Center For Civic Design Inc

Cambridge, MD · Founded 2013

Applies design and usability principles to improve voter interactions with election systems

Primary audience
Election Officials
Work area
Design & Usability
Topic
Voting & Elections
Website Contact

About Organization

The Center for Civic Design improves how citizens interact with government through research-based design guidelines, with a primary focus on election systems and ballot usability. Based in Cambridge, MD and founded in 2013, the organization employs 12 staff and operates with an annual budget of $1.6 million.

What They Focus On

Voter Experience Design

Creating ballots and election materials that are clear, accessible, and ensure every voter can successfully cast their intended vote

Election Administration Support

Equipping government officials with research-based tools and guidelines to improve communication with citizens during elections

Civic Engagement Infrastructure

Strengthening election security and accessibility through better design of systems and processes that connect voters with democracy

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2022)

$1.6M

+51% vs 2021

Expenses (2022)

$1.4M

+28.5% vs 2021

Assets (2022)

$1.5M

+41.8% vs 2021

Employees (2022)

12

+20% vs 2021

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2022 $1,619,940 $1,433,518 $1,515,598 12
2021 $1,073,071 $1,115,221 $1,068,859 10
2020 $1,121,616 $978,315 $769,655 8
2019 $977,835 $945,354 $326,158 6
2018 $879,375 $781,819 $400,112 6

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Research & Testing

    Conduct usability studies with voters to identify design problems in ballots and election materials

  • 02

    Guideline Development

    Translate research findings into practical, evidence-based design guidelines for election officials

  • 03

    Tool Creation

    Develop accessible resources and templates that officials can immediately apply to their materials

  • 04

    Training & Support

    Provide ongoing education and technical assistance to ensure effective implementation of design principles

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Center For Civic Design Inc

Ballot Design Research

Conducts usability research and develops evidence-based guidelines for designing clear, accessible ballots that ensure voter intent

Civic Design Education

Increases knowledge of design principles among government officials to improve citizen interactions with public systems

Secure Infrastructure Support

Assists jurisdictions with election administration, equipment selection, and implementing secure voting infrastructure

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Center For Civic Design Inc.

Whitney Chief Program

Whitney Chief Program

Chief Program Officer
Allyson Information design

Allyson Information design

Information design
Christopher Program

Christopher Program

Program Manager
Croix Project & Research Ops

Croix Project & Research Ops

Project & Research Ops
Emma Information design

Emma Information design

Information design
Evie Civic Researcher

Evie Civic Researcher

Civic Researcher
Fernando Language access

Fernando Language access

Language access
Hannah Research practice lead

Hannah Research practice lead

Research practice lead
Isabelle Design research

Isabelle Design research

Design research
Kimberly Information design

Kimberly Information design

Information design
Leeron Content strategy

Leeron Content strategy

Content strategy
Lynn Voting system research

Lynn Voting system research

Voting system research
Randy Information design

Randy Information design

Information design
Sean Plain language

Sean Plain language

Plain language
Tasmin Program

Tasmin Program

Program Manager
Teallary People operations

Teallary People operations

People operations
AA

Adam Ambrogi

Director
KB

Kathy Boockvar

Director
NC

Nick Chedli Carter

Director
TE

Tiana Epps Johnson

Director

Milestones

2013

Organization Founded

2013

Center for Civic Design established to improve government-citizen interactions through design

2013

Tax-Exempt Status Granted

2013

Received IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

2019

Program Expansion

2019

Revenue reached nearly $1 million as demand for election design services grew

2022

Record Growth

2022

Organization doubled staff to 12 employees and reached $1.6 million in annual revenue

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

WQ
Whitney Quesenbery Secretary 40.00 hrs/week · $120,000
AA
Adam Ambrogi Director 5.00 hrs/week
KP
Kathryn Peters Treasurer 5.00 hrs/week
KB
Kathy Boockvar Director 5.00 hrs/week
NC
Nick Chedli Carter Director 5.00 hrs/week
PS
Pari Sabety Chair 5.00 hrs/week
TE
Tiana Epps Johnson Director 5.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2022)

$127K

Highest Paid

$127K

Whitney Quesenbery

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Whitney Quesenbery Secretary $120,000 $7,300 $127,300 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$550K Grants Received
3 Organizations

Top Funders

3 total
HF
Hopewell Fund
$250K
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$250K
AI
Article IV
$50K
Hopewell Fund Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Article IV
Hopewell Fund Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Article IV

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Center For Civic Design Inc

Phone

(410) 921-6811

Social

Visit Website
5443 Tates Bank Road Cambridge, MD 21613