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.
Our Impact
5500+ resources
100+ laws
We have worked with thousands of partners to successfully promote the passage of laws that strengthen civic freedoms, philanthropy, and public participation.
7000+ partners
We work alongside our partners to navigate evolving legal environments for civil society, philanthropy, and public participation, around the world.
For over 30 years, we have worked closely with partners in more than 100 countries to promote civic freedoms and improve the legal environment for civil society. Here are some of our proudest accomplishments:
Our Latest Impact Stories
January 16, 2024Inter-American Principles for Civil Society
Although the freedom of association is enshrined in constitutions across the Americas, restrictions to this right are common. ICNL...
January 16, 2024Upholding Civic Freedom in Georgia
In early 2023, Georgians took to the streets to protest a highly restrictive draft foreign agent law. Within days...
January 16, 2024Supporting Civil Society in Exile
In Myanmar, civic space drastically contracted after the February 2021 coup. By supporting relocation, ICNL enables our partners to...
January 16, 2024The Africa Digital Rights Hub
ICNL and partner CIPESA created a space where civil society, lawyers and tech experts can come together to exchange...
January 16, 2024Promoting Rights Based AI Governance
Malicious actors have unleashed disinformation campaigns to undermine elections. Authoritarian governments are using technology to censor free speech. ICNL...
January 1, 2023Keeping Guns Away from Protests
Firearms pose an urgent threat to the exercise of First Amendment rights of free expression and peaceful assembly in...
For more stories and news about our work, visit our news page here.
Notable Memberships
One of two civil society organizations on the board of the UN Democracy Fund
Consultative status with ECOSOC
Serves on the board of InterAction and CIVICUS
From Our Partners & Supporters
“ICNL’s support ensured we were able to streamline the process of importing vital medical supplies and help the most affected communities during the peak of the pandemic.”
—Kanykei Sharapova, Lawyer for Elim Barsynby in Kyrgyzstan
“Thanks to support from ICNL, nonprofits were able to…engage in effective advocacy with regulators. We now have a more enabling environment for civil society to thrive.”
—Oyebisi B. Oluseyi, NNNGO president and ICNL Board Member