Archive by Category

Countries: United States

    The Regulation of Foreign Funding of Nonprofits in a Democracy

    March 4, 2024

    This ICNL Guide explains how states can comply with the FATF Recommendations relevant to the non-profit sector and provides concrete examples of positive practices and strategies.

    Congressional Investigations Targeting Nonprofits

    November 29, 2023

    There has been a recent flurry of investigations in the current U.S. House of Representatives that target nonprofit organizations - creating burdens and risks for both the organizations being investigated and the nonprofit community.

    Reforms Introduced to Protect the Freedom of Assembly

    November 20, 2023

    In the wake of complaints about law enforcement’s response to the George Floyd protests, local, state, and the federal government have proposed reforms to better protect the freedom of assembly. This resource page provides examples of some of these reforms.

    FARA’s Double Life Abroad

    October 21, 2023

    Around the world, governments are constraining civil society and dissent. A common tactic of these governments is to enact legislation targeting civil society groups that receive international funding.

    Litigation Challenging New Anti-Protest Laws

    July 21, 2023

    States across the U.S. have adopted over forty new laws that restrict the right to peaceful assembly. These laws can criminalize and deter constitutionally protected protest activity, undermining our First Amendment rights.

    U.S. Current Trend: New Restrictions on Protests at Statehouses

    June 16, 2023

    Across the country, governors and lawmakers are using various tools to limit, punish, and deter demonstrations at state capitols.

    Comment to US Government on its compliance with Article 21 of the ICCPR

    May 18, 2023

    This report examines the current environmental regulatory system in India, and identifies opportunities and challenges to meaningful public participation in environmental decision-making.

    IAJC Adopts Principles on the Operation of Civil Society Organizations

    April 12, 2023

    ICNL led a participatory process engaging over 100 experts from across Latin America and the Caribbean to develop and propose the twelve principles contained in the Declaration, which is also available in Spanish.

    IAJC Principles on Creation, Operation, Financing, and Dissolution of Civil Society Organizations

    April 12, 2023

    The Declaration of Inter-American Principles on the Legal Framework for the Creation, Operation, Financing, and Dissolution of Non-profit Civil Entities were adopted and subsequently forwarded to the Permanent Council for it's consideration and subsequent submission to the General Assembly.

    Civic Space and the Summit for Democracy

    March 20, 2023

    The United States, along with the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, and Republic of Zambia, will host the second Summit for Democracy from March 29-30, 2023.

    Five Problems with Anti-Rioting Laws

    March 16, 2023

    This ICNL briefer covering the problems with anti-rioting laws including allowing the government to bring charges with extreme penalties against protesters, politicians, and other Americans engaged in protected First Amendment activity.

    Protesting in an Age of Government Surveillance

    February 16, 2023

    This briefer examines how new types of technology used by the government to surveil protests can lead to abuse and deter demonstrators from exercising their First Amendment rights. It then outlines how both courts and lawmakers can respond to this threat.

    Keeping Guns Away from Protests

    January 1, 2023

    Firearms pose an urgent threat to the exercise of First Amendment rights of free expression and peaceful assembly in the United States. Armed individuals at protests can discourage people from voicing their beliefs and petitioning the government for change. ICNL works with US partners to strengthen people’s right to assemble peacefully, unimpeded by the presence of guns

    U.S. Current Trend: New Threats to the Right to Boycott

    November 15, 2022

    Politically motivated boycotts have long been a tool for social change in the United States, from American colonists’ boycott of British tea to civil rights activists’ refusal to patronize segregated businesses in the Jim Crow South. Despite this proud tradition, Americans’ ability to use their consumer power to have their voices heard is under new threat after some states have penalized boycotts on positions with which they disagree.

    OAS Regional Report on CSO Regulation

    November 1, 2022

    Briefer summarizes these laws and implementation practices governing civil society organization in the 35 Organization of American States member States.

    Congressional Testimony: Protecting Americans’ Right to Peaceful Assembly

    September 27, 2022

    The U.S. has seen a rise in protests against the construction of gas and oil pipelines, driven by concerns about pipelines’ harm to the environment, indigenous land, and landowner rights. In response, fossil fuel interests have promoted new laws that limit and chill the First Amendment rights of individuals who protest near pipelines and other infrastructure sites. On September 14, 2022, ICNL Senior Legal Advisor Elly Page testified on these issues before the House Oversight Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

    New Restrictions on Civic Mobilization in the United States

    July 12, 2022

    Laws restricting demonstrations, boycotts, and other modes of activism are increasingly reducing the space for civic mobilization in the United States. To learn more about this problem check out this op-ed in the LA Times by ICNL’s Nick Robinson.

    Protecting the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly After Bruen

    June 30, 2022

    Learn about the uncertainty for gun regulation that Bruen creates and the options lawmakers still have to protect rights to peaceful assembly.

    Protecting Nonviolent Demonstrators by Reforming Anti-Riot Laws in the U.S.

    June 24, 2022

    In a forthcoming article in Minnesota Law Review, ICNL’s Nick Robinson argues that U.S. jurisdictions should eliminate anti-rioting laws, both to better protect demonstrators and because anti-rioting laws are fundamentally unnecessary.

    U.S. Current Trend: Protest Rights Accountability and Reform

    June 8, 2022

    Following a swell of racial justice protests that have taken to the streets, politically charged bills are being introduced across the United States which give immunity to drivers who injure protestors.

    Stopping the Over-Penalization of Civil Disobedience at Protests in the U.S.

    April 28, 2022

    In an article in Cornell Law Review, ICNL’s Nick Robinson and Elly Page argue for more robust constitutional protection for civil disobedience at demonstrations. 

    Enhancing the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938

    April 8, 2022

    On April 5, 2022, the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary's subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held a hearing on enhancing the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938. ICNL Senior Legal Advisor Nick Robinson testified, highlighting these issues and outlining recommendations.

    Fixing the FARA Mess

    March 16, 2022

    The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) needs to be fixed. This Just Security article reviews the strengths and discusses potential options for improvements.

    U.S. Program Comments: FARA’s Impact on Civil Society

    February 16, 2022

    These comments, written by ICNL's U.S. Program team, are in response to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) from the Justice Department’s National Security Division to solicit suggestions for potential amendments to implementing regulations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

    Keeping Guns Away from Protests in the US

    February 8, 2022

    Armed individuals intimidate and discourage people from exercising their rights to speech and assembly, and they have interfered with basic democratic processes like voting and lawmaking. They also pose a very real threat to public safety. This briefer discusses reasonable and constitutionally-sound regulatory options at the federal, state, and local level to keep guns away from protests.

    Protecting the Right To Protest

    December 21, 2021

    ICNL is working with a broad coalition of civil liberties, racial justice, environmental, and other groups to address anti-protest measures in the United States.

    The Right to Protest Is Sacrosanct

    September 9, 2021

    In this San Francisco Chronicle article, written by ICNL's Senior Legal Advisor Nick Robinson with UC Berkeley School of Public Health's Rohini Haar, the authors critique the recent uses of "less lethal" weapons using national and international laws and standards. It continues by outlining current legislation in California meant to curb the use of this form of force by law enforcement on peaceful demonstrations and act as an example for the rest of the nation.

