DA Season of Resistance Mini-Grant Program

Program Dates: August 1 – September 30, 2025

Overview

Democrats Abroad is launching a limited-time global Mini-Grant Program to empower Country Committees to take action during our Season of Resistance and DNC Resistance Summer. These small grants are designed to support local organizing and amplify our message of Democratic strength and unity in the face of Republican extremism.

From August 1 to Sept 15 (or until all funds are allocated), Democrats Abroad Country Committees and Chapters can apply for mini-grants of up to $300) to fund materials and tools that support resistance-focused actions and events. A total of $5000 is available for this program. Questions or clarification requests can be directed to the Grants Review Committee at grants@democratsabroad.org

Purpose

The grants are meant to:

• Strengthen your local Season of Resistance events and visibility

• Provide resources for creative, on-the-ground action

• Reward Country Committees engaging in the DA global onboarding and leadership development training programs (see Trainings here).

Eligible Expenses

Funds must be used for materials for resistance or for voter registration — items that help you show up, speak up, and support democracy. Examples include:

• Protest and event materials (e.g., banners, signs, poster supplies)
  Sound amplification tools (e.g., megaphones, portable speakers)

• T-shirts or printed materials with DA or VFA messaging (we can provide logos and examples)

• Visibility props (e.g., pop-up VFA banner, branded tablecloths)

• Materials for voter registration tables, teach-ins, resistance roundtables, etc. 

Country Committee Requirements

To be eligible, Country Committee leaders must:

1. Participate in Global DA Trainings

   • Attend at least 2 Season of Resistance trainings hosted by the Global Team between August 1 and September 15 OR hold one or more resistance and /or voter outreach events during August and September.

   • Participation by at least two members of your leadership team is required.

   • For Chapter-level applications, a Chapter leader must attend at least 2 trainings.

2. Submit a Short Application

   • Include a link to the suggested expense or budget. 

   • Include a short description of why you’re asking for the grant and how the item(s) will support your team’s resistance work

   • Commit to submitting at least one photograph  or short write-up of your action for global sharing.

3. Use Funds for Eligible Purposes

   • All expenses must align with DA’s FEC compliance guidelines.

   • Reimbursement or upfront funding of a set expense are both possible. Please specify in your request. 

Chapter Level Requirements

We recognize the diverse size and structure of DA’s local committees. To encourage participation across the organization, Chapters may also participate. The requirements above apply with the addition of the following:

Chapters within large country committees may submit their own mini-grant application if:

• The proposed request is distinct from the national committee’s request

• The Chapter leader (or key organizing lead) attends at least 2 DA Season of Resistance trainings OR the Chapter holds one or more resistance and /or voter outreach events during August and September.

• The national chair (or their designee) signs off on the Chapter application to ensure coordination

Application Process

Applications open on August 1 and will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 15, or until funds are all allocated. Early submissions are encouraged!

Submit your grant request through this form.

Reimbursements must be submitted by October 31, 2025. 

Report on your grant’s impact

• Record how the items were used and send a short report to the Grants Team within 30 days of the expenditure.

• Photos, event links, or short stories from your activities are encouraged and help us share your success across DA.

Questions?

Please contact your Regional Vice Chair to help brainstorm ideas or clarify what qualifies.