Jordan: Rapid Response to Funding Restrictions
Strengthening Civil Society by Building Financial Resilience
Published December 2025
Jordan’s Central Bank mandated that international civil society organizations (CSOs) obtain government approval before receiving funds from their headquarters — a move that threatened to delay vital humanitarian projects and services.
ICNL acted fast. Within days, we provided nonpartisan legal analysis and practical guidance to partners, to help them assess the implications and engage constructively with relevant authorities. Following a key dialogue session organized with ICNL’s support, the government announced the suspension of the restrictive rule, averting a major disruption.
In addition, ICNL continues to support civil society in Jordan by analyzing draft laws restricting foreign funding, advising on digital public participation tools, and promoting sustainable financing strategies that help organizations adapt and continue their critical work.
For more on ICNL’s work in the Middle East and North Africa region, see here.
“ICNL were data-driven, highly relevant to the current challenges and opportunities in regards to the HQ funding challenges. It was amazing to find the space for government representatives and INGOs to discuss those things together.”
– Nour Fraij, Jordan INGO Forum
Photo: Unsplash/heba AlWahsh
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