Programs > By Focus Area > Civil Society Sustainability
Programs by Focus Area: Civil Society Sustainability
Forming and operating a civil society organization is only half the battle – it must become sustainable as well. To expand the scope and impact of CSOs, ICNL helps devise mechanisms to secure financial resources over the long term. Mechanisms to assist CSOs in securing financial resources include:
- Tax and fiscal provisions providing benefits to CSOs;
- Incentives for philanthropy;
- Clear-cut regulations guiding profit-making activities;
- Transparent grantmaking regulations; and
- Support for contracting essential services to CSOs.
Illustrative activities include (additional information about all programs may be found by clicking on the country title):
In Georgia, publishing a book entitled Selected Procedures for Granting Charitable, Public Benefit and Tax-exempt Status Around the World, which contains comparative materials on a number of countries’ methods for awarding tax-exempt or charitable status. - Conducting taxation seminars throughout the different regions in Kyrgyzstan for managers and accountants of NGOs
- Working to amend the Income Tax Law to allow Mexican human rights organizations to receive tax-deductible donations.
- Assisting in drafting progressive tax code to benefit NGOs in Russia.
- Working with local organizations to encourage Corporate Social Investment through assuring tax incentives for corporate donations in South Africa.