Dear readers,
Happy Anti-Corruption Day to all!
Lots to cover this week, including corruption-related stories, but also tax, elements of a just transition, newly announced funder initiatives and a crop of transparency and open data stories.
We start with an important piece from Wilfred Mwamba - one input for last week’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office future of governance gathering. Wilfred calls for a major shift in how international actors support governance. With governance aid expected to decline sharply, the central question becomes whether reforms would continue if donor funding ended.
Happy reading!
TAI team
What's New
Blair Glencorse and Shally Baloch of Accountability Lab urge a rethink of the accountability prize ecosystem, calling for more Global South–led awards and awards that focus on emerging corruption threats, anonymous or pseudonymous awards for at-risk activists, prizes for movements, not just individuals and real investment: multi-year funding paths, not one-time checks.
The termination of USAID governance programs in Uganda led to dismantling of civic education networks that previously served rural and first-time voters ahead of the 2026 elections. Experts warn that these aid cuts are shrinking civic space and could undermine U.S. strategic interests in the region, as reported by Devex.
Despite urgent calls from the Global South at COP30, Claire O’Manique reports that wealthy nations continue to prioritize a "private sector-first" approach to climate finance. Evidence increasingly shows that blended finance mechanisms are failing to deliver a just and equitable energy transition, making the case for public money as the answer.
Simon Mundy reflects on how the influence of Thomas Pikkety is finally showing up in terms of tax policy. Voters in Europe are demanding more tax measures targeted on the richest and policy makers are looking for ways to respond. That said the Swiss did just vote down a new tax on its super rich.
Freedom House explores where democracy promoters—governments, philanthropists, and social sector actors—should focus their efforts using data-driven insights. Their analysis examines how to distinguish causation from correlation and identify leading indicators that can serve as early warnings for democratic backsliding, creating opportunities for prevention.
New Center for Global Development analysis reflects on the untapped potential of health taxes in sub-Saharan Africa, where two-thirds of countries collect less than 15 percent of GDP in tax revenue—below the threshold the IMF says is needed for sustained growth. With traditional tax reforms politically difficult to implement, taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks emerge as realistic near-term options for governments to boost revenue while delivering public health gains.
This Carnegie Endowment report compares governance in four Latin American countries—Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, and Uruguay—, and finds that democracies outperform autocracies across socioeconomic indicators, access to information, rule of law, and civil liberties. The research challenges narratives that authoritarian governments deliver better governance outcomes for citizens.
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association reports a comprehensive overview of Zimbabwe's lithium value chain, highlighting opportunities, risks, and alignment with global frameworks such as the EU Critical Raw Materials Act and OECD Guidelines. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive Responsible Mining Policy as global companies tighten due diligence requirements.
Ruth Ben-Giat argues that the U.S. Trump administration is putting its own twist on the autocratic playbook, with three innovations that have no parallel among contemporary autocrats who have come to power through elections.
This Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) investigation reveals how a secretive group of U.S. polluters is working to rewrite the European Union's human rights and climate law, which raises concerns about corporate influence on environmental accountability and rights protection.
The International Tax Compact highlights the Zambia’s Supreme Court ruling in the Zambia Revenue Authority vs. Nestlé Zambia case as a key moment for transfer pricing enforcement in Africa, showing how coordinated legal and audit work can strengthen tax authority outcomes. A recent webinar explored the ruling’s legal reasoning, findings, and implications for domestic revenue mobilization and addressing illicit financial flows.
The Open Government Partnership announced the 2025-26 agenda of its new cochairs the Government of Brazil and Steph Muchai - calling for an approach that supports digital and climate transitions, strengthens democracy, and ensures inclusive participation. The United Kingdom announced that it will be the next government to take the helm of the 74 country initiative.
From Our Members
LUMINATE: In a new piece published with Luminate, Fernanda Martins of Fundación Multitudes and Carolina Oms of Brazilian Journalism Fund argue that while the Global South is driving its own tech innovation, philanthropy still backs Global North “tech transfer” models and overlooks what communities are already building. They call for funding that lets knowledge flow both ways.