    U.S. Current Trend: Bills Provide Immunity to Drivers Who Hit Protesters

    September 3, 2021

    Following a swell of racial justice protests that have taken to the streets, politically charged bills are being introduced across the United States which give immunity to drivers who injure protestors.

    Analysis of US Anti-Protest Bills

    July 23, 2021

    Since 2017, ICNL has tracked introduced anti-protest legislation in the United States. This page uses data from ICNL's US Protest Law Tracker to analyze major themes in legislation impacting the freedom of peaceful assembly in the US. Whether it was the struggles of the founding fathers or movements for women’s suffrage and racial justice, the right to protest is critical to ensuring everyone’s voice is heard, and progress is made.

    The Danger of the Foreign Agents Registration Act to Civil Society

    March 25, 2021

    The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is both sweeping and vague. Recently, there have been many attempts by Congress to strengthen FARA enforcement. While well-intentioned, without modifying the Act, stronger enforcement could have significant negative consequences. This briefer introduces the dangers FARA could pose to civil society, both in the US and abroad.

    U.S. Current Trend: New Wave of Legislation Targeting Black Lives Matter Protesters

    January 15, 2021

    ICNL's Protest Law Tracker has identified an ongoing wave of anti-protest legislation targeting racial justice demonstrations and Black Lives Matter protests.

    Taking a Rights-based Approach to Emerging Technology

    December 23, 2020

    ICNL partnered with the Global Digital Policy Incubator (GDPi) at Stanford University to host the first-ever Tech Camp for civic space defenders.

    Protecting Peaceful Protest in the United States

    December 23, 2020

    ICNL lead a coalition of groups working to protect the freedom of assembly in the US in response to a growth in government actions targeting demonstrators.

    A Proposal to Repair the Freedom of Assembly in the US

    December 9, 2020

    President-elect Joe Biden has made revitalizing democracy at home and abroad central to plans for his new administration. This piece in Just Security by ICNL's Elly Page and Nick Robinson lays out five actions that the incoming administration can take to better protect the freedom of assembly.

    Guidelines for Policing Post-Election Protests in the US

    October 28, 2020

    In the face of a potentially contested 2020 US election, there are concerns that authorities will infringe First Amendment rights. This article provides guidelines that the US government should follow to ensure all voices are heard in this election.

    Restricting Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, and Other Less Lethal Weapons

    August 12, 2020

    In response to nationwide protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, law enforcement has used tear gas or rubber bullets in over 100 U.S. cities. The use of these and other “less lethal weapons” (LLWs) for crowd control has been heavily criticized.

    Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, and Sonic Weapons

    June 11, 2020

    In response to nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, law enforcement officials have frequently used so-called “less lethal weapons” (LLWs) on crowds and individuals. These weapons, which include tear gas, rubber bullets, and Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

    Preserving Civic Space for Climate Activists

    June 4, 2020

    This briefer, presented by ICNL and ECNL, outlines some of the common legal and extralegal measures used to target civil society actors working on climate justice. Many of these measures violate international and regional law, and threaten civil society’s ability to function and find solutions to urgent global environmental challenges.

    U.S. Current Trend: Militarization, the Freedom of Assembly, and the George Floyd Protests

    June 1, 2020

    Protests have spread across major U.S. cities over police violence against people of color, sparked by the killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The police response to these protests has often been militarized and aggressive, targeting not only peaceful protesters but also members of the media with arrests and violence.

    Positive Government Responses to COVID-19

    May 27, 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic does not have to be a crisis for human rights. In the context of widespread adoption of emergency laws and other extraordinary measures to respond to the pandemic, many governments have demonstrated that it is possible to safeguard rights while effectively countering the virus. This briefer shares positive practices that governments should follow in responding to COVID-19, along with selected examples of these practices.

    Virtual Currency Donations

    May 26, 2020

    This report assesses opportunities and obstacles in charitable donations of virtual currencies. It aims to bring civil society organizations, would-be virtual currency donors, and policymakers up to speed on emerging trends.

    U.S. Current Trend: Protecting the Freedom of Assembly and Public Health

    May 19, 2020

    Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the United States has seen numerous protests, albeit at a relatively small scale. However, an adequate set of rules to protect both the freedom of peaceful assembly and public health have yet to be developed.

    UNSR Report: Disease Pandemics and the Freedom of Opinion and Expression

    May 4, 2020

    In this report, the UNSR on Freedom of Expression registers alarm that some efforts to combat the coronavirus disease pandemic may be failing to meet the standards of legality, necessity, and proportionality. The Special Rapporteur highlights five areas of concern, showing that access to information, independent media, and other free expression rights are critical to meeting the challenges of the pandemic.

    U.S. Current Trend: Anti-Mask Laws, COVID-19, and the First Amendment

    April 13, 2020

    Face masks are in the news. The CDC now recommends that Americans wear face masks to reduce transmission of COVID-19, and some localities are mandating wearing them for certain activities, such as entering a grocery store. Yet, at least 18 states and Washington DC have laws that could be used to penalize those who wear face masks.

    Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance: COVID-19 and Elections

    April 4, 2020

    The Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is maintaining a list of the current elections schedule and plans during the COVID-19 pandemic response, as reported by electoral management bodies and news media across the world. Their list is not comprehensive but represents a snapshot of decisions and events across the globe.

    For Autocrats, and Others, Coronavirus Is a Chance to Grab Even More Power

    March 30, 2020

    This New York Times article looks at leaders around the world who have passed emergency decrees and legislation expanding their reach during the pandemic. Will they ever relinquish them? This article looks at the history of emergency responses and what is happening now.

    U.S. Current Trend: COVID-19 and Civic Freedom

    March 27, 2020

    The United States is in the midst of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. All 50 states, as well as the federal government, have now declared emergencies and issued a range of executive orders to combat the spread of the virus. While COVID-19 is a serious threat to public health, measures to address it should not become a serious threat to civil liberties. Emergency

    Overview: Critical Infrastructure Bills in the US

    March 26, 2020

    Across the country, communities are gathering at rallies and marches to express concerns about pipelines’ impact on the environment, landowner rights, and indigenous land. “Critical infrastructure” laws target these kinds of gatherings. This ICNL produced one-page overview explains what critical infrastructure laws are and how they can be used to limit freedom of assembly in the US.

    COVID-19, Information Problems, and Digital Surveillance

    March 20, 2020

    In this piece for the Center for Global Development, ICNL Alliance Advisory Council Member Michael Pisa discusses how the use of digital tools to monitor the coronavirus spread raises serious questions about governments continuing to use these surveillance tools for other purposes after the crisis.

    Pandemics and Human Rights

    March 12, 2020

    In an article for Just Security, ICNL President Douglas Rutzen and Legal Advisor Nikhil Dutta discuss government overreach during pandemics and list recommendations on how states can promote rights-respecting governmental measures during a public health emergency.

