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Our Story

Two decades of collaborative, people-centered work for democratic institutions and human rights around the world.

ABOUT DEMOCRACY COUNCIL

Founded in 2001 by Joshua Gordon and Jim Prince, the Democracy Council is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that operates with a collaborative, people-centered approach to the highest level of standards, ethics, and accountability. Our team consists of leading specialists from a broad range of backgrounds and practical experience from law, accounting, and government to humanitarian relief and civil society activists.

Our approach is based on working hand in hand with local stakeholders to identify problematic systems and collaboratively implement practical solutions that have a positive, measurable impact on people's lives. Our work is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the belief that a vibrant civil society and accountable public administration remain fundamental tenets of democratic societies. Democracy Council has a proven track record of safely implementing practical impact-driven programming based upon best practices defending and promoting the rights, liberties, and quality of life in the most demanding areas of the world.

For more than two decades, DCC has partnered with governments and local stakeholders to deliver timely analysis, policy guidance, and practical programming grounded in local realities. Our work has focused on strengthening civil society and human and civil rights, supporting peacebuilding and conflict resolution, expanding access to independent news and information, and advancing the rule of law and accountable governance. In fragile and high-risk contexts, this work has also included economic recovery, humanitarian assistance, stabilization, and efforts to counter violent extremism. To protect the safety and privacy of our overseas teams, partners, and beneficiaries, many activities are not publicly reported.

DCC has empowered tens of thousands of local activists and community leaders, contributed to reforms of discriminatory and repressive laws, delivered emergency humanitarian assistance to communities facing crisis, and strengthened local capacity for social, economic, and political participation at both local and national levels. Our work reflects long-term engagement rather than short-term intervention, and an emphasis on building institutions and capabilities that endure.

Our work depends on support from government aid agencies, foundations, and individual donors. Our teams and partners have implemented more than USD 173 million in grant-supported programming, including over USD 130 million funded by the governments of the United States and Canada. We have mobilized significant private and philanthropic resources to support both our operations and those of our local partners. (Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law.)

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MISSION

The mission of the Democracy Council has always been the promotion of democratic institutions and practices. The work we do is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the belief that a vibrant civil society and accountable public administration remain fundamental tenets of democratic societies. Our mission is based on the ideals of independent thought, innovative thinking, cross-disciplinary scholarship, integrity, professionalism, and impact-driven work. Without a democratically friendly environment, civil society cannot progress and hold governments responsible for their actions. Our top priority will always be solving the problems and accomplishing the goals our partners have, to create better and more inclusive democratic societies.

Our Values and Approach

DCC's work is grounded in the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the conviction that accountable governance, equal opportunity, and respect for human dignity are essential foundations for peaceful and prosperous societies. We recognize that these principles must be translated into practice through effective institutions, inclusive civic space, and laws that protect the rights of all people.

Our approach emphasizes collaboration, pragmatism, and measurable impact. We work alongside local stakeholders to collaboratively design and implement practical solutions that respond to identified needs and strengthen local capacity over time. DCC acts as a catalyst and agent for positive social change, advancing the principle that the rights of all human beings, both those governed and those who govern, must be respected. The well-being, liberty, and inalienable rights of all people must be actively defended. In the environments where we work, this requires combating and resisting discrimination, repression, physical abuse, violent extremism, and poverty and hunger through sustained, on-the-ground engagement.

DCC operates in accordance with international best practices and upholds the highest standards of ethics, accountability, and transparency. The safety, integrity, and well-being of our staff and local partners are always paramount in everything we do. As a streamlined organization focused on local impact with minimal corporate overhead, we direct resources where they matter most: on the ground, in communities affected by conflict, repression, instability, or humanitarian crisis.