Justice + Joy’s Rapid Response Education Fund was created in 2024 as a vehicle for putting resources in the hands of young people and galvanize their friends, families, and communities around compelling issues. With the election looming and democracy in the balance, the decision was made to direct funds from the Fixing Democracy initiative to support young people on the ground. Our research illustrated that young people, particularly young women and gender-expansive young people of color, although deeply committed to local change, weren’t included in the national election discourse despite the fact that their rights and livelihoods were on the line.

In just three weeks, the Fixing Democracy youth leads created an application process, reviewed nearly 100 applications, and awarded 71 micro-grants ranging from $50 to $500 to young people in 27 states and Washington, D.C., to host community events on the importance of civic engagement. Events were organized by activists as young as 16 and included activities such as Ballots and Bracelets, Trick Treat, and Vote, Paint and Sip, Empanadas to Engagement, mock elections and a DIY art stations with voting-themed crafts. The Fixing Democracy leads were able to host virtual community-building sessions with grantees to reflect, celebrate, and strategize for the future, which laid the foundation for their work to continue. In 2026, this fund will continue to support emergent needs among young advocates working in their communities.

Going Forward

Although this first use of the RREF funds was directed toward increasing Gen Z’s civic engagement in advance of the 2024 elections, it doesn’t end there. The RREF funds can be activated by youth leads working on any Justice + Joy project. Stay tuned to our socials, and sign up for our newsletter to stay connected as we roll out future opportunities through the fund, co-created and guided by the wisdom of our young activists.

Read the Rapid Response Education Fund Brief for more information about RREF.