NED 2025 Annual Report

About the National Endowment for Democracy

NED is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide. Established in 1983 as part of President Reagan’s vision to foster an “infrastructure of democracy” with a bipartisan Congressional mandate, NED supports grassroots leaders striving for the freedom to think, speak, worship, engage politically, and support their families without fear. It mobilizes key pillars of American democracy, from political parties to business and labor, to support their counterparts abroad through the Core Institutes that form the NED family: the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center.

Visit www.ned.org for more information.

© 2026 National Endowment for Democracy. All rights reserved.

This report contains illustrative imagery. Individuals depicted may not be directly or indirectly affiliated with the National Endowment for Democracy.

STANDING WITH THOSE

WHO CHOOSE FREEDOM

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT AND CEO DAMON WILSON AND BOARD CHAIRMAN PETER ROSKAM

TWO HUNDRED AND FiFTY YEARS AGO,

the United States embarked on an audacious experiment. Our Founders, invoking the self-evident right of citizens to think, speak, worship, and govern themselves freely, launched a revolution that reshaped the modern world.

Yet America’s struggle for independence was never ours alone. It succeeded because friends of freedom abroad stood with our struggle. The Marquis de Lafayette, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, Tadeusz Kościuszko, Casimir Pulaski, and Bernardo de Gálvez stood with the American cause—some crossing the Atlantic to serve alongside George Washington, others fighting on distant fronts that proved decisive to independence.

This support manifested not only on battlefields, but through ideas, solidarity, and civic courage. Dutch financiers took great risks to support the fledgling Continental Congress. European newspapers and public thinkers amplified the ideals of liberty and self-government. Reformers and republicans across France, the Netherlands, and Poland saw in America’s revolution a shared aspiration. Citizens across Europe

and throughout the Western Hemisphere watched, debated, and stood with a bold, untested republic as it staked its claim to freedom.

From the beginning, America’s story has been intertwined with the struggles of people far beyond our borders. John Adams’ reminder that “liberty once lost is lost forever” resonated with movements for independence worldwide. As the United States grew, so did our tradition of standing with those pursuing the same dream.

That tradition only deepened over the next two centuries. Americans rallied free nations in World War II, helped rebuild Japan and Europe, supported democratic movements across the Eastern bloc,

From the beginning, America’s story has been intertwined with the struggles of people far beyond our borders.”

We carry forward a distinctly American tradition: supporting people in their peaceful struggle for their own freedom. ”

and stood with dissidents whose courage helped bring down the Berlin Wall. At every moment of democratic peril, Americans recognized a simple truth: when we help others secure their freedom, we strengthen our own. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, NED’s work honors this distinctly American conviction.

Dramatic political developments created both new opportunities and new urgency for democratic action in 2025. Around the world, moments of political opening emerged alongside intensifying repression, testing whether democratic gains could take hold.

In several countries, long-closed systems cracked open. In Bangladesh, the eighth-most populous country in the world, we witnessed authoritarian collapse and an unexpected opening for civic space, youth engagement, and competitive politics. Because Congress entrusted NED with flexible contingency funding, we were well positioned to surge resources quickly and help local actors seize the moment, strengthening early efforts to rebuild civic norms and ensure democratic participation. In Syria, the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024 ended five decades of atrocities and repression, opening space for civic actors long forced underground to push for peace, security, and the establishment of core democratic norms and procedures.

In Bolivia, elections ushered in democratic renewal, ending one-party dominance. In Moldova, voters rejected Russian interference and backed reform and European integration. In Benin, citizens successfully fended off an attempted military coup.

At the same time, authoritarian backlash exacted a heavy toll. In Venezuela, the regime sought to cling to power despite overwhelming evidence of the opposition’s electoral victory, responding with harsh repression that left civic and political life under assault. Yet even amid this crisis, NED partners safeguarded independent information, protected at-risk activists, and sustained the peaceful movement for democratic transition. In Burma, citizens weathered airstrikes and resisted sham elections aimed at legitimizing the junta. In Sudan, mass atrocities accompanied the Rapid Support Forces’ capture of El Fasher. In Iran, the energy of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement continued to drive civic resistance despite intensifying repression and mass executions, and NED partners ensured that evidence of abuses reached the world. In Tanzania and Cameroon, protesters faced attacks as they challenged fraudulent elections. And in Serbia and Georgia, courageous youth, independent media, and determined civic watchdogs continued to defend democratic processes even as backsliding deepened.

Repressive regimes, fearful of their own people, imprisoned some of the most prominent advocates for democracy, illustrated by such cases as Tundu Lissu in Tanzania, Mzia Amaglobeli along with most of the leaders of the opposition in Georgia, Ekrem Imamoğlu in Turkey, Pastor Ezra Jin in China, Narges Mohammadi in Iran, and Moussa Mara of Mali. While Jimmy Lai faced sentencing in Hong Kong, the releases of José Daniel Ferrer of Cuba and Ales Bialiatski and Maryia Kalesnikava in Belarus offered rare moments of relief amid sustained repression.

ACROSS AFRiCA,

LATiN

AMERiCA, AND ASiA, CiTiZENS CONTiNUED TO PRESS FORWARD DESPiTE THE RiSKS.

Youth-led mobilization surged from Peru, where Gen Z-driven protests challenged political exclusion, to Nepal, Madagascar, Morocco, and Kenya, where young people asserted their voice in public life and demanded more responsive, democratic governance. These movements are not just about who governs, but how societies organize, how information flows, and how a digital-native generation expects meaningful agency in its future.

These next-generation democratic activists are embracing new tools to reclaim civic space and overcome repression. They are using artificial intelligence to even the odds. From open-source verification to encrypted communications, civic technologists are gaining access to the same tools autocrats have long exploited. Digital resilience and tech-enabled openness are increasingly central to 21st-century democracy support.

The strength of these civic movements is their deep connections to the populations they seek to represent, but they do not operate on a level playing field. As authoritarian regimes, which depend heavily on the support of other authoritarian states, adapt, using surveillance, censorship, and coercion to raise the cost of participation, democracy assistance becomes even more critical to help civic and political

actors innovate, strategize, and mobilize to build broad coalitions to advance the cause of freedom.

In 2025, NED expanded support where authoritarian pressure continues to harden. We increased support for networks focused on China, Russia, and Iran to counter digital censorship, economic coercion, targeting of religious communities, and transnational repression. We protected high-risk partners in Cuba, ensuring independent journalists, labor organizers, faith leaders, and human rights defenders can continue operating in one of the world’s most tightly controlled environments. And we increased investment in digital resilience, helping civic actors circumvent surveillance, preserve open information channels, and sustain accurate, fact-based reporting. Through rapid-response mechanisms, NED moved quickly to address the immediate needs of partners as the military junta intensified its violent repression in Burma.

All of this unfolded against the backdrop of continuing and serious threats to democratic governance posed by China and Russia. Both regimes are refining a model of authoritarianism that blends digital surveillance, cross-border repression, and strategic coercion. China’s economic authoritarianism, driven by forced labor, state-directed capital, and the weaponization of supply chains, poses a direct challenge to U.S. prosperity and to the rules-based system that underpins global stability.

Meanwhile, Russia continues its war of aggression in Ukraine with systematic attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, while also exporting state-sponsored deception and political interference to destabilize democracies in Europe and beyond. These threats reinforce why strengthening democratic resilience is essential to America’s own security.

