Our Impact
For more than 30 years, ICNL has helped partners create safe legal environments where people can work together and improve their lives.
How We Work
We work in 80 countries with partners from civil society, government, and the international community to develop long-term relationships that advance legal reforms and broaden civic space. Our work is rooted in universal principles and norms of international law and embodies our commitment to nurture the legal environment at all levels, from the local to global.
As the only global organization focused on the laws affecting civil society, philanthropy, and public participation, we provide unique expertise. We leverage this knowledge to support local capacity, not supplant it. Our partners are in the driving seat of reform, and we work with them to make fully informed decisions.
Here are some of our recent accomplishments:
ICNL has been with us since 2012, assisting us – not leading, but helping us lead – by providing expertise. We trust them.
— Khin Lay, director of the Women’s Triangle Association in Myanmar
Enhancing International Norms
Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights
ICNL’s work is helping ensure that human rights protections remain central to AI governance frameworks.
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Building Financial Resilience
Diversifying Resources for Civil Society
Foreign aid cuts have left many organizations scrambling for funds. ICNL is responding with technical support for creative solutions.
Read moreRaising Awareness and Sharing Knowledge
Preserving Freedom of Assembly in the US
Since 2017, ICNL has systematically tracked legislative proposals limiting the right to protest in the US and provided nonpartisan analysis on their potential impact.
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Sustaining Civic Space Under Pressure
Strengthening Women’s Rights Organizations in Zimbabwe
Changes to the law in 2025 threatened to shut down many local CSOs. We helped them remain operational and effective.
Read moreSupporting Local Partners
Leveraging Expertise, Facilitating Exchange
In 2025, we helped over 1,400 partners become better equipped to protect their organizations and operations. We also facilitated peer learning initiatives for more than 1,000 of them.
Our Impact in Numbers
5,000+
Resources
Our research has helped develop the theoretical basis for our field and has been endorsed by the Dalai Lama, Vaclav Havel, Desmond Tutu, and other global civil society leaders.
100+
Laws
We have worked with thousands of partners to successfully promote the passage of laws that strengthen civic freedoms, philanthropy, and public participation.
4,500+
Partners
We work alongside our partners to navigate evolving legal environments for civil society, philanthropy, and public participation, around the world.
More Impact Stories
Global: Protecting Civic Freedoms through Digital Security and AI Governance
Myanmar: Resource Hubs Deliver Lifelines for Civil Society
