In April 2025, TAI conducted a global online survey that gathered responses from 131 organizations working across the civic space field worldwide. The goal was clear: to identify the most pressing threats to the infrastructure that sustains civic space around the globe
We undertook this effort against a rough backdrop. Over the past decade, authoritarian regimes and movements have steadily gained ground. Now, significant cuts to civil society funding are exacerbating threats to the sustainability and existence of civil society organizations.
What did we hear?
The survey revealed pressing needs both at the organizational level and across the broader civic space community:
Top 3 organizational and international civic space community needs:
Funding and financial sustainability
Physical and digital protection and security
Countering authoritarianism and shrinking civic space
Responses revealed a strong demand for in-person convenings with philanthropic funders. Top priorities to discuss are i) diversifying funding for the field, ii) pivoting strategies to the new geopolitical context.
Respondents emphasized the need for meaningful, spacious gatherings to foster deep connections and strategic thinking. The demand is there for more inclusive spaces—multilingual, co-designed with grassroots actors, and rooted in shared values of justice and solidarity.
You can view the full survey results here.
What’s next?
We are now discussing with our members potential actions to respond to these findings. These include exploring convening formats that are impactful, inclusive, and restorative.
We would like to hear from you! What stands out to you from these results? What actions or convening ideas would you propose in response? Let’s keep the conversation going.