Program

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

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

What is Democracy Demo Day?

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Will I receive funding from The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, The Associated Press, or other funders attending by presenting at Democracy Demo Day?

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