    ECNL Blog: COVID-19 Responses

    March 11, 2020

    ECNL Senior Legal Advisor Marta Achler's piece discusses why the internet and the online spaces are a 'lifeline' for expression and assembly during the coronavirus pandemic. She writes that this lifeline is under threat and deserves much more protection and how there is an immediate opportunity to change that.

    Coronavirus and Civic Space

    March 10, 2020

    The coronavirus is a significant threat to public health; it does not need to be a significant threat to civic freedom. In this article, ICNL explores this tension and how governments can move quickly while upholding human rights in their response to a public health crisis.

    Future Trend Report: Philanthropy

    February 25, 2020

    This briefing explores key trends in philanthropy and their possible impact on civic space. It is one in a series commissioned by ICNL as a part of its Civic Space 2040 initiative to help inform civic space advocates about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

    Future Trend Report: Emerging Technology

    February 25, 2020

    This briefing explores the trends in emerging digital technology most likely to shape civic space, and opportunities for civil society advocates to mitigate and capitalize on the changes ahead. It is one in a series commissioned by ICNL as a part of its Civic Space 2040 initiative to help inform civic space advocates about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

    Future Trend Report: Climate Change

    February 25, 2020

    This briefing explores how states’ responses to the climate crisis over the next two decades will affect civic space for a range of established and new civic actors. It is one in a series commissioned by ICNL as a part of its Civic Space 2040 initiative to help inform civic space advocates about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

    2018-2019 Annual Report

    December 19, 2019

    Our 2018-2019 annual report aims to highlight the progress civil society is making to counter restrictions and expand civic space.

    Using Data for Action in the United States

    December 2, 2019

    ICNL started the U.S. Protest Law Tracker in 2017 to monitor a wave of anti-protest legislation that undermines people’s freedom of assembly.

    US Legislative Briefer: Critical Infrastructure Bills

    October 16, 2019

    This legislative briefer focuses on how critical infrastructure bills can undermine protesters’ right to peaceful assembly by creating draconian penalties for trespass as well as severely penalizing vaguely defined interference with the construction or operation of critical infrastructure sites.

    U.S. Current Trend: Environmental Nonprofits Facing Lawfare Tactics

    October 15, 2019

    Environmental groups are known for their fight against climate change, but the battle over their activism has moved indoors to legislatures and courtrooms.

    U.S. Current Trend: Right to Boycott

    September 16, 2019

    In the past several years, activists who are part of the BDS movement have called for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS).

    The Foreign Agents Registration Act is Broken

    July 22, 2019

    Review of the many of the poorly written aspects of FARA and where confusion, manipulation and abuse may take place.

    Foreign Agents in an Interconnected World

    February 10, 2019

    The US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is a sweeping and generally underenforced public disclosure statute.

    U.S. Current Trend: Targeting of Immigrant Rights Activists

    January 28, 2019

    In December 2018, a group of immigrant rights groups and law school human rights clinics presented the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights with evidence of the U.S. government’s targeting of immigrant rights activists.

    Protecting Protest Through Coalition Building in the U.S.

    November 20, 2018

    In June 2018, ICNL convened a group of organizations to address the growing trend of anti-protest laws being introduced at the state and federal level in the United States.

    U.S. Current Trend: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

    November 19, 2018

    Strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs, are a type of lawsuit that impedes the ability of civil society to advocate on issues of public importance.

    ICNL Publishes New Issue of Global Trends in NGO Law Focusing on US Protest Restrictions

    October 5, 2018

    The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law is pleased to share our latest issue of Global Trends in NGO Law.

    Restrictions on Protest in the United States

    October 5, 2018

    Global Trends in NGO Law, Volume 9, Issue 1 (October 2018) The United States, like many other countries in recent years, has witnessed mass protest […]

    US Legislative Briefer: “Guilt by Association”

    September 1, 2018

    The United States has recently witnessed a rise in demonstrations surrounding the construction of natural gas and oil pipelines, with highly publicized protests at Standing Rock and other pipeline construction sites.

    U.S. government proposes rule to charge protest organizers fees in Washington, DC

    September 1, 2018

    In August, the National Park Service proposed a rule to charge protest organizers fees for clean-up costs associated with demonstrations on public sites in Washington, DC. Public sites would include the National Mall where many historic demonstrations in the United States have been, including Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

    ICNL letter to the Director of the U.S. National Park Service re charging protest organizers

    September 1, 2018

    On August 15, 2018, the U.S. National Park Service proposed a number of changes to the regulations governing the management of permitted demonstrations and special events on the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

    U.S. Current Trend: University Restrictions

    July 12, 2018

    U.S. university campuses have long been associated with student protests and free expression. In recent years, there has been a revitalization of this tradition with many campuses seeing a surge in student demonstrations.

    U.S. Current Trend: Collective Liability

    July 12, 2018

    In the United States, collective liability is increasingly applied in the context of demonstrations. This trend can lead to results that are unjust to protesters or organizations charged on such grounds.

    Everything to Know About FARA, and Why it Shouldn’t be Used Against the Press

    June 11, 2018

    This article by Alexandra Ellerbeck and Avi Asher-Shapiro in the Columbia Journalism Review examines recent moves by the US government enforce the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) against media outlets.

    What’s The Foreign Agents Registration Act? We’ve Got Answers

    May 7, 2018

    The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a disclosure statute enacted in 1938, was designed to limit the influence of foreign governments and foreign “propaganda” in the United States. Congress is looking to update this legislation and strengthen its enforcement.

    Open Letter to US Congress Concerning the Foreign Agents Registration Act

    May 4, 2018

    This letter to US Congress, signed by 46 humanitarian and development organizations (including ICNL) expresses concern over the government's ramping up enforcement of FARA without better targeting the Act.

    US Legislative Briefer: Campus Speech Bills and the Right to Protest

    April 1, 2018

    Universities in the United States have long been associated with campus protest, and recent years, this tradition has been revitalized: Many campuses are seeing a surge in student demonstrations, whether related to Black Lives Matter, immigration policies, environmental campaigns, or other issues.

    The Unintended “Foreign Agents”

    March 16, 2018

    “Foreign agents” are suddenly in our midst – or so it seems. Paul Manafort was indicted, in part, for failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Last fall, RT and Sputnik registered as “foreign agents” under pressure from the Justice Department.

    U.S. Current Trend: Surveillance Technologies

    March 10, 2018

    The emergence of new surveillance technologies has raised concerns about their potential abuse by U.S. law enforcement authorities, including inappropriate surveillance of demonstrations.

    Legal and Regulatory Challenges Facing Civil Society Organizations in the United States

    February 20, 2018

    This briefing, released in February 2018, explores how select recent changes, or proposed changes, in laws or regulations in the United States affect domestic civil society organizations (CSOs), international CSOs working inside the U.S., and U.S. CSOs working internationally.

    ICNL’s Written Submission to the 2017 IACHR Hearing on the Right to Peaceful Assembly in the United States

    November 22, 2017

    The United States is a longstanding democracy that prides itself on setting an international standard for the protection of civil liberties, including the right to peaceful assembly.

    ICNL Launches United States Program Portal

    October 30, 2017

    ICNL has worked in the United States to protect civil society and promote philanthropy since 1992.