Across these diverse contexts, one truth stands out: when autocrats attempt to deprive citizens of their fundamental freedoms, many look to NED because we stand with them as partners in their own

struggle, supporting their right to shape their future and drive change from within.

That is why NED’s mission remains so vital. We carry forward a distinctly American tradition: supporting people in their peaceful struggle for their own freedom. Our comparative advantage lies in the depth and durability of our engagement. It lies in the relationships of trust we maintain with those behind the frontlines of freedom.

For decades, we have supported independent voices in some of the world’s most restricted environments, often long before the international community recognizes the scale of repression. Our flexible, direct model allows us to back courageous leaders, sustain long-term movements, and strengthen civic ecosystems in ways few institutions can. We support the ground game without which there is no democratic renewal. NED is America’s foundation for freedom, rooted in the belief that the single most effective and durable engine for democratic change is empowered citizens dedicated to advancing their own freedom.

AS WE MARK AMERiCA’S 250TH ANNivERSARY,

we see real opportunities for progress. We are focused on what this moment requires and are working alongside partners whose courage drives democratic change around the world.

Over the past year, we undertook a significant transformation to sharpen NED’s approach, strengthen our tools, and maximize our agility. We made difficult decisions in the face of challenge and uncertainty, including reducing our workforce so that more of our resources could flow directly to the brave individuals and organizations advancing freedom on the frontlines.

We also invested in strategic capabilities that reflect America’s longstanding commitment to innovation in service of liberty. Our “venture capital for freedom” approach identifies high-potential civic leaders early and backs visionary democratic

The more autocrats clamp down, the more citizens insist on dignity, voice, and self-government”

entrepreneurs working in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By supporting courageous individuals long before their names reach the global stage, NED has partnered with civic and political leaders who have gone on to receive 17 Nobel Peace Prizes.

We have embraced a leaner, tech-enabled operating model that can move resources faster and more securely. We’ve streamlined internal processes, embedded agility into every layer of our work, and strengthened our ability to respond when openings appear or crises erupt. New tools, from AI-enabled efficiencies to secure, scalable digital payment systems, position us to deliver support even in hard-to-reach environments, from conflict zones to dictatorships.

We also launched the Impact Lab, a center that uses evidence, applied research, and learning to strengthen how NED invests in democracy. The Lab helps us measure what works, identify trends, and ensure lessons from the field shape future strategy, making NED smarter, more effective, and more adaptive.

As part of this renewal, we are reshaping the Reagan–Fascell Democracy Fellows Program into NED’s democracy accelerator. This next chapter builds on a two-decade legacy by bringing together a focused group of civic leaders, technologists, and scholars to refine transformative ideas, collaborate across the NED family, and address

the transnational challenges facing democracy. The accelerator will serve as a hub for democratic experimentation and applied learning, generating solutions with impact far beyond the fellowship year.

LOOK iNG TO 2026 AND BEYOND,

we will continue to invest most heavily in Asia, even as our most significant growth in grantmaking occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean. China-related programs—spanning the Mainland, Tibet, East Turkestan, Hong Kong, and China’s global influence— will remain our single largest area of investment.

In the coming year, we will commit increased resources to Cuba, sustain long-term commitments in Ukraine and Burma, and maintain recent growth in Venezuela and Iran. We will also support opportunities for democratic advancement in the Philippines, Armenia, Nigeria, and Colombia. Across our portfolio, we are prioritizing support for elections, revenue-generating investments, media experimentation, religious freedom, and the use of AI to advance freedom.

Several strategic countries will require especially focused attention in the year ahead. In Thailand, Venezuela, Syria, Bangladesh, and Nepal, we see developments that could become geopolitically consequential. In Thailand, with elections likely in 2026, the trajectory of democratic reform will matter deeply for Southeast Asia. In Venezuela, the democracy movement’s clear electoral mandate and the regime’s ensuing crackdown have created a volatile moment, where any democratic opening will require sustained support for citizens working to rebuild civic life and institutions after years of authoritarian erosion. In Syria, new partners working to ensure a historic opportunity leads to a more participatory, open, and free country will require increased engagement and backing.

We will double down in 2026—investing, helping succeed, and surging where openings appear— because the stakes are high. Our support for scalable civic innovation in Bangladesh

demonstrates what is possible when agility meets opportunity. At the same time, our work in countries facing sharp crackdowns, such as Tanzania and Nicaragua, will remain vital as authoritarian consolidation deepens and civic actors search for pathways to defend their rights.

We recognize that we are operating in a world where the brakes on freedom have been hit hard: surveillance, censorship, data capture, and shrinking civic space are now defining features of the global landscape. Yet these tactics are themselves evidence of demand. The more autocrats clamp down, the more citizens insist on dignity, voice, and self-government—whether through civic action, independent journalism, or the simple assertion of conscience and religious belief beyond the reach of the state.

As we commemorate America’s 250th year, the Endowment’s role within this larger story is clear. We honor our own founding not with celebration alone, but with service. We stand with people around the world who, like America’s patriots in 1776, confront oppression with courage, creativity, and imagination.

Our founding faith in democracy endures. Our partners’ courage inspires us. And our mission—to ensure people everywhere can determine their own future with dignity and freedom—remains urgent, essential, and profoundly American.

The world is watching to see whether freedomloving people have the resolve to defend liberty when it matters most. At NED, that resolve is unwavering.

Peter Roskam Board Chairman

Damon Wilson President and Chief Executive Officer

Total NED Grantmaking by Region in FY25

NED-approved grantmaking for FY2025 to direct partners and the Core Institutes for country- and region-based programming.

OUR GRANTMAKING BY THEME

Countering Foreign Authoritarian Influence

Protecting Freedom of Expression and Countering Authoritarian Censorship

Leveraging Technology for Democracy

Combating Corruption and Kleptocracy

Fostering Democratic Governance and Innovation

Advancing Democratic Rights and Freedoms

COUNTERiNG FOREiGN AUTHORiTARiAN iNFLUENCE

Authoritarian regimes are working to bend other countries’ politics, gain leverage over their economies, and distort their public debates. The Chinese Communist Party, the Kremlin, and the Iranian regime use economic pressure, covert networks, and propaganda to reshape institutions, undermine independent voices, and erode public trust. NED helps engaged citizens protect their rights by strengthening democratic institutions, increasing understanding of how malign influence works, and ensuring communities have the tools to safeguard their own freedom.

Through their research, monitoring, and public engagement, our partners expose how foreign authoritarian powers operate. They uncover how these regimes buy influence, capture media, distort markets, and weaponize propaganda. By putting these facts in the open, our partners encourage informed public debate, help communities weigh the true costs and risks of engagement with authoritarian partners, and equip citizens and policymakers with the evidence needed to protect their countries’ sovereignty and build fair, transparent institutions that serve the public.

Authoritarian influence exploits real vulnerabilities. China’s economic model—built on flagrant labor rights abuses, state-directed capital, and control

Why This Matters to Americans

over strategic industries and supply chains—creates dangerous dependencies and human rights abuses. Russia pairs influence campaigns with energy leverage, criminal networks, and covert money in politics to destabilize open societies while waging war in Ukraine. Iran extends its reach through proxy forces and opaque financial networks that export repression and fuel regional insecurity. In countries such as Serbia, Georgia, Bangladesh, and Tunisia— where institutions are under strain and polarization is high—these tactics can speed up democratic backsliding and make recovery harder. By helping partners expose these dynamics and mobilize informed action, NED supports communities working to build more resilient and accountable systems.

