“Foreign agent” laws are increasingly used by governments worldwide to restrict civil society and dissent, leveraging security justifications. Funders play a crucial role in supporting civil society to counter these laws, but efforts need to be proactive and long-term. Philanthropic foundations can act swiftly, while official donors can provide large-scale, strategic funding. Collaboration among funders and coordination with local organizations is vital. Civil society actors, often facing heightened scrutiny, require flexible and discreet funding frameworks to mitigate risks. Advocacy tactics must consider potential backlash, with some funders using a mix of public and private approaches. To counter these challenges, funders must shift from reactive responses to systemic, transformative initiatives that strengthen civil society and promote sustainable support for democratic values and human rights. Read more here.
Source: Civic Futures