    The Special Rapporteur’s Assembly and Association Rights Factsheet Series

    May 1, 2017

    This series of factsheets summarizes the reports of former UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Maina Kiai (2011-2017).

    Doug Rutzen Testifies before the United States Congress Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

    March 21, 2017

    Recent years have been marked by a global trend of shrinking civic space. In response, the United States Congress Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission organized a hearing on threats to civil society around the world.

    US Protest Law Tracker: Legislation in US States Affecting the Right to Peaceful Assembly proposed or passed since November

    February 9, 2017

    The past three months have seen a spike in large scale protests across the United States, accompanied by a wave of proposed state laws which if passed would restrict people’s protest rights.

    Overseas Surveillance in an Interconnected World

    June 10, 2016

    There has been relatively little public or congressional debate within the United States about the NSA’s overseas surveillance operations, which are governed primarily by Executive Order (EO) 12333.

    What Nonprofit Board Members and Managers Don’t Know Can Hurt Them Financially: IRS Form 990 and the Intermediate Sanctions Act

    May 1, 2016

    For optimal readability, we highly recommend downloading the document PDF, which you can do below.

    The New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act, from the Foundation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to Implementation

    May 1, 2016

    For optimal readability, we highly recommend downloading the document PDF, which you can do below.

    OSCE Human Rights Handbook on Policing Assemblies

    March 11, 2016

    This handbook by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) aims to provide guidance for the police in facilitating the right to assemble peacefully.

    Freedom of Peaceful Assembly in Europe

    January 27, 2016

    Published in 2016, this book-length publication examines 11 countries - both within Europe and elsewhere - and provides comparative perspective on regulation of freedom of assembly in Europe.

    ICNL Recognized for Innovation and Impact

    August 4, 2015

    PUBLISHED: AUGUST 4, 2015 ICNL is honored to be recognized once again by The NonProfit Times (NPT) in its 2015 Power & Influence Top 50.  […]

    International and Comparative Law Analysis of the Right to and Restrictions on Foreign Funding of Non-Governmental Organizations

    June 1, 2015

    This paper by the American Bar Association Center for Human Rights explores the legal framework for cross-border funding as a protected right at international, regional, and national levels.

    USAID Guidance on Programming in Closed Spaces

    March 16, 2015

    This document was issued by USAID in response to a closing civil society space in order to give guidance on balancing a democratic commitment to transparency and the imperative to protect the security of implementing partners and beneficiaries.

    Voices in the Streets

    January 1, 2015

    This report from Freedom House analyzes instances of mass social protests in 12 countries in order to identify best practices in promoting and protecting the right to peaceful assembly.

    On the Streets of America

    December 28, 2014

    This 2014 Amnesty International report raises human rights concerns on law enforcement response to protests in Ferguson, Missouri, such as intimation of protestors, dispersal of protests, restrictions on media and accountability of law enforcement.

    Report on the Monitoring of Freedom of Peaceful Assembly in Selected OSCE Participating States (May 2013 – July 2014)

    December 17, 2014

    This report presents the findings of the monitoring of public events undertaken by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in selected OSCE participating States between May 2013 and July 2014.

    Civil Society Regulations and Effects: New IRC Section 501(c)(4) Regulations Proposed, On Hold

    September 1, 2014

    For optimal readability, we highly recommend downloading the document PDF, which you can do below.

    ICNL Recognized for Innovation and Impact

    August 1, 2014

    PUBLISHED: AUGUST 1, 2014 ICNL is honored to be recognized by The NonProfit Times (NPT) in the 2014 Power & Influence Top 50.  The list celebrates […]

    Fact Sheet: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the United States

    March 30, 2014

    1 of 5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE ● BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND LABOR ● WWW.HUMANRIGHTS.GOV U.S. D EPARTM ENT OF S TATE D […]

    An Introduction to the Law and Regulation of Non-Profit Organizations in the United States

    March 30, 2014

    1 [Post-conference draft of March 21, 2005] AN INTRODUCTION TO THE LAW AND REGULATION OF NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES W. Cole Durham, Jr.,1 […]

    Take Back the Streets

    October 1, 2013

    This 2013 report by the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations (INCLO) report examines protest case studies from the United States, Israel, Canada, Argentina, Egypt, Hungary, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom, reflecting on several specific topics.

    Obama: States Must Protect Civil Society under Threat

    September 23, 2013

    PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 “We must do more to spur global action” against restrictions on civil society, said US President Barack Obama in his opening address of […]

    Remarks on Digital Freedoms at the OSCE First Plenary Session, Vilnius, Lithuania

    July 3, 2013

    pdfcrowd.com open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API ’ , 3 / 2 0 $ & […]

    U.S. Supreme Court upholds free speech rights for CSOs

    June 24, 2013

    PUBLISHED: JUNE 24, 2013 On June 20, 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a USAID regulation that required organizations to adopt the government’s anti-prostitution stance in order […]

    Social Entrepreneurship Act

    April 12, 2013

    Kotnikova ulica 28 , 1000 Ljubljana T: +386 1 369 77 00 F: +386 1 369 78 32 E: gp.mddsz@gov.si www.mddsz.gov.si SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACT I. […]

    Markets are emerging: what about philanthropy?

    March 14, 2013

    growth and common limitations, which fall under four main areas: new actors and models, giving voice and agency to civil society, funding for social justice, […]

    Determination that AS 42.20.10 is preempted by Section 253 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. 253 (Alaska)

    December 3, 2012

    February 20, 1998 The Honorable John Shively, Commissioner Department of Natural Resources 400 Willoughby Avenue Juneau, AK 99801-1724 Sam Cotten, Chair Alaska Public Utilities Commission […]

    Report on the Monitoring of Freedom of Peaceful Assembly in Selected OSCE Participating States (May 2011–June 2012)

    November 9, 2012

    This report presents the findings of the monitoring of public events undertaken by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in selected OSCE participating States between May 2011 and June 2012.

    Corporate Philanthropy and Law in the United States: A Practical Guide to Tax Choices and an Introduction to Compliance with Anti-Terrorism Laws

    August 21, 2012

    Corporate Philanthropy and Law in the United States: A Practical Guide to Tax Choices and an Introduction to Compliance with Anti -Terrorism Laws By Thomas […]

    The Supreme Court, Material Support, and the Lasting Impact of Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project

    August 17, 2012

    13 THE SUPREME COURT, MATERIAL SUPPORT, AND THE LASTING IMPACT OF HOLDER V. HUMANITARIAN LAW PROJECT Robert Chesney* Over the course of the post-9/11 era, […]

    Practice Note: Egypt and the Catalyst of Constraint

    August 15, 2012

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    Counter-Terrorism, “Policy Laundering,” and the FATF: Legalizing Surveillance, Regulating Civil Society

    August 15, 2012

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    Charitable and Private Foundations in Ukraine

    August 10, 2012

    Charitable and Private Foundations in Ukraine By Alexander Vinnikov 1 Unlike many countries, Ukraine has no special law on foundations. Indeed, before adoption of the […]