With NED’s support, partners are:

Exposing Hidden Influence and Corruption

Investigative journalists, watchdog groups, and researchers trace the economic pressure, opaque financial flows, shell companies, and backroom deals that give authoritarian regimes leverage over local elites, parties, and media. By bringing these mechanisms into the open, they help citizens understand how external actors manipulate domestic systems and who ultimately benefits from those arrangements.

When countries can resist foreign authoritarian pressure, they become stronger partners for the United States—economically, politically, and in matters of global security. By helping engaged citizens expose manipulation, defend democratic institutions, and protect their sovereignty, NED’s work reduces the space for hostile regimes to disrupt global markets, undermine economic and security alliances, or project coercive power into the international system. Stronger, more resilient democracies abroad directly reinforce U.S. security, stabilize key regions, and protect the rules-based order that benefits American workers, businesses, and interests.

Building Resilience and Protecting Institutions from Capture

Foreign authoritarian actors often exploit institutional weaknesses, political polarization, low civic trust, and gaps in legal frameworks to expand their influence. In these environments, NED partners monitor how authoritarian powers try to shape elections, legislation, infrastructure projects, and security bodies. They advocate for safeguards, such as stronger transparency rules, screening of strategic investments, clean procurement, and tougher disclosure standards for political finance, to prevent hostile powers from hollowing out democratic institutions from within.

Connecting Frontline Defenders Across Borders

Authoritarian governments target critics beyond their borders, engaging in threats, stalking, physical attacks, and other forms of transnational repression. This intimidation violates sovereignty, interferes in political debates, and intimidates activists, journalists, and diaspora communities in free societies. NED helps bring together those facing similar threats so they can compare experiences, share early warnings, and coordinate responses. Through cross-regional exchanges, joint research, and collaborative advocacy, these networks build stronger protections and develop common strategies to uphold democratic norms and defend civic space across borders.

From Caracas to Tbilisi, NED partners are making foreign authoritarian influence visible, pushing for practical protections, and helping societies stay in charge of their own future. Their work strengthens democracy where it is most at risk—and, in doing so, reinforces the security and stability on which free societies everywhere depend.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Watchdog Investigations Shield Against Foreign Malign Influence

Montenegro’s leading anticorruption organization, MANS, has become a regional model for exposing abuse and protecting democratic institutions from foreign malign influence. Its investigations have uncovered wrongdoing by senior figures across the political and judicial systems, including the former prime minister and a Supreme Court justice, and revealed how Russia, China, and other foreign actors exploit political financing and public procurement. State institutions now routinely consult MANS on reform priorities as Montenegro advances toward potential EU membership in 2028, demonstrating how persistent civic oversight can shift national standards and guard against authoritarian influence.

“From Caracas to Tbilisi, NED partners are making foreign authoritarian influence visible, pushing for practical protections, and helping societies stay in charge of their own future.”

PROTECTiNG FREEDOM OF EXPRESSiON AND COUNTERiNG AUTHORiTARiAN CENSORSHiP

Access to independent information and freedom of expression are foundational to democracy. They ensure that citizens have the ability to develop and express diverse opinions, hold power to account and expose abuses, and participate meaningfully in civic life. In 2025, governments, from Afghanistan and Iran to Russia, Cuba, and Nicaragua, tightened their grip—attacking journalists, shuttering civic spaces, criminalizing dissent, blocking platforms, and turning the internet on and off at will. China expanded its vast censorship and surveillance system at home while

“NED helps people defend their fundamental right to free expression in some of the world’s most restricted and censored environments.”

exporting tools and tactics that help other regimes silence criticism and monitor their populations.

NED helps people defend their fundamental right to free expression in some of the world’s most restricted and censored environments. Our partners—community organizers, technologists, human rights defenders, faith leaders, local reporters, and civic networks—work every day to keep truth accessible and independent voices alive in places where speaking openly can cost you your job, your freedom, or your life. Their efforts preserve the conditions that make democratic life possible: the ability to speak, to access facts, and to engage in public debate without fear.

With NED’s support, partners are:

Breaking Authoritarian Information Blockades

In tightly controlled environments, partners develop secure channels that allow communities to bypass censorship, communicate safely, and access reliable information.

Defending the Right to Speak Freely

Even in the most restrictive environments, civic actors document arrests, censorship, legal

Authoritarian information control doesn’t stay within borders; it fuels corruption, distorts global markets, enables repression, and weakens the international norms that protect open societies, making them more reliant on authoritarian powers. By helping local partners keep truth alive through independent media, secure communication tools, and trusted reporting, NED strengthens global information ecosystems that resist propaganda, protect human dignity, and reinforce the rules-based order on which Americans’ security and prosperity depend.

harassment, pervasive surveillance, or violence against journalists. They also provide legal aid, strengthen digital and physical safety, and help journalists and media groups forced into exile continue their work, rather than be silenced.

Keeping Diverse Information Ecosystems Alive

Independent, community-rooted outlets provide clear, reliable information in environments where foreign actors spread false narratives and intimidation. By exposing how authoritarian-aligned channels disguise state narratives as independent reporting, they help citizens recognize manipulation and understand the broader influence strategies shaping their media environment.

Advancing Innovation to Overcome Surveillance and Information Barriers

NED partners are pioneering ways to deliver independent news and civic content in places where surveillance, censorship, and internet shutdowns make information hard to access. They deploy VPNs and encrypted data tools to help audiences evade state monitoring, while using low-bandwidth formats—such as mirror sites, SMS newsletters, and radio broadcasts—to keep information flowing even when the internet goes dark. These adaptive approaches ensure citizens can continue to access

trusted, independent information in restricted environments.

Across these efforts, NED partners help communities make informed decisions, defend their dignity, and preserve the possibility of accountable government.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Piercing the World’s Tightest Information Blockade

In North Korea, simply watching a South Korean TV show can result in being sentenced to years of hard labor—a stark reminder of the regime’s brutality and its iron grip on its citizens. Against this backdrop, Daily NK provides first-hand, independent reporting into one of the world’s most repressive information environments, offering North Korean and global audiences verified insights into repression and human rights abuses, economic and social conditions, and opaque politics. Daily NK maintains in-country reporting networks and publishes more than 1,200 articles annually, with well over 10 million website views per year. Its coverage informs governments, international media, and human rights bodies—making it one of the most influential channels of factual information about North Korea’s closed society.

“NED partners are pioneering ways to deliver independent news and civic content in places where surveillance, censorship, and internet shutdowns make information hard to access.”

LEvERAGiNG TECHNOLOGY FOR DEMOCRACY

Democracies and authoritarian regimes are increasingly competing to shape the digital systems that govern daily life. Authoritarian regimes are racing to fuse power with technology, from China’s AI-driven surveillance exports and censorship algorithms to Russia’s cyberattacks and digital intimidation to election-period internet shutdowns in Tanzania, Uganda, and Pakistan. In Venezuela, the Maduro regime weaponized digital surveillance and platform censorship to track dissent and silence independent reporting. As new technologies continue to reshape how power is exercised, it remains an open question whether the age of AI and advanced technologies will strengthen democratic agency or supercharge authoritarian control. NED supports partners who are working to ensure that these technologies are put to use as tools for freedom, accountability, and civic power, not repression.

