues well beyond our final grant. That means listening closely and adjusting our support as conditions evolve. And when needed, it also means stretching beyond our original allocations, so our partners have what they need in critical moments.” - Melissa Damaschke, President of the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation
Damaschke shared that there are many ways to strengthen democracy.
“Our approach is one path, but it is not the only one. What matters most is that more of us step forward in ways that feel authentic to our missions and values,” Damaschke said.
According to Damaschke, the more we can build a community of funders engaged in strengthening democratic systems, the stronger our collective response will be.
“CMF creates space for shared learning about what we are seeing in the field, where gaps exist, and how we can align resources thoughtfully,” Damaschke said.
The Erb Family Foundation welcomes conversations with funders who are active in this space, as well as those who are simply exploring what it might look like for them.
“This is a nonpartisan issue. It is about ensuring that all communities can participate fully in shaping their future. I invite foundations across Michigan, especially those who may be ‘democracy curious,’ to consider what role they can play. That role will look different for each of us,” Damaschke said.
What is important, Damaschke shared, is that we learn from one another and move together.
“We are still learning and we always will be. This work evolves, conditions shift. Our understanding deepens through partnership. Strengthening communities, protecting our shared waters, and defending democracy are interconnected responsibilities. We cannot do this alone and we do not want to. We are all stronger when we work together,” Damaschke said.