    A Synopsis of Law Reform for Iranian NGOs

    August 10, 2012

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    Liability of Not-for-Profit Organizations and Insurance Coverage for Related Liability

    August 10, 2012

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    Supplemental Statement Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended

    June 27, 2012

    U.S. Department of Justice Supplemental Statement Washington, DC 20530 Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended INSTRUCTION SHEET-READ CAREFULLY 1. Use. […]

    Short Form Registration Statement Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended

    June 27, 2012

    OMB NO. 1124-0005; Expires February 28, 2014 U.S. Department of Justice Short Form Registration Statement Washington, DC 20530 Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act […]

    Registration Statement Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended

    June 27, 2012

    OMB NO. 1124-0001; Expires February 28, 2014 U.S. Department of Justice Registration Statement Washington, DC 20530 Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, […]

    Exhibit B to Registration Statement Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended

    June 27, 2012

    OMB NO. 1124-0004; Expires February 28, 2014 U.S. Department of Justice Exhibit B to Registration Statement Washington, DC 20530 Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration […]

    Exhibit A to Registration Statement Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended

    June 27, 2012

    OMB NO. 1124-0006; Expires February 28, 2014 U.S. Department of Justice Exhibit A to Registration Statement Washington, DC 20530 Pursuant to the Foreign Agents Registration […]

    Exempt Organizations Provisions Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code)

    June 27, 2012

    Exempt Organizations Provisions – Internal Revenue Code (Tit le 26, United States Code) Section Number Subject(s) 501(a) Exemption from taxation 501(b) Tax on unrelated business […]

    Utah Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act

    June 27, 2012

    Utah Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act Utah Code Ann. § 16-6a et seq. 16-6a-101. Title. This chapter is known as the “Utah Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act.” […]

    Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act

    June 27, 2012

    NONPROFIT CORPORATION ACT Act 162 of 1982 AN ACT to revise, consolidate, and classify the laws relating to the organization and regulation of certain nonprofit […]

    Hawaii Nonprofit Corporations Act

    June 27, 2012

    Hawaii Statutes – Chapter 414D: HAWAII NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT Part I: GENERAL PROVISIONS 414D-1: Short title. This chapter shall be known and may be cited […]

    Arizona General Provisions-Nonprofit Corporations

    June 27, 2012

    ARIZONA Title 10 – Corporations and Associations Chapter 24 GENERAL PROVISIONS-NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS Article 1 Short Title 10-3101. Short title Chapters 24 through 40 shall be […]

    Alaska Nonprofit Corporation Act

    June 27, 2012

    Alaska Statutes – Chapter 10.20.: ALASKA NONPROFIT CORPORATION ACT Article 01.: SUBSTANTIVE PROVISIONS 10.20.005.: Purposes. Corporations may be organized under this chapter for any lawful […]

    New York Tax Laws 1116 – Exempt organizations

    June 25, 2012

    NY – Tax Laws Article 28 – SALES AND COMPENSATING USE TAXES § 1116. Exempt organizations. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, any […]

    New York Constitution Article 16.1 – Taxation

    June 25, 2012

    ARTICLE XVI Taxation Section 1. The power of taxation shall never be surrendered, suspended or contracted away, except as to securities issued for public purposes […]

    Washington Title 24 Revised Code – Corporations and Associations (nonprofit)

    June 25, 2012

    T i t l e 2 4 R e v i s e d C o d e o f W a s h i […]

    Pennsylvania Chapter 41 – Nonprofit Corporations Generally

    June 25, 2012

    CHAPTER 41. NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS GENERALLY Subchap. Sec. A. INCORPORATION … 41.1 B. SPECIAL PROCEDURES … 41.51 C. FORMS … 41.101 Subchapter A. INCORPORATION Sec. 41.1. […]

    Nevada Chapter 82 – Nonprofit Corporations

    June 25, 2012

    NEVADA CHAPTER 82 – NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS NRS 82.006 Definitions. As u sed in this chapter, unles s the context otherwise requires, the words […]

    Massachusetts Chapter 180 – Corporations for Charitable and Certain Other Purposes

    June 25, 2012

    MASSACHUSETTS C H A P T E R 1 8 0 – C O R P O R AT I O N S F O […]

    Louisiana Revised Statute 12 – Nonprofit Corporation Law

    June 25, 2012

    Louisiana Revised Statutes Revised Statute 12 – NONPROFIT CORPORATION LAW §201. Terms defined As used in this Chapter, unless the context requires otherwise, (1) “Address” […]

    Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act

    June 25, 2012

    ILLINOIS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS (805 ILCS 105/) General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986. ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS (805 ILCS 105/101.01) (from Ch. 32, par. […]

    Florida Statute on Corporations Not for Profit

    June 25, 2012

    Florida Statutes CHAPTER 617 CORPORATIONS NOT FOR PROFIT 617.01401 Definitions.–As used in this act, unless the context otherwise requires, the term: (1) “Articles of incorporation” […]

    California Corporations Code

    June 25, 2012

    CALIFORNIA CORPORATIONS CODE PART 2. NONPROFIT PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATIONS CHAPTER 1. ORGANIZATION AND BYLAWS Article 1. Title and Purposes 5110. This part shall be known […]

    Can Lead Directors Help Improve Not-for-Profit Board Performance?

    April 1, 2012

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 14, Issue 1-2, April 2012 Eugene H. Fram1 Not-for-profit (NFP) boards didn’t receive very high grades in 2010, […]

    The Supreme Court, Material Support, and the Lasting Impact of Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project

    March 27, 2012

    Over the course of the post-9/11 era, the U.S. Supreme Court has had much to say about the government’s response to terrorism as that response relates to military detention and trial before military commissions.

    Inter-American Commission Human Rights Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Americas

    December 31, 2011

    This report on human rights defenders in the Americas, published in 2011 by the Inter‐American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), is a follow up to the body's 2006 report on the same subject.

    US Code Section 501c(3)

    December 1, 2011

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    Constitution

    December 1, 2011

    We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, […]

    Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization

    December 1, 2011

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    U.S. Code Section 170 on Charitable contributions and Gifts

    December 1, 2011

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    US Code Section 508. Special rules with respect to section 501(c)(3) organizations

    December 1, 2011

    This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]

    The Legal Framework for Volunteering in Emergencies

    June 1, 2011

    The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies conducted this study on the legal environment for volunteers in emergencies.

    The Abandonment of Democracy Promotion

    June 1, 2011

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2011  By Tara McKelvey* One of the newest models in a Vargashi car factory […]

    Choices and Approaches: Antiterrorism Law and Civil Society in the United States and the United Kingdom After September 11

    April 10, 2011

    This law review article by Mark Sidel explores the different legal and policy approaches to terrorism in the US and UK, and the effects on civil society organizations in both countries. 

    OSCE Handbook on Monitoring Freedom of Peaceful Assembly

    February 25, 2011

    This handbook was produced by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) as a guide for civil society organizations that might initiate independent monitoring of peaceful assemblies in their own country.