With NED’s support, partners are:

Using Technology to Expand Participation and Accountability

Civic groups deploy digital tools to monitor elections, map corruption, crowdsource community data, and involve citizens where physical organizing is dangerous or restricted. Their platforms help people

report abuses, track public spending, and engage directly in shaping decisions that affect their lives.

Defending Against Digital Repression

Activists, human rights defenders, and local organizers strengthen their ability to operate under surveillance through secure communication practices, cyber risk mitigation, and resilient digital workflows. Partners build and scale tools that help dissidents and ordinary people around the globe bypass authoritarian censorship, protect sensitive data, and stay connected in hostile environments.

Advancing Principles for an Open and Free Digital Environment

NED-backed organizations bring frontline expertise into global debates on the norms and standards that will guide the development of cutting-edge technologies like AI. In multistakeholder forums and policy processes, they advocate for safeguards that protect privacy, preserve free expression, and prevent authoritarian misuse of emerging technologies.

Building Long-Term Digital Resilience

Beyond tools and trainings, NED investments deepen partners’ capacity to manage digital risk,

Why This Matters to Americans

When authoritarian governments export surveillance systems, data-harvesting tools, and censorship technologies, they weaken the global norms that protect privacy and free expression—undermining U.S. interests globally. NED’s support for democratic digital resilience helps safeguard the open, secure, and rights-respecting digital environment that Americans depend on.

adopt secure systems, and embed technology into core democratic work. By building capacity that endures and adapts, each grant yields a higher return on investment by reducing long-term costs while ensuring that democratic actors remain effective even as authoritarian tactics evolve.

By helping civic actors navigate and shape the digital frontier, NED ensures that technology is not simply a weapon in the hands of authoritarians. Instead, it becomes a force that can widen civic space, protect rights, and help people organize for change in an increasingly contested digital age.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

AI Supercharges Citizen Oversight in Thailand’s Elections

As Thailand faces snap elections in early 2026, civic technologists at Vote62 are showing how artificial intelligence can become a true force multiplier for democracy—expanding civic capacity and restoring

trust in an electoral process long marred by manipulation and opacity.

Created ahead of Thailand’s 2019 general election, Vote62 is a coalition of Thai civic groups leading the country’s first large-scale, citizen-driven effort to independently verify election results. The platform was first deployed at scale in the 2023 general election, when tens of thousands of volunteers across every province photographed the official tallies posted at polling stations and uploaded them to the platform. AI-powered optical character recognition then processed more than 400,000 images in Thai script, digitizing nearly 22 million votes in real time. The result: dramatically reduced workloads for over 40,000 volunteers, faster verification, and a system that helped ensure an election free of large-scale manipulation or fraud. As Thailand approaches another pivotal vote, civic innovators are preparing to deploy an even more advanced version of the platform—strengthening transparency and citizen oversight at a moment when the country’s democratic future hangs in the balance.

“By helping civic actors navigate and shape the digital frontier, NED ensures that technology is not simply a weapon in the hands of authoritarians. instead, it becomes a force that can widen civic space, protect rights, and help people organize for change in an increasingly contested digital age.”

COMBATiNG CORRUPTiON AND KLEPTOCRACY

Citizens everywhere want governments that serve the public good, not private gain. Yet kleptocracy— rule by elites who exploit state power for personal and political benefit—remains one of the greatest obstacles to democratic progress. Corrupt networks hijack institutions, siphon public wealth, distort markets, and use illicit money to entrench their control and extend influence across borders.

Authoritarian regimes have turned corruption into a strategic tool. Russian oligarch networks bankroll political operations across Europe and Africa. Chinese firms and Belt and Road projects incentivize corrupt infrastructure and investment decisions while

“NED supports those who are opening these systems to scrutiny and building fairer, more transparent alternatives.”

embedding long-term dependency. Kleptocratic elites in the Balkans, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America use illicit mining, commodities trades, and criminal networks to enrich themselves and hollow out public coffers.

NED supports those who are opening these systems to scrutiny and building fairer, more transparent alternatives.

With NED’s support, partners are:

Revealing How Kleptocracy Operates

Civic investigators, whistleblowers, anti-corruption analysts, community groups, and reform coalitions trace the shell companies, opaque trade routes, procurement abuses, and political capture that allow illicit networks to thrive. Their work exposes the systems behind corruption—not just the scandals—giving societies a clearer picture of how power is misused.

Equipping Reformers with the Evidence to Act

Civil society organizations, legal advocates, business associations, and grassroots movements use evidence to push for beneficial ownership registries, open public contracting, asset disclosures, and whistleblower protection systems that make it safe and effective to expose

Kleptocracy doesn’t just weaken other countries, it distorts global markets and creates unfair competition for American workers and businesses. When NED partners expose corruption, forced labor, opaque supply chains, and rigged procurement, they help ensure that the rules of the global economy are transparent and fair. Stronger, more accountable systems abroad protect U.S. industries from being undercut by authoritarian practices and reinforce the level playing field that American workers depend on.

wrongdoing by corrupt actors. They monitor public spending and mobilize community pressure to turn public frustration into concrete institutional reforms.

Building Coalitions Across Borders

Local efforts increasingly link into regional and global networks that share data, expose transnational financial flows, and coordinate responses to cross-border kleptocratic schemes. By connecting frontline reformers with broader movements, NED partners help close governance gaps that authoritarian and criminal networks exploit.

Advancing Economic Fairness and Rules-Based Competition

Partners challenge forced labor, defend worker and property rights, promote transparent markets, and strengthen legal protections that safeguard honest businesses. Their efforts help ensure that authoritarian regimes cannot use corrupt practices or coercive economic tactics to gain an unfair advantage.

Together, these actors are making corruption visible, empowering citizens with facts, and

advancing reforms that protect public resources. Their work strengthens democratic governance, supports fair and transparent economies, and reinforces the rule-based systems that underpin global stability and fair competition for workers and businesses—including those in the United States.

Saving $190 Million —and Ukraine’s War Effort

As defense spending surged to 31 percent of Ukraine’s GDP, NAKO helped strengthen oversight of the Ministry of Defense and exposed procurement abuses that could have cost Ukraine hundreds of millions in wartime losses. In 2023, the Civic Anti-Corruption Council, where NAKO plays a key role, successfully pushed for a return to the Prozorro system—restoring transparency to defense auctions and preventing an estimated $190 million in losses. In 2025, their oversight blocked a corrupt deal for 10,000 defective bulletproof vests and triggered high-profile investigations into arms procurement fraud. At a time when every dollar matters, NAKO’s work protects frontline troops, public trust, and the integrity of U.S. reconstruction funds.

“NED partners challenge forced labor, defend worker and property rights, promote transparent markets, and strengthen legal protections that safeguard honest businesses.”

FOSTERiNG DEMOCRATiC GOvERNANCE AND iNNOvATiON

Democratic governance depends on institutions that allow citizens to choose their leaders, hold them accountable, and see real results in their daily lives. Yet in many countries, that trust is eroding. Elections across Africa, Latin America, and Asia are testing democratic resilience as governments restrict civic organizing, limit election observation, manipulate information, and use courts to sideline opponents. Setbacks in places such as Tunisia, as well as backsliding and mass protests in Tanzania, Serbia, and Georgia, show how quickly openings can narrow.

