Dear readers,
CIVICUS has released its latest State of Civil Society Report, offering a comprehensive look at global trends affecting civil society organizations, including repression, resilience, and emerging advocacy strategies. The authors, drawing on over 300 interviews, note that a “rules-based international order where human rights are respected risks being discarded in favour of the attitude that might makes right” and we face a global governance crisis. In this week’s Focus Topic, we did deeper on civic space trends and acknowledging those working so hard to protect independent civil society.
Of course, we have much else to cover, too, from renewable energy linked corruption in Syria to democratic theories of change to the power of networked collaboration.
Happy reading!
TAI team
WHAT'S NEW?
Catherine Bracy is gaining attention for her new book World Eaters: How Venture Capital Is Cannibalizing the Economy. In a recent interview, she discusses how the financial structures of venture capital influence not just tech companies but society at large.
Courts in the Global South are emerging as key arenas for climate accountability. Recent victories in Kenya, Peru, and Colombia have challenged flawed carbon offset schemes, demonstrating how litigation can drive meaningful change.
What can nonprofits do when they want to expand their work but lack the resources to launch new programs? Programmatic asset transfers—where one nonprofit acquires a program from another—can be a strategic solution. The research team explores how these transfers can maximize social impact.
Spain and Costa Rica have taken the lead in shaping a global dialogue on AI governance within the United Nations. This initiative aims to address the dominance of English-speaking perspectives in AI policy (Article in Spanish).
In her new research paper, Dr. Leena Koni Hoffmann highlights the power of anti-corruption role models and coalitions in reshaping social norms in Nigeria.
People Powered’s latest Digital Participation Tool Ratings evaluates 30 tools supporting digital participation globally. This edition offers deeper insights into AI-driven participation tools and their applications.
An investigative piece from Al Jumhuriya explores how renewable energy has become a tool for corruption in Syria. Journalist Rukaia Alabadi uncovers the intersection of energy policies and governance failures.
CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative continues to enhance infrastructure transparency in Malawi, working with national leaders and the Partnership for Transparency Fund to drive accountability in public construction projects.
A study from SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University suggests strategies for reversing the global decline in democracy through a theory of change that complements, or in some cases replaces, existing state-led and Western-led initiatives.
A new briefing from Open Ownership explores how tax authorities can leverage beneficial ownership (BO) information—not just from central registers, but also from related sources like shareholder and nominee data—to better understand networks of wealth and control.
Staying with beneficial ownership, the U.S. Treasury Department announced an interim final rule to exempt domestic companies as well as U.S. owners of foreign companies from filing information under the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a landmark anti-money laundering law. As the FACT Coalition notes, if finalized, the rule would exempt more than 99 percent of entities from reporting their ownership information under the statute.
Last week was the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week, the annual celebration of government transparency and open records access, in the U.S. While the mood is rightly dark right now, American Oversight try to cheer us up by looking back at a few of their major victories for the public since their founding in 2017.
ESSENTIAL READING
How can philanthropy more effectively engage with government reformers in the Global South—and why does it matter? As part of our ongoing learning series, the Trust, Accountability and Inclusion Collaborative is hosting funder calls exploring this question through real-world case studies and candid conversations. We’re sharing what works, what doesn’t, and why strategic engagement with governments can be pivotal for advancing trust, accountability, and inclusion.
FROM OUR MEMBERS
OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS: Shehryar Fazli, Program Manager for Inclusive Democracy in South Asia, reflects on how Bangladesh’s political divisions shape the country’s present and future. Meanwhile, a new publication looks back at Open Society’s history in South Africa and its enduring legacy as the organization continues its investment in the country through its united global structure.
MACARTHUR FOUNDATION: Is hiring for multiple positions, including Program Officer for Journalism & Media, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, and Residency in Nonprofit Law. Explore the opportunities and learn more about the roles available.
LUMINATE: Is proud to sponsor CTRL+J, a platform fostering South-South collaboration to strengthen public interest media. As journalism faces challenges in sustainability and accountability, particularly in the Global South, initiatives like these are crucial for increasing public oversight of technology’s impact on human rights.
TOOLS AND TRENDS FOR FUNDERS
FITO Network has developed a playbook to help organizations communicate the value of networked collaboration. This resource provides guidance on how to articulate impact and build collective narratives.
The book Participatory Grantmaking in Philanthropy examines how philanthropy can become more accountable and democratic. Read Hilary Pearson’s review. And if you want to think about implications for strategy, take a look at TAI’s Participatory Strategy Library.
David Beckman argues that funders should focus not just on individual organizations but on strengthening entire fields. Investing in shared strategies and infrastructure can amplify impact and drive systemic change.
Nearly 75% of India’s nonprofits face financial constraints, raising concerns about the sustainability of grassroots initiatives. A recent report from Shafi Musaddique for Alliance Magazine explores the funding landscape and potential solutions.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING
On Foreign Policy’s The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women podcast, host Reena Ninan speaks with guests, including TAI’s Executive Director, Michael Jarvis, about the implications of dismantling USAID and other aid cuts.
FOCUSED TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
Civic Space Under Pressure: Adaptation, Resistance, and Resilience
The landscape for civil society organizations around the world is increasingly characterized by restriction, adaptation, and resilience in the face of new challenges. Recent developments highlight both the innovative responses of human rights defenders and the concerning trajectory of civic space globally.
As authoritarian tendencies gain traction in various regions, organizations are developing new strategies for survival. The European Center for Nonprofit Law's crowdsourced guide is for human rights organizations facing displacement or operating in hostile environments. By collecting wisdom from organizations that have navigated exile or adapted to complex political conditions, it offers practical guidance for maintaining operations when traditional approaches become untenable.