    NGO Responses to Counterterrorism Regulations After September 11th

    November 1, 2010

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 12, Issue 4, November 2010 By Elizabeth A. Bloodgood1 and Joannie Tremblay-Boire2 We examine variations in nongovernmental organizations’ […]

    Civil Society, Aid, and Security Post-9/11

    November 1, 2010

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 12, Issue 4, November 2010  By Jude Howell* Following President Bush’s declaration of a “war on terror” in […]

    OSCE Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly

    October 25, 2010

    These guidelines by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) offer a practical toolkit for legislators and practitioners responsible for implementing laws by drawing on good-practice examples from national legislations in European and OSCE participating States and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights to illustrate the various legislative options used to regulate issues pertaining to the freedom of assembly.

    UN Human Rights Council passes resolution on Freedom of Assembly and Association

    September 30, 2010

    PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and CIVICUS are pleased to announce that on September 30, 2010, the United Nations […]

    ICNL partnering with Georgetown Law Center

    January 22, 2009

    PUBLISHED: JANUARY 22, 2009 Doug Rutzen has been invited to teach international and comparative civil society law this semester at Georgetown University Law Center. Together […]

    USAID publishes controversial partner vetting system final rule

    January 5, 2009

    PUBLISHED: JANUARY 5, 2009 On Friday, January 2, 2009, USAID published the Final Rule for the controversial Partner Vetting System (PVS).

    501(c)(3) Money Laundering Deterrents Off Target

    August 1, 2008

      The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2008 Donald Morris1 The potential use of charitable organizations to provide cover for […]

    Counter-Terrorism and the Enabling Legal and Political Environment for Civil Society: A Comparative Analysis of “War on Terror” States

    June 1, 2008

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2008 Mark Sidel 1 This article focuses on the legal and political environment for […]

    ICNL Partnering with University of Pennsylvania Law School

    February 1, 2008

    PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 1, 2008 Doug Rutzen has been invited to teach international and comparative civil society law again this semester at the University of Pennsylvania […]

    Somewhere in Between: Conceptualizing Civil Society

    December 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 1, December 2007 Benny D. Setianto1 The notion of civil society reemerged in political and sociological […]

    U.S. Counterterrorism Developments Impacting Charities

    December 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 1, December 2007 Kay Guinane 1 Over the past year, the legal and regulatory environment impacting […]

    NGOs Respond to USAID’s Proposed Anti-Terror Screening

    December 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 1, December 2007 Sarah R. Eremus1 I. Introduction The stated mission of the United States Agency […]

    Solving the Necessity Conundrum: What the Drug War Can Teach Us About Due Process for U.S. Charities in the Fight Against International Terrorist Financing

    December 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 1, December 2007 Josh D. Friedman1 Introduction Using new laws and novel tactics that permit the […]

    Good Governance Practices for 501(c)(3) Organizations: Should the IRS Become Further Involved?

    December 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 1, December 2007 Thomas Silk1 The board of directors in the United States is today composed […]

    Letter from the Editor

    December 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 1, December 2007 As The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law begins its tenth year, we devote […]

    Governance Is Key Issue in Regulating Charities, IRS Official Tells State Leaders

    December 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 10, Issue 1, December 2007 Grant Williams1 A top official of the Internal Revenue Service says the tax […]

    Freedom of Association upheld in court: No convictions for U.S. Muslim charity

    October 24, 2007

    PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 24, 2007 On Monday, October 22 the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development’s trial concluded with no convictions. The jury failed to […]

    ICNL submits comments on USAID’s proposed “Partner Vetting System”

    August 27, 2007

    PUBLISHED: AUGUST 27, 2007 USAID has proposed a new “Partner Vetting System” to vet directors, officers, and other employees of NGOs seeking USAID funding. Under […]

    Charity Law and Social Inclusion: An International Study

    July 1, 2007

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 9, Issue 3, July 2007 By Kerry O’Halloran Routledge. 437 pp. $150 Reviewed by David Robinson 1 Kerry […]

    State Department issues NGO principles

    December 14, 2006

    PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 14, 2006 On December 14, 2006, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced ten Guiding Principles on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the full text of […]

    A New Take on Tithing

    December 1, 2006

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 9, Issue 1, December 2006 Claude Rosenberg and Tim Stone1 Too often, individuals make decisions about how much […]

    The Great Divide in American Giving

    December 1, 2006

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 9, Issue 1, December 2006 Arthur C. Brooks1 ‘Tis the season to give. Our mailboxes are filling with […]

    Court strikes down U.S. Executive Order

    November 29, 2006

    PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 29, 2006 On November 21, 2006, U.S. District Judge Audrey Collins struck down portions of Executive Order 13224, which enabled the President to […]

    Where Do Your Pennies Go? Disclosing Commissions for Charitable Fundraising

    August 1, 2006

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 4, August 2006 By Haim Sandberg * Many nonprofit organizations use commercial fundraising companies for telemarketing. […]

    Penn Law appoints Douglas Rutzen as Adjunct Professor

    July 17, 2006

    PUBLISHED: JULY 17, 2006 As part of a strategic collaboration between ICNL and the University of Pennsylvania Law School (www.law.upenn.edu), Doug Rutzen has been appointed […]

    Council on Foundations awards USIG contract to ICNL

    July 13, 2006

    PUBLISHED: JULY 13, 2006 After reviewing a number of proposals, the Council on Foundations announced that it has awarded ICNL with a contract to continue […]

    ICNL serving as link between US Congress and international civil society

    June 2, 2006

    PUBLISHED: JUNE 2, 2006 In the first half of 2006 ICNL’s landmark work has appeared before the United States Congress on three occasions: On February […]

    Why NGOs? How American Donors Embraced Civil Society After the Cold War

    May 1, 2006

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 3, May 2006 By Sada Aksartova1 Throughout the 1990s, the most ambitious American efforts to promote […]

    ICNL testifies before US Helsinki Commission

    February 10, 2006

    PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 10, 2006 On February 8, 2006, ICNL testified before the US Helsinki Commission to address the current issues with the NGO law in […]

    Treasury Department Announces New Guidelines for Anti-Terrorist Financing

    December 5, 2005

    PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 5, 2005 On December 5, 2005, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a revised set of voluntary anti-terrorism financing guidelines to assist […]

    Rational Exuberance: An Exploration of the Adaptation by California’s Charitable Sector to Changing Governance Standards – Notes from the Field

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 1, November 2005 By Thomas Silk1 Senator Charles Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, began […]

    Forum — Looking Ahead: What Is the Future for the Nonprofit World?