But even in these difficult environments, communities are seizing opportunities to protect their rights and insist on accountable governance. Citizens are building new oversight mechanisms, organizing across divides, and experimenting with fresh approaches that bring public institutions closer to the people they serve. Their courage, creativity, and determination point to what is still possible when democratic aspirations are met with support.

NED backs partners who are working to make democratic institutions more credible, responsive, and innovative—helping ensure that windows for progress do not close, and that the promise of democratic self-government remains within reach.

With NED’s support, partners are:

Enabling the Conditions for Credible Elections

Citizen observers, civic coalitions, and independent analysts monitor election processes, document irregularities, and provide voters with nonpartisan information. Their efforts help deter fraud, increase transparency, and build public confidence where elections are under pressure.

Strengthening Institutions of Oversight and Representation

Organizations work with legislatures, local councils, and oversight bodies to improve oversight of budgets and laws, and to curb the abuse of power. They promote open hearings, transparent procedures, and stronger links

Why This Matters to Americans

When democracies abroad are stable, accountable, and capable of delivering for their citizens, it reduces the kinds of crises that directly affect Americans— from migration pressures to conflict spillover to economic disruptions. Stronger democratic governance also creates fairer markets and more reliable partners for U.S. trade and investment, benefiting American workers and businesses.

By helping local leaders improve elections, increase transparency, and build responsive public institutions, NED supports the emergence of capable partners who resist authoritarian influence and contribute to a more stable and prosperous international environment. These efforts don’t just uphold values Americans care about, they advance real-world interests by supporting an environment where cooperation is easier, extremism finds less oxygen, and opportunity has room to grow.

“Across these initiatives, NED helps reinforce the foundations of democratic governance while encouraging new approaches that make it more open and resilient. By supporting credible elections, responsive institutions, and broader citizen participation, NED helps communities reclaim confidence that democracy can deliver—and that their voices matter.”

between representatives and the communities they serve.

Renewing Political Participation and Leadership

Youth movements, women’s political networks, professional associations, and long-excluded groups organize to enter public life, shape policy debates, and assume leadership roles within parties, unions, and civic organizations. Partnerdeveloped programs elevate the voices of all citizens, help them develop skills, platforms, and coalitions that make politics more inclusive and representative.

Driving Democratic Innovation at the Local Level

Partners pilot tools and formats, from citizen oversight committees and participatory budgeting to digital platforms for feedback and co-created local policies. These models show how democratic problem-solving can adapt to new social and technological realities and rebuild trust where institutions have fallen short.

Across these initiatives, NED helps reinforce the foundations of democratic governance while encouraging new approaches that make it more open and resilient. By supporting credible elections, responsive institutions, and broader citizen participation, NED helps communities reclaim

confidence that democracy can deliver—and that their voices matter.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Civil Society Writes the Law: 19 Reforms Adopted in Morocco

Menassat, an independent Moroccan research center, played a pivotal role in the first major update to the country’s Family Code since 2004, one of the most consequential legal reforms for women in a generation. Working in partnership with government institutions and civil society in an increasingly open policy environment, Menassat submitted 106 recommendations; 19 were incorporated into the final reforms, including ones on inheritance, guardianship, custody, and freedom of movement. Their credibility has elevated civil society as a constructive force in national reform processes, strengthened the legal rights and daily lives of women across Morocco, and secured Menassat’s role as co-host of the 2026 International Religious Freedom Forum.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Safeguarding Elections in a Changing Landscape

Around the world, elections are becoming harder to protect just as the need for credible oversight

grows. Traditional models of oversight, focused largely on the mechanics of the election itself, fail to address potential irregularities before and after ballots are cast. From restrictive voter registries to cyberattacks on electoral bodies to illicit campaign finance, non-democratic actors have many avenues to influence election outcomes.

NED partners are developing data-driven, costeffective tools to identify electoral moments where citizen participation, rights protections, and democratic standards are most at risk, and to help local partners provide timely, strategic support that strengthens those processes. From traditional initiatives, such as training citizen monitors and party poll watchers, to new efforts, including mapping foreign illicit financial flows and using AI-powered tools for transparency and auditing, NED and the Core Institutes remain at the forefront of the global fight for free and fair elections.

Across the NED family, partners are filling critical gaps by supporting pre-election assessment missions in places like Honduras and Côte d’Ivoire: anchoring presidential debates in Malawi to boost citizen engagement; monitoring influence operations and AI misuse ahead of parliamentary elections in the Philippines’ Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; and reinforcing electoral integrity in high-stakes environments from Moldova to Bangladesh.

NED’s cost-efficient, flexible model is an essential lifeline for election-focused civil society, ensuring that independent actors can monitor polling stations, verify results, educate voters, prevent violence, expose foreign interference, and expand participation. In an era of rising digital manipulation, authoritarian interference, and shrinking oversight, NED’s commitment to safeguarding credible elections and defending citizens’ ability to choose their leaders freely and peacefully is more vital than ever.

“NED’s cost-efficient, flexible model is an essential lifeline for electionfocused civil society, ensuring that independent actors can monitor polling stations, verify results, educate voters, prevent violence, expose foreign interference, and expand participation.”

ADvANCiNG DEMOCRATiC RiGHTS AND FREEDOMS

The ability to speak, organize, worship, and participate freely in public life is the foundation of democracy. Yet in many parts of the world, these basic freedoms are under sustained attack.

Religious communities face intensified repression— from China’s systematic targeting of Christians in unregistered house churches, Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners, and others, to the intimidation, discriminatory laws, and violence facing minority faiths in Nigeria, the Sahel, Pakistan, Burma, and across the Middle East and North Africa.

At the same time, political prisoner populations are rising in Belarus, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, and beyond. In places like Nicaragua, Myanmar, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan, many civic leaders have been forced into exile. Labor organizers and independent unions—from garment workers in Bangladesh and Cambodia to union activists across the Middle East and North Africa—face crackdowns aimed at silencing economic dissent. Across Africa and Eurasia, restrictive laws attempt to criminalize civil society organizations and cut off their support.

Yet even in these conditions, courageous individuals and communities continue to claim their rights, build new forms of solidarity, and create openings for democratic change. NED supports partners who not only defend these freedoms, but also expand what is possible—often at profound personal risk.

With NED’s support, partners are:

Protecting Freedom of Religion and Belief

Partners document persecution, challenge discriminatory policies, and advocate for legal protections for vulnerable faith communities. They work with religious leaders and laypeople alike to ensure that people can live according to their conscience without fear.

Supporting Human Rights Defenders, Political Prisoners, and Human Rights Activists

Networks of lawyers, advocates, and support organizations provide legal aid, document abuses, sustain public attention on political prisoners, and help activists develop new platforms, build coalitions, and mobilize campaigns.

Why This Matters to Americans

Strong, rights-respecting societies are more stable, more resilient, and better able to resist coercion from authoritarian powers—making them safer, more reliable partners for the United States. By supporting courageous local leaders who defend economic security and human dignity in their own countries, NED helps reduce the very conditions that tend to metastasize U.S. security challenges: persecution-driven radicalization, instability fueled by political exclusion, displacement caused by repression, and the spread of malign actors who exploit weak civic protections. When people can safeguard their basic freedoms, America’s adversaries have fewer openings to undermine America’s interests abroad or shape the security environment that ultimately affects Americans at home.

