Expanding Civic Participation Through Strategic Partnerships
Strengthening the infrastructure that helps millions of Americans register and vote.
Ensuring that every American has access to accurate voting information and tools is essential to a functioning democracy. Vote.org was created to make voting easier by providing citizens with simple, reliable tools to register to vote, check registration status, request absentee ballots, and receive election reminders.
Despite reaching tens of millions of people online, the organization operated with a relatively small team. As demand for its services continued to grow ahead of the 2020 election cycle, Vote.org sought strategic support to expand its fundraising capacity, strengthen partnerships, and refine its marketing and outreach strategy.
Vote.org
The Challenge: Scaling Impact with Limited Capacity
Vote.org had already built one of the most widely used digital platforms for voter registration and election information in the United States. The organization had reached tens of millions of users and built a reputation as a trusted source for voter tools and reminders.
However, with a small internal team and increasing demand leading up to major election cycles, the organization faced several challenges. Vote.org needed to expand its fundraising capacity, build stronger corporate partnerships, and better communicate its impact to donors and partners.
At the same time, leadership wanted to ensure that its messaging and partnerships remained focused on the core goal of increasing civic participation and reaching underserved voters.
The Solution: Strategic Growth and Partnership Development
GRC Advising partnered with Vote.org to support the organization’s growth strategy at the intersection of civic engagement, partnerships, and strategic communications.
Working closely with leadership, GRC reviewed the organization’s existing fundraising and corporate engagement efforts and developed recommendations to strengthen both donor outreach and partnership opportunities. This included analyzing grassroots and corporate social responsibility (CSR) donor lists, identifying new potential supporters, and helping develop more structured materials for corporate and philanthropic partners.
GRC also provided guidance on refining Vote.org’s marketing presence and digital messaging to better communicate the organization’s impact and reach. As part of this process, recommendations were developed around website improvements and digital storytelling that could highlight the scale of the platform and the urgency of supporting voter participation efforts.
In addition, GRC helped identify and facilitate introductions to organizations, influencers, and potential partners that could expand Vote.org’s reach and fundraising potential.
Key Initiatives Supported by GRC
Corporate Engagement Strategy. Reviewed and refined Vote.org’s corporate partnership approach and helped develop pitch materials and pricing frameworks for corporate supporters.
Fundraising Development. Analyzed grassroots and CSR donor lists and identified opportunities to expand engagement with both corporate and high-net-worth supporters.
Marketing & Messaging Strategy. Provided recommendations on strengthening Vote.org’s digital presence, messaging, and storytelling to better communicate the organization’s impact.
Website and Digital Strategy. Reviewed the organization’s website and developed design concept recommendations aimed at highlighting Vote.org’s reach and effectiveness.
Partnership Development. Identified and facilitated introductions to potential partners, influencers, and organizations that could help expand Vote.org’s visibility and fundraising opportunities.
The Impact: Strengthening Infrastructure for Civic Participation
Expanded Strategic Partnerships. New partnership opportunities helped broaden Vote.org’s network across corporate, nonprofit, and influencer communities.
Stronger Fundraising Strategy. Improved fundraising frameworks and donor targeting strategies positioned the organization to expand its supporter base.
Enhanced Communication of Impact. Recommendations around messaging and digital presence helped clarify the scale and importance of Vote.org’s work in supporting voter participation.
Greater Organizational Capacity. Through strategic planning and partnership development, Vote.org strengthened its ability to reach and engage voters across the country.