The Carnegie Corporation of New York has announced a $3 million commitment to national service programs that advance civic participation.

Announced during an event in Utah co-hosted by the state’s governor, Spencer J. Cox, and More Perfect, a nonprofit that works to promote democratic ideals such as service, civics, and access to fact-based journalism, the funding marks the foundation’s latest commitment to fortify democracy in the United States by strengthening forces of social cohesion and reducing political polarization. The commitment includes support from the corporation and the Schultz Family Foundation to enable More Perfect to study how states are expanding and improving service opportunities that help people contribute to society, collaborate with others from different backgrounds, and develop the skills needed for both the workplace and for civic life.

The new funding is in addition to the corporation’s existing portfolio of grantees supported by its Democracy program, which focuses on the civic integration of immigrants, K-12 civic learning, protecting voting rights, and increasing voter participation of all citizens.

“In recent years, the fragility of our democracy has been exposed to a degree that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago,” said corporation president Dame Louise Richardson. “We at Carnegie Corporation of New York believe that engaging in national and community service can help to inculcate an appreciation of the value of democracy and bring together people from all races, regions, and backgrounds and thereby strengthen the forces of social cohesion in our country.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Keith Lance)