Defending Civic Space and the Right to Organize

Civic organizations help communities form associations, build movements, and engage in public life despite harassment and restrictive laws. They challenge repressive legislation, push back against efforts to criminalize peaceful civic engagement, and raise awareness of the rights that underpin democratic life.

Standing Up for Workers’ Rights and Economic Empowerment

Labor groups support workers who organize for fair wages, safe conditions, and basic protections. By addressing the legal and social barriers that limit full economic and political participation, business associations, entrepreneurs, and empowered citizens build thriving economies and rule of law countries that deliver prosperity and stability.

Across these initiatives, NED’s partners show that even in the world’s most repressive environments, people continue to push forward by building communities, exercising moral courage, and expanding the space for others to act. Their work keeps alive the freedoms that make democracy

possible: the rights to worship, speak, organize, work, own property, and participate in shaping one’s own future.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Impact Spotlight: Defending

Religious Freedom and Community Resilience in China

Across China, Christian “house churches” remain vital spaces for community and spiritual support, even as the Chinese Communist Party intensifies pressure through forced registration, surveillance, raids, and detentions. In one of the world’s most restrictive environments for religious practice, simply gathering peacefully has become an act of courage. NED supports partners who discreetly assist these at-risk communities by documenting violations of religious freedom, providing legal and digital security training, offering practical support to church leaders facing harassment, and preserving accurate reporting on abuses for the international community. By helping house churches navigate repression and protecting the right to worship safely, NED strengthens one of the few remaining independent civic spaces in China.

“NED’s partners show that even in the world’s most repressive environments, people continue to push forward by building communities, exercising moral courage, and expanding the space for others to act.”

OUR GRANTMAKING BY REG i ON

AFRiCA

FY 2025 Grantmaking

224 Projects Supported: 202 Direct Grants, 22 Core Projects

Africa Regional Regional Projects

Central Africa Regional

East Africa Regional

Southern Africa Regional

West Africa Regional

Legend

Less than $1 million

$1 million – $2 million

More than $2 million

Africa | Program Spending Overview

Across Africa in 2025, democratic development unfolded in complex terrain marked by political uncertainty, intense geopolitical competition, and persistent citizen mobilization around good governance. The most acute crises emerged where transitions collapsed. The brutal conflict in Sudan and Ethiopia’s post-conflict fragmentation left institutions in tatters, hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. Modest NED support enabled independent media, human rights defenders, and community networks to document atrocities, keep information flowing, and sustain civic engagement in the midst of conflict.

In West Africa, citizens worked to expand freedoms, strengthen accountability, and cultivate a new generation of civic leaders, especially among Gen-Z. Nigerian reformers strengthened legal protections for free expression and pushed for electoral reforms, while civic groups in Côte d’Ivoire expanded investigative reporting and trained emerging political leaders to reinvigorate democratic engagement. In the Sahel, despite a string of coups that deepened insecurity, citizens pressed for elections, defended rights, countered junta propaganda, and built regional solidarity.

In East and Southern Africa, democratic engagement persisted despite uneven reform and tightening civic space. In some countries, reform pathways opened gradually, allowing civic actors to push for greater accountability and transparency at the local level. Elsewhere, shrinking space and rising political

“Modest NED support enabled independent media, human rights defenders, and community networks to document atrocities, keep information flowing, and sustain civic engagement in the midst of conflict.”

pressure forced NED-supported partners to adapt— finding creative ways to defend core freedoms, sustain citizen participation, and keep civic voices alive under growing constraints.

Amid rising geopolitical competition, NED partners also confronted the ways authoritarian powers use corruption, security partnerships, and opaque investments to entrench and expand autocratic

A stable and democratic Africa is essential to U.S. security and prosperity. Wellgoverned states are more effective at preventing extremist groups from gaining footholds that threaten regional and global stability. Transparent, accountable institutions also create environments where U.S. companies can compete fairly for critical minerals and other resources central to our supply chains. And strong democratic partners help the United States maintain deep, reliable relationships across a region of growing strategic importance. NED’s support for African civic actors strengthens these foundations, reducing the likelihood of costly crises while advancing a more secure and predictable environment for U.S. interests.

rule. Civic groups worked to expose foreignbacked propaganda, document mercenary abuses, and expand access to trusted information on government performance, from security operations to public service delivery. In strategic sectors like infrastructure and critical minerals, partners demanded greater transparency and community oversight, challenging deals that bypass accountability and concentrate power in the hands of elites. These efforts reinforced democratic resilience and helped ensure that Africa’s resources and institutions serve its citizens, not external powers.

Citizen Oversight Exposes Misuse of $700 Million in Public Funds

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, public finance experts at the Centre de Recherche en Finances Publiques et Développement Local (CREFDL) uncovered massive irregularities in the government’s handling of $700 million intended for schools, health centers, and local infrastructure. Their investigation, amplified by the nationwide “My Money, My Responsibility” campaign, reached more than one million Congolese and prompted government leaders to order all ministries to complete unfinished projects by year’s end. The International Monetary Fund has begun incorporating the report’s recommendations,

demonstrating how citizen-led oversight can drive accountability at national and international levels. By strengthening oversight and curbing corruption, this work helps insulate public institutions from foreign bribery and opaque deals, building the rule-of-law environment necessary for fair competition.

“ i n strategic sectors like infrastructure and critical minerals, partners demanded greater transparency and community oversight, challenging deals that bypass accountability and concentrate power in the hands of elites.”

FY 2025 Grantmaking

295 Projects Supported: 274 Direct Grants, 21 Core Projects

Asia Regional

Southeast Asia Regional Regional Projects

South Asia Regional

Legend

Less than $1 million

$1 million – $2 million

More than $2 million

Asia | Program Spending Overview

A wave of civic mobilizations across Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic developments for democracy in recent years, pushing back against authoritarianism through people-powered movements, public campaigns, and grassroots civic initiatives. In Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, these movements created the opportunity for a return to electoral politics that reflect the will of the people. In other parts of the region, including Thailand and the Philippines, NED and its Core Institutes are supporting efforts to increase participation in the political process and channel demands for change through democratic means, including elections.

Even under pressure, grassroots leaders demonstrated extraordinary resolve. Through small, strategic grants, NED strengthened local leadership across the region. In Burma and Vietnam, community activists documented abuses and kept civic space alive under severe repression. Chinese and North Korean partners relied upon networks of activists and emerging communication channels to expose state control and expand access to independent information. Meanwhile, think tanks, unions, political movements, and business associations across the region advanced governance reforms amid corruption and economic mismanagement.

China continued to keep an iron grip on politics and freedoms at home while seeking to solidify its growing influence globally. The Chinese Communist Party escalated its repression in Hong Kong, Tibet, and East Turkistan, while exporting its model of digital censorship, transnational repression, and elite capture to neighboring

“NED and its Core institutes supported a wide network of partners across the indo-Pacific, complemented by regional initiatives that strengthened democratic unity and countered foreign authoritarian influence.”

countries and farther abroad. Beijing’s influence increasingly shaped regional information environments, governance norms, and civil society constraints, posing a long-term challenge to democratic values across Asia. In this context, NED-supported partners worked to expose CCP influence, expand independent information channels, and defend civic space.

