The Electoral Reform Society's independence is secured by our funding model.
We do not rely on corporate sponsorships or wealthy individuals to sustain our work. That means we are free to speak out, challenge governments of all colours, and push for much-needed reform to our democracy. Our financial independence gives credibility to our research, strength to our campaigning, and trust to the people who engage with our work.
Thousands of people who want to see a healthier democracy choose to support us with small, regular donations. Many give just a few pounds each month. Taken together, these membership contributions allow us to plan for the long term, invest in research, and respond quickly when democratic standards are under threat.
Why not join the thousands of ordinary people who support our work in parliament, in the press and online – making the case, and backing it up – for how we can fix Westminster’s broken system.
It isn’t just today’s ERS members that support our work. In the late 1970s, the Society founded a small-scale ballot services division, which went on to become the UK’s market-leading provider of election services. In 2018, they were bought by Civica Group, allowing the Society to found a Capital Fund with the proceeds of the sale. The work that started in the 1970s is now invested across the stock market, providing an ongoing source of funding.
Empty floors of the Electoral Reform Society’s home are also rented out to a number of small businesses to provide a third source of income.
This broad base of support ensures that our priorities are shaped by our values and mission, not by the interests of a handful of powerful funders.