A National Competition for Emerging Voices
What will it take for U.S. democracy not only to survive, but to thrive?
The Future of Democracy Prize, presented by Democracy Defenders Fund, invites Americans ages 18–30 to share bold ideas for strengthening democracy in the decades ahead. Selected finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and winning submissions will be published in a national anthology.
Submit your vision for the future of American democracy.
ABOUT THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY PRIZE
The Future of Democracy Prize is a national competition designed to elevate the voices of the next generation at a pivotal moment for democratic governance.
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Across the United States and around the world, democratic institutions are facing sustained pressure, from rising authoritarian movements and disinformation to deepening political polarization. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this moment offers an opportunity not only to reflect on America’s founding ideals, but to imagine how democracy can renew, evolve, and grow stronger in the years ahead.
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This competition asks young Americans to grapple with a defining question:
What will it take for U.S. democracy not only to survive, but to thrive?​
Participants are encouraged to offer bold, thoughtful, and creative ideas for strengthening democratic resilience in the decades to come. Submissions may draw on lessons from American history, democratic struggles abroad, civic innovation, or cultural imagination.
Recognizing that democracy is shaped not only in institutions but also through culture and storytelling, the contest welcomes a range of formats, including:
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Essays
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Visual art
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Digital design
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Video
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Multimedia and other creative formats
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The Future of Democracy Prize is nonpartisan and open to participants across the country and across the ideological spectrum. The goal is not partisan advocacy, but serious engagement with one of the most important questions facing the nation’s future.
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Finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and selected works will be published in a professionally produced anthology with a foreword by Democracy Defenders Fund Executive Director Susan Corke, amplifying emerging voices in a national conversation about democracy’s future.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The contest is open to essays as well as any multimedia artwork (paintings, drawings, digital graphics, videos, etc.). For essays, we accept up to 1,500 words. For videos, we accept up to five minutes long. As detailed above, contestants will submit an abstract first before being commissioned to complete the full piece (if selected), at which point DDF can communicate directly with the finalists on specifics for their final completed pieces.
The abstract as well as the final piece must not have been previously published in any print or digital outlet (news outlets, academic journals, Substacks, social media platforms, etc.) or displayed at any exhibitions. We are seeking original, unpublished works.
CONTEST JUDGES
Submissions to the Future of Democracy Prize will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of leaders from law, journalism, civic advocacy, and public service. Together, the judges bring deep experience defending democratic institutions, strengthening civic engagement, and advancing public accountability.
The panel will review submissions based on originality, clarity of vision, relevance to the contest prompt, and overall potential impact.
Meet the Judges
Jonathan Barry-Blocker
Senior Policy Counsel, Democracy Defenders Fund
TOM JOSCELYN
Senior Fellow,
Just Security
LILY CONWAY
Program Associate,
The Contrarian
Katie Phang
Legal Analyst and Independent Journalist
NORM EISEN
Executive Chair,
Democracy Defenders Fund
RAHNA EPTING
Board Member,
Democracy Defenders Fund
TIMELINE
The Future of Democracy Prize will run from April through July, culminating in the announcement of finalists and publication of a national anthology.
APRIL 2 - APRIL 30: ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
Submit your abstract. Participants submit a 350-word abstract describing the essay or artwork they would create in response to the contest prompt: “What will it take for U.S. democracy not only to survive, but to thrive?”
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Submission Deadline: April 30 at 11:59 PM ET
MAY 1 - MAY 31: REVIEW PERIOD
DDF staff review and score submissions, semifinalists are selected, and contest judges review top submissions and select 10 finalists.
JUNE 1: FINALISTS SELECTION
Selected finalists will be invited to complete and submit their full project.
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Accepted formats include:
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Essays (up to 1,500 words)
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Visual art or digital design
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Video (up to 5 minutes)
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Other multimedia formats
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Up to ten (10) prizes will be awarded. In order to be eligible to receive a $1000 prize, final projects must be submitted no later than June 26, 2026 and must be consistent with the finalist’s abstract submission and meet all Contest Rules criteria, including refraining from advocating for or against any candidates or political parties.
JULY 2026: ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANTHOLOGY
Winning submissions will be publicly announced and published in a professionally produced anthology by Democracy Defenders Fund.
Note the anthology will be available in digital formats first, with physical copies to come at a later date.
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
To participate in the Future of Democracy Prize, submit a 350-word abstract describing the essay or artwork you would create in response to the contest prompt: What will it take for U.S. democracy not only to survive, but to thrive through the end of this decade and beyond?
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The abstract should outline your central idea, argument, or creative vision and explain how your submission will address the future of American democracy. Ten (10) selected finalists will be invited to complete their full project.
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What to Expect
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Review the contest rules and eligibility.
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Complete the submission form.
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Include your contact information and abstract (maximum 350 words).
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Submit before the deadline: April 30 at 11:59 PM ET.
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After the submission period closes, entries will be reviewed by the Democracy Defenders Fund team and contest judges. Ten finalists will be selected and invited to complete their full project, with each eligible finalist receiving a $1,000 honorarium.
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Final projects may include:
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Essays (up to 1,500 words)
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Visual art or digital design
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Video (up to 5 minutes)
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Other multimedia formats
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
QUESTIONS?
Have questions about the Future of Democracy Prize? We’re happy to help.
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For general inquiries about the contest, eligibility, submissions, or deadlines, please contact: futureprize@democracydefenders.org.
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For media inquiries, interview requests, or press-related questions, please contact: maura.mcdonough@deweysquare.com.
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We will do our best to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.
No purchase, payment, or contribution is necessary to enter or win and will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Enter by submitting your essay here [http://democracydefendersfund.org/future-prize/submit]. Ten (10) winners will receive the following prize package: $1000 payment and publication in digital and print anthology (approx. retail value $1000). Odds depend on number of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and between the ages of 18 or older (or age of majority under applicable law) and under the age of 30 at the time of submission. View full official rules at [http://democracydefendersfund.org/future-prize/rules]. Sponsor: Democracy Defenders Fund, 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE Suite 15180, Washington DC 20003.
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