Democratic stability in Asia is vital to U.S. economic and national security. Accountable governments mean stronger labor protections, more reliable supply chains, and fairer competition for U.S. businesses. They also help deter aggression, counter terrorism, and limit authoritarian influence across the Indo-Pacific. NED-supported partners strengthen the institutions that make these outcomes possible—benefiting American workers, companies, and long-term security interests

NED and its Core Institutes supported a wide network of partners across the Indo-Pacific, complemented by regional initiatives that strengthened democratic unity and countered foreign authoritarian influence. Facing shared threats, from digital surveillance to foreign interference, civic actors increasingly collaborated across borders. This growing regional solidarity helped reinforce democratic norms, strengthen digital protections, and sustain civic life at a pivotal moment for the Indo-Pacific.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Financial Innovation Links Capital to Good Governance

In the wake of Sri Lanka’s debt crisis, Verité Research brought a groundbreaking “G-Bond” to market—a governance-linked sovereign bond that ties the country’s borrowing costs to concrete improvements in transparency, anti-corruption safeguards, and democratic governance. If the Sri Lankan government meets measurable reform benchmarks, its interest rate is reduced, creating a powerful financial incentive for better governance. This positive-sum model aligns market incentives with democratic outcomes, offering a model that could be scaled to other countries seeking to strengthen governance outcomes through marketbased financial products.

“Because NED’s model is built for speed—small grants, trusted networks, and flexible support— our civil society partners were able to respond immediately following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s regime.”

CONTINGENCY FUND SPOTLIGHT

Catalyzing Bangladesh’s Civic Renewal

When Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed in 2024 following mass peaceful demonstrations, Bangladesh entered a volatile transition marked by uncertainty and a need for rights-respecting leadership, trusted information, and a roadmap to credible elections.

Because NED’s model is built for speed—small grants, trusted networks, and flexible support— our civil society partners were able to respond immediately: monitoring the transition, shaping public debate, assessing economic impacts, and engaging citizens in dialogue about a more open political future.

With rapid response funding, NED supported frontline groups documenting human rights violations, safeguarding forensic data from the student protests, and ensuring independent information reached citizens. Partners convened business leaders, political actors, local organizers, and religious minorities to discuss reforms, strengthen community cohesion, and build consensus around a democratic path forward. Independent media and think tanks provided real-time analysis and evidencebased policy recommendations to domestic and international decision-makers, proposing thoughtful solutions at a critical moment.

At a moment when the country’s direction hung in the balance, NED’s support helped empower Bangladeshi citizens to steer the early phase of democratic renewal. Today, these efforts are laying the groundwork needed to hold free and credible elections in 2026.

EURASiA

FY 2025 Grantmaking

225 Projects Supported: 216 Direct Grants, 9 Core Projects

Eurasia Regional Regional Projects

Central Asia Regional

Legend

Less than $1 million

$1 million – $2 million

More than $2 million

Eurasia | Program Spending Overview

In 2025, democratic aspirations across Eurasia unfolded under the shadow of Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Kremlin’s widening efforts to export repression and kleptocratic influence. Yet local leaders across the region continued to carve out space for democratic action. In Russia, despite unrelenting crackdowns, communities persisted in organizing, sharing information, and challenging the Kremlin’s influence campaigns. In Georgia and Armenia, citizens continued to assert their agency, as Georgians mobilized to defend their country’s democracy and European future, while Armenians pressed for protections of fundamental freedoms and more accountable governance amid a shifting regional landscape.

Central Asia experienced its own crosscurrents— tightened state control paired with rising public demand for good governance. In countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, citizens more openly questioned Russian influence and voiced solidarity with Ukraine. NED-supported civic organizations worked to expand participation, increase transparency, and protect avenues for public engagement.

Access to information remained a defining fault line. As authorities restricted online freedoms, NED partners developed tools to keep people connected, collaborated with technologists to counter censorship, and expanded independent reporting in local languages—giving communities alternatives to state-controlled Russian media. At the same time, investigative journalists and anticorruption researchers exposed the transnational networks that underpinned authoritarian power.

“As authorities restricted online freedoms, NED partners developed tools to keep people connected, collaborated with technologists to counter censorship, and expanded independent reporting in local languages— giving communities alternatives to state-controlled Russian media.”

Across the region, civic leaders—many operating under significant personal risk—proved that dignity and democratic agency endure even in the harshest environments. Their work demonstrated

Why This Matters to Americans

Effective responses to Russia’s aggression depend on understanding how the Kremlin finances and exports its coercive influence. NED partners help surface that information, helping democratic nations develop sharper tools to protect their own security. In the Caucasus, where displacement, border clashes, and heavy external involvement threaten to ignite wider instability, civic actors are strengthening accountability and advocating for peaceful, democratic solutions. Their work helps contain risks in one of the world’s most strategically important crossroads.

how strategic, locally rooted support can sustain democratic values in a region facing its most entrenched authoritarian challenges.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Tech Activists Keep Information Flowing to Russia

As the Kremlin escalates online repression, blocking VPNs, throttling platforms, and shutting down mobile networks, access to secure workarounds has become a critical lifeline. Projects developed by exiled Russian technologists have helped Russians navigate

blockages by monitoring shutdowns, automating data collection to identify blocks and respond to outages, and using that data to support the VPN infrastructure needed to circumvent censorship. NED grantees now provide secure, uncensored internet access to more than a million users inside Russia, including civic activists, journalists, and politically engaged citizens who depend on reliable connections to communicate and access truthful information. By building in creative monetization tools, these IT professionals are also moving toward long-term sustainability to help ensure Russian citizens stay connected to the outside world.

“NED grantees now provide secure, uncensored internet access to more than a million users inside Russia, including civic activists, journalists, and politically engaged citizens who depend on reliable connections to communicate and access truthful information.”

EUROPE

FY 2025 Grantmaking

272 Projects Supported: 260 Direct Grants, 12 Core Projects

Europe Regional

Southeast Europe Regional Regional Projects

Legend

Less than $1 million

$1 million – $2 million

More than $2 million

Europe | Program Spending Overview

Europe’s democratic landscape in 2025 was defined by both profound strain and remarkable civic resilience. Russia’s war on Ukraine, the suffocation of political life in Belarus, and persistent tensions in Southeast Europe underscored the fragility of democratic gains. Yet throughout the region, local leaders, investigative journalists, and civic organizations advanced accountability, transparency, and rule of law, helping move their countries forward on their chosen path toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

“in Ukraine, NED partners mobilized civil society to protect anti-corruption institutions and defend civic space, while also documenting war crimes and tracing the abduction and illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.”

In Ukraine, NED partners mobilized civil society to protect anti-corruption institutions and defend civic space, while also documenting war crimes and tracing the abduction and illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. In Moldova, citizens participated actively in parliamentary elections, despite Russian interference, sending a clear signal in support of democratic reform. Across the Western Balkans, partners advanced accountability, reconciliation, and tolerance by pursuing transitional justice measures— from documenting war crimes to facilitating dialogue across ethnic lines—to help societies move toward a more democratic and inclusive future.

A central theme across the region was the demand for better governance. Investigative journalists and watchdogs uncovered sanctions-evasion schemes, illicit financial networks, and abuse of public funds, which shifted public debate, armed reformers with credible evidence, and allowed authorities to prosecute corrupt officials. Some of these initiatives were led by youth calling for integrity, transparency, and more responsive leadership.

This push for accountability extended into electoral processes. Amid polarization and digital manipulation, democratic actors strengthened election oversight, provided voter education, and monitored campaign finance to safeguard fair competition. Independent media remained essential. Local newsrooms and regional investigative hubs protected journalists, expanded fact-based reporting, and ensured voters had credible information in environments marked by political pressure and opaque media ownership.