HUMANITY UNITED: What drives lasting reform in global industries? Thailand’s seafood sector, once plagued by human trafficking and forced labor, has seen meaningful change over the past decade. Humanity United, together with The Freedom Fund, commissioned a systems-level analysis showing that while challenges remain, many of the worst abuses have been addressed and conditions for workers have improved.
FORD FOUNDATION: Ending gender-based violence is not inevitable, it’s solvable. ALL IN: Global Leaders for Ending Gender-Based Violence, was launched with support from the Ford Foundation, as well as Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Watch visionary advisors Tarana Burke, Geeta Rao Gupta, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf share reflections from the Free Future convening on how collective action can prevent violence and create change.
OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS: Laleh Ispahani, managing director, joins with Joe Goldman of the Democracy Fund and Deepak Bhargava of Freedom Together Foundation to lay out the two-step strategy has helped other countries halt democratic backsliding, arguing it can work in the U.S. if we act quickly.
Essential Reading
Foreign direct investment in developing economies has dropped to its lowest level since 2005, raising concerns for infrastructure, jobs and climate action. The World Bank’s new “Foreign Direct Investment in Retreat” report shows flows have fallen to about 2 percent of GDP, less than half their 2008 peak, and that many countries are receiving far less investment as trade openness and policy certainty decline.
TOOLS AND TRENDS FOR FUNDERS
Stanford Social Innovation Review argues that funders need to take governing institutions seriously and invest in their capacity. The piece makes the case that philanthropy can and should help improve government effectiveness as a pathway to broader social impact.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy released findings from a new survey of nonprofit and foundation leaders, revealing a U.S. nonprofit sector under significant strain. The report examines philanthropic responses to mounting political pressures and provides insights into how foundations are adapting their strategies.
Six Global South funds are modeling a more rooted and relational approach to moving money. The Socio-Environmental Funds of the Global South demonstrate what becomes possible when funders support agroecology and community-led development differently, centering local leadership and long-term relationships. Check out also TAI's own study on socio-environmental funds.
Abigail Disney calls for the end of quiet and polite philanthropy. She argues that funders must be more vocal and courageous in defending democratic values and supporting those on the frontlines of social change.
Essential Reading:
UN Women emphasizes that technology should protect, not harm, women and girls. Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda reminds us that online violence has real consequences, calling for stronger laws, better enforcement and more responsibility from tech platforms. Safety must be guaranteed every day, both online and offline.
Focused Topic of the Week
Unlocking the Power of Data for Better Governance
Across the globe, governments and institutions are demonstrating that transparency and data-driven tools are key to strengthening governance and accountability. The World Bank's Governance Risk Assessment System (GRAS) illustrates how analytics can transform routine transaction-recording platforms into powerful instruments for integrity, helping to combat corruption and improve public spending outcomes.
Karen Mathiasen and Nico Martinez remind us of one of the transparency success stories of the year - how the release of the most comprehensive version yet of the Global Emerging Markets Database (GEMs) - spanning 40 years of lending from 29 development finance institutions - could unlock an additional $600–800 billion in lending capacity over the next decade. This example demonstrates how open data not only builds trust but also directly enhances financial efficiency and planning.
At the national level, the latest from the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative (CoST) shows how publishing standardized infrastructure data can significantly reduce corruption risks and improve project quality. By making information accessible to both governments and civil society, decision-makers are held accountable, turning previously opaque processes into “gold dust” for integrity and public trust.
Yet barriers to transparency continue to arise in many contexts. Research from the National Freedom of Information Coalition highlights that over half of U.S. journalists now struggle to access public records, with 92 percent expressing concerns about press freedom. Without reliable access to information, the potential of data to drive accountability is limited, underscoring the need for robust open-government frameworks that empower both citizens and oversight institutions.