Meanwhile, Peru's proposed legislation threatens to significantly curtail the ability of nonprofits to hold the government accountable for human rights violations. This development follows a concerning pattern seen across multiple continents where legal frameworks are being weaponized to restrict legitimate civil society activities. Such legislative maneuvers often employ vague national security justifications or burdensome administrative requirements that effectively silence critical voices while maintaining a veneer of democratic process.
Funding challenges compound these difficulties, as evidenced by the analysis from the EU SEE Initiative on the impacts of US funding freezes. These financial disruptions have created significant operational obstacles for global civil society organizations, particularly those engaged in advocacy and human rights work. The detailed examination by Aika Rey further illuminates how the withdrawal of U.S. aid in Southeast Asia has precipitated a growing crisis for organizations in the region. These financial constraints arrive at a moment when the work of civil society is arguably more essential than ever.
The convergence of these trends—restrictive legislation, forced displacement, and funding challenges—creates a perfect storm for civil society organizations worldwide. Yet amidst these difficulties, we also witness remarkable resilience and innovation. Organizations are developing digital security protocols, reimagining funding models, establishing diaspora networks, and creating new collaborative structures that transcend national boundaries. As civic space contracts, the ability to adapt, connect, and persevere will determine whether civil society can continue to fulfill its essential role in protecting human dignity and advancing justice.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING
Valeria Scorza, CEO of Fundación Avina, joins Do One Better with Alberto Lidji to discuss how global partnerships can bolster local ecosystems and drive meaningful change. The episode explores a philanthropic model that moves beyond traditional funding, embracing systemic, collaborative, and trust-based approaches.
JOBS
Multiple openings - Hewlett Foundation
Different Roles - MacArthur Foundation
Several Positions - Center for Democracy & Technology
Various Opportunities - Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Contracting and consultancy openings - Open Government Partnership
Multiples positions - Brennan Center for Justice
Managing Director, External Relations - Freedom Fund
Director of Programs and Learning - Firelight Foundation
Executive Director - Transparentem. Deadline March 31, 2025.
Communication Director - WINGS. Deadline April 2, 2025.
Program Manager - Open Data Watch. Deadline April 18, 2025.
CALLS
Want to understand how civil society in Europe is responding to deepening political polarization, shrinking civic space, and the rise of disinformation? Subscribe to CIVITATES’ latest newsletter.
Philanthropist and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman is looking for answers with a $10 million open call for organizations working to build faith in government, the media, public health, universities, and more. Learn further at this March 26 webinar.
Local cross-border investigative journalism grants available in Europe. Deadline March 27, 2025.
Call for submission of abstracts for a short paper and panel presentation at the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference. Selected research papers will be presented at the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from November 20 – 24, 2025. Deadline 31st March 2025.
The Brazilian Association for Investigative Journalism invites academics and students of Investigative Journalism to submit research papers. Deadline March 31st, 2025.
Call for abstracts. Submit for the International Center for Evidence and Development regional conference from May 26-30 to discuss participatory governance and sustainable development in Africa. The event will bring together experts, policymakers, and civil society leaders to explore citizen engagement strategies. Deadline April 1.
Publish What You Fund is offering free, online training on using the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI)—the leading global open aid dataset.
Working on the political economy of aid and development? Join PEADS2025, April 23-24, 2025 in Pitlochry, Scotland.
Funding available for investigative journalism projects in Belgium and the Netherlands. Deadline May 15, 2025.
The Thousand Currents Academy in Atlanta, will bring funders and allies together to support unrestricted, long-term funding for Global South movements, fostering systems change through trust and accountability, May 19-22, 2025.
The 10th edition of the School for Thinktankers returns to Fundació Bofill in Barcelona in 2026. Submit your early-bird application.
CALENDAR
The Commons in Conversation with Reid Hoffman and Cecilia Conrad. Event by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. March 26, 2025.
Meeting the Moment with Trust-Based Philanthropy: A Virtual Discussion Series to Activate Collective Action, March 26, April 30, & May 29. 11-12:30pm PT // 12-1:30pm MT // 1-2:30pm CT // 2-3:30pm ET.
Land tenure and national carbon frameworks, webinar. March 27, 2025.
Disappearing before our eyes: Can philanthropy save civil society? registration - Webex, March 28, 2025.
Strategic Plays for Philanthropy to Build Scaling Pathways, April 3, 14.00 BST, Oxford, UK
World Bank Group's Partnerships for Anticorruption Global Forum, in Washington, DC, April 8-9, 2025,
EDGE Conference 2025 | From Pledge to Action: Accountability in Philanthropy”, Bogota. April 28-30, 2025.
Labor And The Crisis Of Democracy: Working-Class Politics in an Age of Authoritarianism, Conference sponsored by the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. May 8 y 9, 2025.
2025 Financing for Feminist Futures conference, Madrid, Spain. May 21-23, 2025.
Beyond Neoliberalism Conference in Cambridge, May 29-31, 2025.
Philea Forum 2025 “Power and Equality: A Balancing Act”, Lisbon, June 2-5, 2025.
8th Impacts of Civic Technology Conference (TICTeC), Mechelen, and online. June10 & 11 2025.
Leading Locally 2025, Minneapolis-St. Paul, June 10-12, 2025.
On Think Tanks Conference 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 16 - 18, 2025.
2025 World Justice Forum, Warsaw, Poland. June 23-26, 2025
4th International Financing for Development Conference, Seville, June 30 - July 3, 2025
2025 Global Procurement Forum, OECD, Paris, July 1 & 2, 2025.
Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, October 7-9, 2025
Global Investigative Journalism Conference (#GIJC25). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thursday, November 20-24, 2025.
11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), Doha, Qatar. December 14-19, 2025.
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