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 1, November 2005 By Pablo Eisenberg1 The nonprofit sector has experienced rapid changes in its composition, […]

    Forum — Looking Ahead: What Is the Future for the Nonprofit World? (Response by H. Peter Karoff)

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 1, November 2005 H. Peter Karoff is the Founder and Chairman of The Philanthropic Initiative, www.tpi.org, […]

    Forum — Looking Ahead: What Is the Future for the Nonprofit World? (Response by Arthur Drache)

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 1, November 2005 Arthur Drache, Chairman of the Board of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, […]

    Annus Horribilis for Smaller Nonprofits: Restoring Hope Through Building Donor Resiliency

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 2, November 2005 By Charles B. Maclean and Jim Moore1 The record-breaking string of natural disasters […]

    Forum — Looking Ahead: What Is the Future for the Nonprofit World? (Response by Susan Raymond)

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 1, November 2005 Susan Raymond is Senior Managing Director for Research, Evaluation and Strategic Planning of […]

    Forum — Looking Ahead: What Is the Future for the Nonprofit World? (Response by Diana Aviv)

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 1, November 2005 Diana Aviv is the President and CEO of Independent Sector, https://www.independentsector.org, a Washington-based […]

    Forum — Looking Ahead: What Is the Future for the Nonprofit World? (Response by Bill Landsberg)

    November 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 8, Issue 1, November 2005 Bill Landsberg is an attorney and the Executive Director of The Pikes Peak […]

    Assessing the Effects of Church and State on Organized Civil Society

    September 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 4, September 2005 By Robert C. Lowry1 What explains the variation in the size of organized […]

    Generations of Giving: Leadership and Continuity in Family Foundation

    September 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 4, September 2005 By Kelin E. Gersick, with Deanne Stone, Katherine Grady, Michele Desjardins, and Howard […]

    House Committee on Ways and Means Public Hearing

    April 20, 2005

    PUBLISHED: APRIL 20, 2005 The House Committee on Ways and Means convened a public hearing on April 20, 2005 on “An Overview of the Tax-Exempt […]

    The Role of a National Donor Association: A U.S. Perspective

    February 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2005 By Robert Buchanan* The Council on Foundations The Council on Foundations, founded in […]

    California’s Nonprofit Integrity Act of 2004

    February 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2005 By Thomas Silk and Rosemary Fei* On September 29, 2004, California Governor Arnold […]

    Governing Nonprofit Organizations: Federal and State Law and Regulation

    February 1, 2005

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2005 By Marion R. Fremont-Smith Reviewed by Michael Bisesi* “The nonprofit sector exists and […]

    ICNL Co-Organizes Comparative Seminar on International Charity Law in Beijing, China

    December 15, 2004

    PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 15, 2004 In October 2004, the China Charity Federation organized a comparative seminar on international charity law. Co-organizers included ICNL, the Brigham Young […]

    Ten Emerging Principles of Governance of Nonprofit Corporations and Guides to a Safe Harbor

    November 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 1, November 2004 By Thomas Silk* When clients look to legal counsel for advice and guidance, […]

    Politics and the Pulpit

    November 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 1, November 2004 By Milton Cerny* With every election season comes a flurry of information  — […]

    Religion in its Place

    November 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 1, November 2004 By Jim Sleeper* Introduction Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America was so nuanced […]

    American Creed: Philanthropy and the Rise of Civil Society, 1700-1865

    November 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 1, November 2004 By Kathleen D. McCarthy University of Chicago Press / 319 pp. / $35 […]

    Just Money: A Critique of Contemporary American Philanthropy

    September 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 4, September 2004 Edited by H. Peter Karoff Reviewed by Michael Bisesi* “Philanthropy,” according to Oscar […]

    Current Developments: Regulation of American Charities

    September 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 4, September 2004 By Milton Cerny* Responding to a numerous media reports alleging misbehavior at charitable […]

    Corporate Philanthropy and Law in the United States: A Practical Guide to Tax Choices and an Introduction to Compliance with Anti-Terrorism Laws

    June 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 3, June 2004 By Thomas Silk* The modern legal empowerment of corporate philanthropy in the United […]

    The Crisis Facing Associations and Other Nonprofits in the United States

    June 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 3, June 2004 By John H. Graham IV* On May 1, 2002, New York State Attorney […]

    Better Together: Restoring the American Community | The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism

    June 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 3, June 2004 Better Together: Restoring the American Community By Robert D. Putnam and Lewis M. […]

    Deterring Donors: Anti-Terrorist Financing Rules and American Philanthropy

    February 1, 2004

      The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 2, February 2004 By Barnett F. Baron* Introduction As part of a larger effort to […]

    A Needless Silence: American Nonprofits and the Right to Lobby

    February 1, 2004

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 2, February 2004 By Jeffrey M. Berry* The leaders of the nation’s nonprofits do many things […]

    From Benin to Baltimore: Civil Society and Its Limits

    September 1, 2003

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 1, September 2003 By Sally J. Scott, Ph.D.* Introduction Much of the literature assumes fundamental differences […]

    The Changing and Unchanging Face of U.S. Civil Society

    September 1, 2003

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 1, September 2003 By Marcella Ridlen Ray. Foreword by Francis Fukuyama. New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction, 2002. […]

    Civil Society: The American Model and Third World Development

    September 1, 2003

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 1, September 2003 By Howard J. Wiarda. Boulder, Colo.: Westview, 2003. 170 pp. $70 hardcover, $24 […]

    Religion Returns To The Public Square: Faith and Policy in America

    September 1, 2003

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 1, September 2003 Edited by Hugh Heclo and Wilfred M. McClay. Foreword by E.J. Dionne, Jr. […]

    The State Of Nonprofit America

    September 1, 2003

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 1, September 2003 Edited by Lester M. Salamon. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2002. 563 pp. […]

    The Kamehameha Schools Admissions Policy Controversy

    September 1, 2002

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 5, Issue 1, September 2002 By Randall W. Roth* According to recent media reports, many people believe that […]

    Case Notes: North America

    September 1, 2002

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 5, Issue 1, September 2002 Canada Canadian Magen David Adom for Israel v. Minister of National Revenue 2002 […]

    Country Reports: North America

    September 1, 2002

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 5, Issue 1, September 2002 Canada New Proposals for Federal Charities Regulation by Robert Hayhoe* As discussed in […]

    Open Letter to the President of the United States

    June 6, 2002

    PUBLISHED: JUNE 6, 2002 President George W. BushThe White HouseWashington, DC Dear Mr. President: We applaud the commitment you expressed in your recent West Point […]

    Case Notes: North America

    June 1, 2002

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 4, June 2002 Canada Canadian Committee for the Tel Aviv Foundation v. Canada [2002] F.C.J. No. […]

    Country Reports: North America

    June 1, 2002

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 4, June 2002 Canada By Robert Hayhoe* 1.Reform of the Canada Corporations Act Because of Canada’s […]

    Liability of Not-for-Profit Organizations and Insurance Coverage for Related Liability

    March 1, 2002

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 2-3, March 2002 By Jerold Oshinsky [1] and Gheiza M. Dias Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky […]

    American Foundations: An Investigative History

    March 1, 2002

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 2-3, March 2002 by Mark Dowie  Reviewed by Robert O. Bothwell* There are over 50,000 foundations […]

    Trends in Self-Regulation and Transparency of Nonprofit Organizations in the U.S.