JOBS
Multiple openings - Hewlett Foundation
Multiple openings - MacArthur Foundation
Multiple Openings - Ford Foundation
Multiple Openings - Gates Foundation
Multiple Openings - Social Action, Development Cooperation, Culture, Disability, and Health Sectors in Spain
Various Opportunities - Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Multiple Openings - Philanthropy Together
Multiple Openings - National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
Board member positions available - International Budget Partnership. Deadline: December 15, 2026.
CALLS
Two ScaleDem open calls are now live through 31 March 2026, offering eligible organizations across Europe and beyond funding, mentorship and peer learning to scale democratic innovations. The Piloting Programme supports bold new ideas with up to €100,000, and the Twinning Programme offers up to €65,500 for mentor–mentee communities adapting proven approaches.
Knight Center For Journalism: Free, on-demand online course on "A better way to cover civic life through listening" for journalists in all regions, offered by the Solutions Journalism Network.
The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) welcomes feedback on the draft FiTI Obama Foundation Leaders Program - Applications open for leaders around the world working in the public sector, civil society, and private sector who are committed to advancing the common good. Deadline: December 12, 2025.
Tinker Foundation 2026 Institutional Grants are open! Supporting Latin American civil society advancing Democratic Governance and Education. Grants up to $500K (multi-year possible), preference for regional organizations. Deadline: January 7, 2026.
Keseb’s Democracy Innovation Lab is backing early-stage ideas that reimagine the foundations of democracy. Its first iLab will support 10 community-building initiatives that strengthen inclusion and cross-group belonging. Nominate a Project Lead by January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) or submit a pitch by February 2, 2026 (11:59 PM ET).
The call for workshop proposals for the 2026 International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) is now open. Under the theme "Igniting the Power of Integrity," the conference will take place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from December 1-4, 2026. Professionals, civil society groups, activists, journalists, academics, and practitioners worldwide are invited to submit proposals by February 23, 2026.
CALENDAR
OECD speaker Series from October to December 2025, as speakers explore fresh approaches to engaging the public on the major fiscal challenges facing OECD countries.
IAFFE Feminist Economics School special online workshop. 8:00 a.m. ET. December 4, 2025.
Digital Dialogue: "From Local Vision to Global Impact: The role of technology in empowering a new wave of innovators," hosted by the International Civil Society Centre. 16:00-17:00 CET, December 4, 2025.
The Nippon Foundation hosts the 4th Asia Philanthropy Congress under the theme "Philanthropy's Role in a Fragmented and Uncertain World." Venue: InterContinental Tokyo Bay. Thursday, December 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (JST, GMT+9:00)
Development Effectiveness Dialogues. The leads of the 2030 Pact on Effective Development Co-operation, launched under the Compromiso de Sevilla, will be hosting the first gathering in a new series of Development Effectiveness Dialogues. This open multi-stakeholder space aims to revitalize the development effectiveness agenda. December 5, 2025.
MIT Polarization Workshop Academic conference examining political and social polarization dynamics and research approaches. December 5-6, 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.
Reclaim the Economy Week. 26 January - 1 February 2026.
People Powered 2026 Convening - A global gathering on participatory democracy. Nairobi, Kenya. March 2–5, 2026.
Igniting Hope: The Inaugural Ottawa Civic Space Summit. Registration closes April 10, 2026. Event from April 21-23, 2026.
Othering & Belonging Conference, Louisville, Kentucky, March 31-April 1, 2026.
Rabat, Morocco: On Think Tanks Conference, focusing on "Think Tanks and Trust." 19–21 May 2026.
WINGSForum 2026 in Montreal under the theme "ACT – Activate, Collaborate, Transcend." Save the date, more details to follow in early 2026. September 28-30, 2026.
International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. December 1-4, 2026.
We’d love to hear from you on how we can further improve TAI Weekly to better serve your needs in program management on the transparency, accountability, improved grantmaking and civic space. Please direct your feedback to [email protected] or