Programs > By Focus Area

Programs by Focus Area

ICNL focuses on several Focus Areas including:

Legal Framework for Civil Society

ICNL seeks to ensure that there is safe legal space for the formation and operation of CSOs. ICNL’s programs focus on a variety of issues affecting civil society, including:

Freedom of Association
Registration/Incorporation Laws
Internal Governance
Social Service Licensing Laws
Reporting, Accountability, and Transparency
Government Supervision
Legislative Process
Termination and Dissolution

Civil Society Sustainability

The legal infrastructure is a key impediment to the sustainability of civil society organizations in a number of countries. ICNL’s programs encompass legal issues affecting:

Tax Exemptions for Public Benefit Organizations
Incentives for Philanthropy
CSO Economic Activities
Social Contracting
Volunteerism
Innovative Sources for Funding (lotteries, national endowments, etc.)

Good Governance and Accountability

ICNL seeks to ensure that a legal framework is in place to support public participation and social accountability. Our competence extends to legal issues affecting:

Public Hearings
Access to Information
Participatory Budgeting
Monitoring Public Service Delivery
Citizen Advisory Boards
Legislative Support

Public-Private Partnerships

ICNL’s programs provide the legal and structural basis for cross-sectoral cooperation. Our work has focused on the development of:

CSO- Government “Compacts” and Cooperation Strategies
CSO- Government Liaison Offices
Corporate Citizenship Programs
CSO-Government Public Service Contracts (national, regional and municipal)

Self-Regulation

ICNL offers access and mechanisms to support the implementation of professional standards in civil society organizations. Our activities focus on specific areas including:

Codes of Conduct
Professional Associations Support
Participatory Planning Sessions on Regulation Requirements
Civil Society Resource Center Trainings
Coordination with “Watchdog” Organizations

Public Participation and Advocacy

Stimulating public interest and support is the focus of many of ICNL’s initiates. Our work has concentrated on areas such as:

Advocacy Skills Training
Volunteer Law Development and Implementation
Participatory Drafting Process for Laws and Regulations
Public Hearings and Conferences
Media Law Reform

Our education and skills programs target educational institutions, civil society leaders, government officials, judges, lawyers, and others. Our goals include capacity building, developing educational partnerships, and providing participant training. Sample activities performed by ICNL in this area include:

Professional Training for Judges and Government Officials
“Good Practice” Workshops and Seminars
Law School Courses and Clinical Training
Fellowships and Internships
Local Language Educational Materials
Study Tours and Exchange Programs
Internet and Electronic Resources