Ascend Partners

The Ascend Fund is a collaborative fund dedicated to accelerating the pace of change toward gender parity in U.S. politics. We pool philanthropic capital and make mission-driven investments in nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations that break down barriers preventing women from running for office and winning. 

Our work is guided by an Advisory Committee and informed by a Leadership Circle.

Below is a snapshot of the former and current portfolio of partners that The Ascend Fund has supported since 2020.

Our National Partners

We celebrate strategists. Seek disruptors. Cultivate connections. By partnering with organizations bolstering change where it matters, we're making strides with lasting power.

New American Leaders

New American Leaders empowers first and second generation Americans to run, win, and lead. It is the only national, nonpartisan organization focused on bringing New Americans into the political process.

voterunlead

Vote Run Lead trains barrier-breaking women to unleash their political power, run for office, and transform American democracy.

Advance Native Political Leadership

ANPL aims to increase the representation of Indigenous people, especially Indigenous women, in elected office at all levels and create pathways to leadership for emerging Native candidates across the country.

Higher Heights

Higher Heights Leadership Fund is investing in a long-term strategy to expand and support Black women's leadership pipeline at all levels and strengthen their civic participation beyond just Election Day.

Ignite

Ignite is a national movement of women who are ready and eager to become the next generation of political leaders.

Latinas Represent

Latinas Represent aims to increase the number and diversity of Latinas in public service to transform communities and our democracy.

Victory Institute Logo

Victory Institute works to increase the number of LGBTQ people in public office and to provide programming, services, and other support to help ensure their success.

Running Start

Running Start gives young women and girls the confidence, capabilities, and connections they need to run for public office.

She Should Run

She Should Run motivates women from all walks of life to explore the possibility of public office by identifying and tackling the barriers to elected leadership.

Vote Mama Foundation

The Vote Mama Foundation enables mothers to find their political voice, making it easier for them to run and win.

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Women's Public Leadership Network provides center- and right-leaning women with the knowledge and resources to make seeking public office and engaging in the political process more accessible.

Our State Partners

Our state partners work collaboratively to increase the number of women serving in state legislatures. Activities include coalition building, barrier reduction, candidate recruitment and training, and message development on the importance of women leaders.

Michigan

mothering justice

Mothering Justice empowers mothers of color to influence policy on behalf of themselves and others.

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GLPA-LEAD Education Fund trains, supports, and develops diverse leaders to effectively implement policy and manage organizations across Michigan.

EQMI

Equality Michigan is a statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer political advocacy organization.

She Holds The Key

She Holds the Key works to remove barriers and provide support for center and center-right leaning women seeking elected office and appointments in Michigan.

Mississippi

BWR

The Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable is an intergenerational, civic engagement statewide network of black women and girls that focus on increasing voter participation, civic engagement and champions equitable public policy on behalf of Black women and girls in Mississippi. MS BWR is an affiliate of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable.

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Mississippi University for Women’s NEW Leadership Mississippi educates college women about the important role that politics plays in their lives and encourages them to become effective leaders in the political arena.

Womens Foundation

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi is a public foundation that works to eliminate the social and economic barriers faced by women and girls throughout the state.

ACLU Mississippi

The Mississippi affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union dedicates their time and resources to promoting and defending the civil liberties of citizens across the state through legislation, litigation, and advocacy.

Washington

One America With Justice for All

OneAmerica is the largest immigrant and refugee advocacy organization in Washington State, organizing with and advocating for diverse communities including Latinx, African, and Asian.

Puget Sound Sage

Puget Sound Sage charts a path to a living economy in the South Salish Sea and Duwamish River Valley regions by developing community power to influence, lead and govern.

Native Action Network

Native Action Network is a Native-led nonprofit organized to promote Native women’s full representation, participation, and leadership in local, state, tribal, and national affairs.

FDF

Fix Democracy First Education Fund focuses on voter education, voter registration, outreach, and expanding civic participation across Washington state and beyond.

Comunidad Latina de Vashon_edited

Comunidad Latina de Vashon was founded by Latina women to cultivate youth and adult community leaders to use their strengths to change systemic injustices on Vashon Island

Are you a visionary leader in a foundation or nonprofit, a philanthropist, social entrepreneur, multilateral, or private sector entity? Get in touch to learn more about what we can do together.
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