Investing in community power building to increase civic engagement through voting: lessons from the Building Healthy Communities initiative

The objective of this study was to examine the impact investments in community organizing made as part a 10-year comprehensive initiative focused on power building California. Data from multiple sources were used relationship between and one measure civic engagement, voter turnout. Comparisons over time (2010–2019) intervention propensity-weighted comparison sites. Analyses determined that by funder positively associated with turnout; effect differed across elections largest 2012. Broad support organizing, base had positive voting, an important indicator engagement. In historically marginalized or underserved communities, investing can yield benefits despite structural barriers result inequities. As restrictive electoral reforms grow country wake 2020 election, initiatives designed build may proactively against these changes provide infrastructure understand navigate them. Investing is promising strategy for philanthropic organizations, organizers, policy makers.