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
December 18, 2024Building the Resilience of Civil Society in Exile
ICNL helps civil society organizations operating in exile to navigate and comply with legal obligations in their countries of...
December 18, 2024Bolstering Data Protection in Africa
As technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, the amount of personally identifiable data – including our names, addresses,...
December 18, 2024Preserving Freedom of Assembly in the US
ICNL tracks legislative proposals that would limit the right to protest in the US, alerts partners about these initiatives,...
December 18, 2024Safeguarding Civil Society’s Access to Resources
As governments continue to restrict civic space, ICNL remains committed to building the resilience of civil society groups and...
August 21, 2024Safeguarding Civic Space During Public Emergencies
On August 21, 2024, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and FORUM-ASIA, with logistical support from the Asia...
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...
For more stories and news about our work, visit our news page here.
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