IBL Voting Rights Grant
Veterans, the Franchise, and Rights Restoration in Florida
The Institute on Black Life's Voting Rights Grant, Veterans, the Franchise, and Rights Restoration in Florida, is a community-engaged initiative funded by the Sociological Initiatives Foundation. The project examines barriers to voting rights restoration in Florida while fostering public education, experiential learning, and partnerships with community organizations and legal professionals.
The initiative centers on educating the public about rights restoration, supporting civic engagement efforts, and creating sustainable models of collaboration between universities and community partners.
Funded By: Sociological Initiatives Foundation
Grant Period: 2025–2026
Award Amount: $20,000
Impact Highlights
11 Undergraduate Students Engaged
2 CLE Summits Hosted
1 Seminar Lecture Hosted
100 Educational Brochures Distributed
95 Legal and Community Participants Reached
Statewide Community Partnerships Established
Student Research Team of 3
1 Publication Under Review
grant objectives
Public Education
Increase awareness of the barriers that continue to limit voting rights restoration in Florida, including challenges associated with Amendment 4 implementation and legal financial obligations.
Student Engagement
Provide students with experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom knowledge with community-based civic engagement and public scholarship.
Community Collaboration
Strengthen partnerships with advocacy organizations, legal professionals, and community leaders to advance informed dialogue and long-term strategies for rights restoration.
Community Partnerships
League of Women Voters of Florida
Project partner supporting voting rights education, restoration initiatives, and public outreach.
- Cecile M. Scoon, Esq.
Abe Brown Ministries
Community partner providing students with opportunities to understand the lived experiences
of individuals navigating reentry and rights restoration.