HEALTHY DEMOCRACY FUND

Portland, OR · Founded 2010

Elevating everyday voices in public decisions through deliberative democracy forums

Primary audience
Local Citizens
Work area
Democratic Engagement
Topic
Deliberative Forums
Contact
Kacey Bull
Website Contact

About Organization

Works to elevate the voices of everyday people in public decision-making by developing new formats for democratic engagement that prioritize thoughtful deliberation and transparency. Based in Portland, OR, the organization designs structured forums where citizens engage in informed dialogue on complex policy issues. Operating with $742,000 in annual revenue and 5 employees.

What They Focus On

Deliberative Democracy

Develops structured forums where citizens engage in informed dialogue on complex policy issues with expert input.

Participation Innovation

Creates alternative democratic engagement formats that emphasize thoughtful deliberation beyond traditional voting mechanisms.

Citizen Empowerment

Elevates voices of everyday people in public decision-making through transparent, in-depth participation opportunities.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2022)

$742K

Expenses (2022)

$608K

Assets (2022)

$231K

Employees (2022)

5

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

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Format Design

    Creates structured engagement models that prioritize deliberation, transparency, and informed participation.

  • 02

    Participant Selection

    Recruits diverse groups of citizens to ensure representation in democratic deliberation processes.

  • 03

    Facilitated Dialogue

    Guides participants through informed discussions on complex policy issues using balanced information.

  • 04

    Impact Integration

    Connects citizen deliberations to decision-making processes so public input influences policy outcomes.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by HEALTHY DEMOCRACY FUND

Deliberative Forums

Organizes structured gatherings where citizens engage in thoughtful discussion on complex policy issues.

Democratic Innovation

Develops new formats for public participation that emphasize informed dialogue and meaningful engagement.

Citizen Panels

Coordinates representative groups of residents to deliberate on local and state policy questions.

Public Education

Provides participants with balanced information and expert perspectives on issues under discussion.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind HEALTHY DEMOCRACY FUND.

Linn Davis

Linn Davis

Program Director
32 hrs/week
Compensation: $50,121
Grace Taylor

Grace Taylor

Operations Director
32 hrs/week
Compensation: $48,352
Justin Reedy

Justin Reedy

Program Director
Lauren Babcock

Lauren Babcock

Program Director
KB

Kacey Bull

Communications Director
32 hrs/week
Compensation: $52,314
AR

Alex Renirie

Program Co-Director
32 hrs/week
Compensation: $50,121

Milestones

2005

Organization Founded

2005

Established to develop innovative democratic engagement formats beyond traditional participation methods.

2012

Citizens Initiative

2012

Pioneered citizens initiative review process giving voters balanced information on ballot measures.

2020

Program Expansion

2020

Grew to 5 employees and annual revenue of $741,869 supporting deliberative democracy work.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AA
Awab Al-Rabe Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
Jim Scherzinger
Jim Scherzinger Board Treasurer 4.00 hrs/week
John Horvick
John Horvick Board Chair 4.00 hrs/week
LC
Lyn Carson Board Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
ME
Marjan Ehsassi Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
Patsy Kraeger
Patsy Kraeger Board Member (From December 2022) 1.00 hrs/week
SH
Sammy Henry Board Member (Thru September 2022) 1.00 hrs/week
SU
Seely Umlaut Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
VC
Vickie Chamberlain Board Member (Thru April 2022) 1.00 hrs/week
Victor Reuther
Victor Reuther Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
Damon Isiah Turner
Damon Isiah Turner Vice Chair
Laura Black
Laura Black
Marla Shaivitz
Marla Shaivitz
Ryan Bellinson
Ryan Bellinson
Ana Sofía Castellanos Santamaría
Ana Sofía Castellanos Santamaría Ph.D

Advisors

Alaí Reyes-Santos
Alaí Reyes-Santos Practitioner Partner
AH
Amanda Hudson Moderator
Awab Al-Rawe
Awab Al-Rawe Moderator
Brett Hennig
Brett Hennig Deliberation Practitioner
David Schecter
David Schecter Deliberation Practitioner
Felipe Rey
Felipe Rey Deliberation Practitioner
Francisco Ontiveros
Francisco Ontiveros Former Panelist
Iain Walker
Iain Walker Deliberation Practitioner
Indira Latorre
Indira Latorre Deliberation Practitioner
Isabela Villarreal
Isabela Villarreal Moderator
Jose W. Melendez
Jose W. Melendez Former Panelist
Lisa Fragala
Lisa Fragala Former Steering Cmte Member
Marissa Fernandez
Marissa Fernandez Former Panelist
Molly Rodriguez Keating
Molly Rodriguez Keating Moderator
Nicole Hunter
Nicole Hunter Deliberation Practitioner
Philipp Verpoort
Philipp Verpoort Deliberation Practitioner
Sonia Randhawa
Sonia Randhawa Deliberation Practitioner
Sophie McGinley
Sophie McGinley Former Project Partner
Terri Harding
Terri Harding Former Project Partner
Tom Lord
Tom Lord Deliberation Practitioner

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Photo Highlights

Key moments and events from the organization

Organization photo
Source: News & Updates

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990 (2022)

Total Reported (2022)

$201K

Highest Paid

$52K

Kacey Bull

Compensated Officers

4

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Kacey Bull Communications Director $52,314 — $52,314 32
Alex Renirie Program Co-Director $50,121 — $50,121 32
Linn Davis Program Co-Director $50,121 — $50,121 32
Grace Taylor Operations Director $48,352 — $48,352 32

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

Contact

Get in touch with HEALTHY DEMOCRACY FUND

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(503) 841-6865

Social

Visit Website
Po Box 18104 Portland, OR 97218