Abstract Submission

The Future of Democracy Prize is a national essay and artwork contest for emerging voices presented by Democracy Defenders Fund (DDF).

Contest submissions will answer the question: What will it take for U.S. democracy to not only survive but thrive through the end of this decade and beyond?

This is an open-ended question, and we’re not looking for a specific answer. In your submission, you can consider the roles that advocates, activists, and everyday citizens can play in defending and advancing democracy in an age of disinformation, polarization, and rising authoritarianism across the globe. You may also draw on lessons from democratic struggles in other countries to inform your vision for a more resilient and inclusive U.S. democracy.

The contest is open to essays as well as multimedia artwork (paintings, drawings, digital graphics, videos under 5 minutes, etc.). At this stage, we are accepting abstracts only.

Ten finalists will be selected. Winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize and have their submissions memorialized in an anthology published by DDF.

For contest information, including eligibility information and FAQs, visit: http://democracydefendersfund.org/future-prize

Submit by Thursday, April 30, 11:59 p.m. ET

First name

Last name

Phone

Multi-line address

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

How to Submit

At this stage, we are accepting abstracts only. Write a short summary (350 words or less) of your essay idea or a description of your artwork concept.

Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, clarity of vision, relevance to the prompt, and overall potential impact. Selected abstracts will be invited to submit a full essay or finished work of art.

Please note: We are seeking original, unpublished works. The abstract as well as the final piece must not have been previously published in any print or digital outlet (including news outlets, magazines, academic journals, Substacks, social media platforms, etc.) or displayed at any exhibitions.

Select your submission type

Essay abstract — A short summary of your essay and how it connects to the contest prompt.

Artwork concept — A brief description of the artwork you plan to create, including the medium you intend to use and how it relates to the contest prompt.

One submission per person is accepted. You cannot submit multiple abstracts or ideas.

Prompt: What will it take for U.S. democracy to not only survive but thrive through the end of this decade and beyond?

Enter your abstract below

Submissions must be 350 words or less. Your submission should include a description of how your essay/artwork idea will address the contest prompt. Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, clarity of vision, relevance to the prompt, and overall potential impact. Selected abstracts will be invited to submit a completed essay or finished artwork.

Confirm eligibility

I am between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of submission.

I am a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with legal resident status in the United States.

I am not an employee of DDF or an immediate family member of someone employed by DDF.

I confirm I have read and agree to the official contest rules

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.