FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2026
Contact: Mary Donnelly, Communications Director, League of Women Voters of Monmouth County, mary.mdwrites@gmail.com / 908-415-8491
LWV Monmouth PresidentReceives National Award
$25,000 Grant “Pays It Forward” to LWVNJ Education Fund
Evelyn C. Murphy, PhD, President of the League of Women Voters of Monmouth County (LWV Monmouth), received a national award from The Courage Project today for her work defending democratic values and mobilizing support whenever issues arise that challenge civic rights.
“In today's polarized climate, grassroots civic engagement is a courageous act that safeguards our democratic institution,” said Dr. Evelyn C. Murphy. “This recognition celebrates my life's work of empowering voters and defending our democracy at a moment when it feels that core American principles are facing growing threats and attacks.”
While individual recipients are not eligible to receive a grant directly, each is given a “Pay It Forward” award that allows them to recommend a grant to a values-aligned 501(c)(3) nonprofit in their community. Dr. Murphy immediately designated the $25,000 grant to the League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund.
“It is a great honor for this work to be recognized, and I wish to lift up the people of Monmouth County and my fellow League of Women Voters members throughout New Jersey and nationwide for continuously showing up to engage with their neighbors in difficult but critical conversations,” Dr. Murphy said.
The League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund helps fund voter education - a critical component of a healthy and inclusive democracy. The League equips eligible voters with the knowledge they need to exercise theirrights with confidence and promotes an engaged and informed electorate tostrengthen our communities and democratic institutions.
###
The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working toprotect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in Americandemocracy. The League empowers voters and defends democracy through advocacy,education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. Visit LWVMonmouth.org to join or for moreinformation.
The Courage Project is a collaborative initiative supported by partners including CFLeads, the Freedom Together Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, the Marguerite Casey Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, Pisces Foundation, the Public Welfare Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation. Visit thecourageproject.org for more information.