    September 1, 2001

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 1, September 2001  By Robert O. Bothwell** Abstract   After the United Way of America/Bill Aramony scandal […]

    Case Notes: North America

    September 1, 2001

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 1, September 2001 The United States Bieker v Community House of Moorestown This case concerned the […]

    Bar Association Task Force Revisits Private Foundation Rules: Implications for Foreign Grantmaking

    March 1, 2001

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 3, March 2001 By Richard S. Gallagher A Task Force of the Exempt Organizations Committee of […]

    The Council on Foundations Secures Information Letter that Permits Use of Expenditure Responsibility for Most International Grants

    March 1, 2001

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 3, March 2001 To read more about the U.S. Treasury’s latest letter regarding international granmaking, please […]

    Case Notes: North America

    March 1, 2001

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 3, March 2001 the United States In Legal Services Corporation v. Velazquez the Supreme Court held, […]

    Country Reports: North America

    March 1, 2001

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 3, March 2001 the United States Deductibility of Charitable Donations for Non-Itemizers By Katharine Larsen and […]

    Donating to U.S. Charities

    March 1, 2001

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 3, March 2001 By Arthur B. C. Drache, Q.C. In August we attended a symposium in […]

    Conducting Overseas Site Visits

    December 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 2, December 2000 By Victoria B. Bjorklund and Jennifer I. Goldberg Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New […]

    Case Notes: North America

    December 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 2, December 2000 the United States Bishop Estate Settlement By Benjamin Plummer, ICNL Legal Intern The […]

    Country Reports: North America

    December 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 2, December 2000 the United States I) New NY Law: Unnecessarily Burdensome or Good Public Policy? […]

    Review of a New International Grantmaking Website

    September 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2000 By Peter deCourcy Hero As described elsewhere in IJNL and originally in Alliance […]

    Country Reports: North America

    September 1, 2000

      The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2000 Canada Reform of the Canada Corporations Act By Jane Burke-Robertson Drache, Burke-Robertson […]

    Program-Related Investments: Domestic and International

    September 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2000 By David S. Chernoff Charitable activities know no international bounds. It has long […]

    Cross-Border Philanthropy: An Exploratory Study of International Giving in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany and Japan

    September 1, 2000

      The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2000 By Helmut K. Anheier and Regina List Editors Reviewed by ICNL Staff […]

    Council on Foundations New Website on International Grantmaking

    September 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2000 To promote and facilitate international grantmaking, the Council on Foundations, in collaboration with […]

    Case Notes: North America

    June 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 4, June 2000 United States Church’s Political Advertising Compromises Its Tax-Exempt Status Case Note on Branch […]

    The Enabling Environment for Community Philanthropy | Changemakers.net | German Publication

    June 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 4, June 2000 The Enabling Environment for Community Philanthropy In a recent publication by the Council […]

    Country Reports: North America

    June 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 4, June 2000 Canada Canada: The Next Step The Canadian federal government has released its response […]

    Determining Whether to Make an Equivalency Determination or to Exercise Expenditure Responsibility*

    June 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 4, June 2000 Many US grantmakers are presently making or looking to make cross-border grants. In […]

    Supporting Microfinance Abroad: Introductory Legal Issues for U.S. Grantmakers

    June 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 4, June 2000 Introduction U.S. grantmakers, both foundations and corporations, are showing increasing interest in “microfinance”: […]

    United States International Grantmaking (USIG) Project Unveils New Web Site

    June 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 4, June 2000 The Council on Foundations, in conjunction with ICNL, the American Express Company, the […]

    United States International Grantmaking (USIG) Unveils New Website

    May 10, 2000

    PUBLISHED: MAY 10, 2000 The Council on Foundations, in conjunction with ICNL, the American Express Company, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, and the John D. […]

    Case Notes: North America

    March 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2000 United States The Impact of Anti-Discrimination Laws on NGOs Case Note on Dale […]

    Country Reports: North America

    March 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2000 Canada Revenue Canada has issued three new guides on registering a charity, giving […]

    Grantmaking by U.S. Foundations in Canada: A Canadian Lawyer Provides a Plain Language Primer

    March 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2000 Note: This article focuses on the concerns of grantmaking foundations, and does not […]

    Trends In Self-Regulation And Transparency Of Nonprofits In The U.S.

    March 1, 2000

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2000 Summary After the United Way of America/Bill Aramony scandal in 1992, and several […]

    Grantmaking and Embargoed Countries: An Overview Using Kosovo as a Case Study

    December 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 2, December 1999 Authors’ note: because of the potentially fast-changing political and military circumstances leading to […]

    International Grantmaking – Dissolution Dos and Don’ts

    December 1, 1999

    As previous “Legal Dimensions” discussions have pointed out, a U.S. private foundation making a grant to a foreign charity will often need to determine whether […]

    Country Reports: North America

    December 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 2, December 1999 Canada / the United States Tax Treaty – Guidance Regarding Implementation The Internal […]

    Property Tax Exemption and Municipal Revenue: Philadelphia’s Efforts to Solicit Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes from Charitable Nonprofit Organizations

    June 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 4, June 1999 Abstract In June 1994, the City of Philadelphia implemented a “Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOTs) and […]

    Nonprofit Umbrella Organisations in a Contracting Regime: A Comparative Review of Australian, British and American Literature and Experiences

    June 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 4, June 1999 As is the case in many countries overseas, most nonprofit organisations in the […]

    Country Reports: North America

    June 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 4, June 1999 the United States Bishop Estate Should Not Pay for Trustees’ Lawyers An aspect […]

    Practice Notes: New Tax Regulations for Certain Tax-Exempt Organizations

    June 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 4, June 1999 Effective June 8, 1999, organizations tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. §§501(c) and (d), other […]

    Country Reports: North America

    March 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 3, March 1999 Canada In this issue, see the article on Canadian Developments! the United States […]

    United States: United Cancer Council v. Commissioner | In Re Bishop Estate

    March 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 3, March 1999 The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently rejected an […]

    Creative Uses of Program Related Investments

    March 1, 1999

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 3, March 1999 The Charity Commission for England and Wales has under consideration a law revision […]

    The Case For Intermediate Sanctions

    December 1, 1998

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 2, December 1998 On July 30, 1998 the Department of Treasury issued its eagerly awaited rulemaking […]

    Country Reports: North America

    December 1, 1998

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 2, December 1998 Canada Framework and Tax Legislation The recent decision (January 28, 1999) in the […]

    Options for Increasing U.S. Support For Chinese Nonprofit Organizations

    December 1, 1998

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 2, December 1998 I. Introduction As Chinese nonprofit organizations seek to finance new initiatives and expanded […]

    The Non-Profit (1997-1998 National Edition)

    December 1, 1998

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 2, December 1998 Editor’s note. This issue of the Journal contains reviews of two “Handbooks” that […]

    United States: Overview of the Bishop Estate Controversy

    December 1, 1998

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 2, December 1998 Margery S. Bronster, Hawaii’s Attorney General, has asked the state’s probate court to […]

    United States: Maryland Association of Nonprofits Adopts “The Standards of Excellence”

    December 1, 1998

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 2, December 1998 The Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations (“Maryland Nonprofits”) recently adopted “The Standards for […]

    Country Reports: North America

    September 1, 1998

    The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 1, September 1998 Canada; United States CANADA Recent Events in Canada By Arthur B. C. Drache, […]