AP, Lenfest Institute issue an open call for presenters at Democracy Demo Day forum
Nonpartisan organizations working on projects to make news more secure and accessible during the 2024 election are invited to apply to share their ideas with industry leaders and funders.
March 11, 2024
Voters cast their ballot on Super Tuesday in Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
The Associated Press and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism are seeking proposals for presentations for Democracy Demo Day, a forum for U.S.-based journalists, technologists, and other nonpartisan election advocates to share projects they are working on to bolster democracy and make news and information more secure and accessible through the 2024 federal and local elections.
Democracy Demo Day will take place on May 1, 2024 at Microsoft’s offices in New York City. Discussion will focus on projects already underway or new concepts or ideas that can launch in time for the 2024 election season. Applications are now closed.
The forum will focus on five tracks related to how news and information providers can inform voters by:
Augmenting confidence in election results
Supporting local elections officials and processes
Spurring participation and combating voter suppression
Limiting the effects of misinformation and disinformation
Focusing attention away from “horse race” coverage
Attendees of the invitation-only event will include funders, news organizations, journalism support organizations, technology companies, and others working to advance free and fair elections. Presenters will share their projects with the goal of identifying opportunities for support, collaboration and, potentially, funding.
Up to 10 teams of presenters will have the opportunity to share a 15-minute presentation with additional time for Q&A. There will also be break-out discussions and ample networking opportunities.
Each team selected to present at the event will receive a $5,000 speaker fee and a travel stipend, if needed. The Lenfest Institute will also publish a report on key findings and promising ideas. This opportunity is for the May 1 event only. Neither organization can make a guarantee of grant funding for participating projects.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee of AP and Lenfest Institute staff. We plan to notify all applicants by Monday, April 15, 2024.
FAQ
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism and The Associated Press will convene news and technology industry leaders, election experts and select funders at Microsoft’s offices in New York City on May 1. The goal is to promote the rapid rollout of practical projects to bolster democracy and make news and information more accessible and secure in this critical election year.
Anyone at a nonpartisan, U.S.-based organization working to address essential questions ahead of the 2024 elections can apply. The deadline to apply is March 22 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. This opportunity is open to organizations of all types, including nonprofit, for-profit, fiscally sponsored organizations and individual practitioners.
It’s up to presenters what would most effectively convey their projects in roughly 15-minute presentations, plus audience questions. All presenters will be expected to produce their own presentation materials.
First, we hope this will spur serious thinking about steps to make U.S. election processes more effective and responsive. The convening will also, at a minimum, greatly enhance awareness of projects selected for presentation. And in some cases, we hope the forum will result in additional collaborators and funders for projects that capture the attention and imagination of those present and represented. Presenters will also receive a $5,000 speaker fee.
Presenters are not guaranteed additional funding from any organization.
The Lenfest Institute will provide up to a $1,500 travel stipend to those who need it. You are responsible for booking your own travel to New York City.
Time is running short — as it is for the election itself. Applications for presentation must be submitted by Friday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Attendance is quite limited as a result of space constraints, but please send a note with your request to rebecca@lenfestinstitute.org. For those unable to join in person, we’ll share insights, recommendations, and lessons learned with the field.
Local News Solutions
The Lenfest Institute provides free tools and resources for local journalism leaders to develop sustainable strategies to serve their communities.