Countries on Europe’s democratic frontier face persistent attempts by foreign authoritarian powers to sow instability through corruption and political interference. By strengthening watchdogs and institutional safeguards, NED’s partners help blunt these tactics and reinforce the transparency essential for stability, democratic reforms, and sustained economic growth. Greater resilience in the region reduces security risks and protects U.S. economic interests tied to the broader transatlantic economy.

From Ukraine to the Western Balkans, these local actors used evidence to push for fairer political competition and better governance by fostering democratic reform, promoting greater civic engagement, and enhancing electoral oversight. Their efforts showed how democratic renewal depends on transparency, public participation, and the resilience of civic actors committed to accountable institutions.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Advancing Transparency on China’s Influence in Southeast Europe

As the CCP deepens its footprint in Southeast Europe through opaque investments, elite capture, and influence operations in media and academia, civil society has become a critical line of defense. With NED support, the North Macedonia–based think tank ESTIMA is helping expose and counter the CCP’s corrosive influence across the region through groundbreaking research, public engagement, and policy advocacy.

In North Macedonia, ESTIMA’s work directly contributed to the government’s adoption of the country’s first coordinated strategy on China— aimed at safeguarding democratic institutions and economic sovereignty. Building on this model, ESTIMA has expanded its efforts across Southeast Europe, equipping civil society organizations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia to engage policymakers, promote transparency, and develop evidence-based countermeasures. In Serbia, ESTIMA’s engagement with the government contributed to tracking Chinese government-linked donations through a public database, which increased transparency around foreign influence in the country. Across the region, ESTIMA’s work is laying the foundation for more strategic, democratic responses to authoritarian influence

“With NED support, the North Macedonia–based think tank ESTiMA is helping expose and counter the CCP’s corrosive influence across the region through groundbreaking research, public engagement, and policy advocacy.”

LATiN AMERiCA AND THE CARiBBEAN

FY 2025 Grantmaking

213 Projects Supported: 195 Direct Grants, 18 Core Projects

Central America Regional

Latin America & Caribbean Regional Regional Projects

Legend

Less than $1 million

$1 million – $2 million

More than $2 million

Latin America and the Caribbean | Program Spending Overview

Latin America and the Caribbean confronted mounting pressures in 2025, from entrenched authoritarianism and institutional fragility to criminal networks and foreign autocratic influence. These forces strained rights protections and weakened the institutions essential for democratic life. Yet across the region, civic and business leaders, religious figures, independent journalists, labor organizers, and community groups continued driving democratic accountability with extraordinary persistence.

“As China and Russia deepened engagement in the region, NED-supported researchers and journalists helped citizens understand how this influence affects domestic governance and can erode national sovereignty.”

NED and its Core Institutes supported locally-led efforts across the region, providing strategic grants that helped communities seize democratic openings, resist increased repression, and sustain essential work. In Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, civic groups maintained independent information flows, documented human rights violations, and protected the few remaining spaces for citizen voice under severe constraints. As China and Russia deepened engagement in the region, NED-supported researchers and journalists helped citizens understand how this influence affects domestic governance and can erode national sovereignty.

In Peru, El Salvador, and Mexico, engaged citizens worked to safeguard institutional checks, broaden access to credible information, and sustain civic dialogue. In Bolivia, local organizations played a central role in promoting electoral transparency through voter education, citizen observation, and monitoring efforts that reinforced public trust.

Elsewhere, from Ecuador to Colombia, local partners focused on improving governance, strengthening legislative oversight, and expanding participation in public life. In Guatemala and Bolivia, democratic openings allowed civic actors to press for transparency and democratic renewal.

Across Latin America and the Caribbean, democratic resilience grew through steady, constituent-driven work rooted in transparency, participation, and fundamental rights—efforts that NED support helped sustain and expand.

Instability in Latin America and the Caribbean has direct consequences for U.S. security, economic prosperity, and migration flows. Economic hardship, weak institutions, violence fueled by criminal and narco-networks, and democratic backsliding are among the primary drivers pushing people to leave their communities. NED-supported partners work to counter these forces by strengthening transparency, expanding civic oversight, curbing corruption, and improving governance—factors that reduce violence, open economic opportunity, and help communities thrive at home.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Investigative Journalism Disrupts Global Drug Trafficking Routes

The Colombian investigative outlet Cuestión Pública exposed how global shipping giants were repeatedly exploited by traffickers to move 265 tons of cocaine—nearly half of all Colombian maritime seizures over six years. Their reporting, based on leaked prosecutorial emails, shipping manifests, and international data analysis, revealed gaps in corporate oversight and government enforcement that enabled sophisticated trafficking networks. Disrupting these routes has a direct impact beyond Colombia: every break in the supply chain reduces the flow of narcotics into the United States, weakens transnational criminal networks, and improves security across the hemisphere. In response, the companies involved committed to strengthening anti-smuggling controls, and port authorities began reevaluating inspection protocols, illustrating how data-driven journalism can move powerful state and corporate actors toward greater accountability.

VENEZUELA SPOTLIGHT

Safeguarding Democratic Rights Amid Crisis

For more than two decades, NED has supported Venezuelan citizens and civic organizations working to defend human rights, expand civic space, and preserve democratic possibility under one of the hemisphere’s most repressive regimes. Venezuela has produced a severe political, economic, and humanitarian crisis—marked by thousands of political prisoners, extrajudicial killings, information controls, and the displacement of more than eight million people under the Maduro regime. Given this scale, Venezuela is now among NED’s top ten countries by spending, ensuring sustained support to frontline civil society.

The backbone of NED’s Venezuela portfolio is centered on supporting a democratic transition, defending human rights, and enabling access to independent information. NED’s human rights partners document abuses, protect due process, expose crimes against humanity, and bring credible evidence before international mechanisms—contributing to the UN Fact-Finding Mission, advancing the International Criminal Court investigation into Nicolas Maduro, and ensuring sustained global attention to the crisis. NED’s investments in independent media strengthen journalists and outlets who provide reliable information to citizens and international audiences, helping to mitigate the effects of censorship and enabling transparent reporting amid restricted conditions. Together, these two pillars represent the majority of NED’s support and are essential to sustaining civic resilience in an increasingly closed information space.

Complementing this work, NED has, for more than two decades, supported Venezuelan partners who advance peaceful, democratic avenues for civic participation—helping citizens understand their rights, monitor government malfeasance, document irregularities, and engage safely and peacefully in public life. NED helps democratic actors build durable institutions, engage citizens, and document and challenge unfair electoral conditions.

In 2023, 2.4 million Venezuelan citizens participated in a primary election organized by the democratic opposition and in July 2024 reasserted their political voice by voting overwhelmingly for the democratic opposition, even amid severe restrictions. Civil society partners supported by NED worked to expand access to information, support voter education, and safeguard civic participation. As repression intensified following the election, NED partners provided assistance to activists and community leaders facing threats and violence so they could safely continue their work.

MiDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRiCA

FY 2025 Grantmaking

259 Projects Supported: 238 Direct Grants, 21 Core Projects

Gulf Regional

Middle East & North Africa Regional Regional Projects

Legend

Less than $1 million

$1 million – $2 million

More than $2 million

Middle East and North Africa | Program Spending Overview

Democratic development in the Middle East and North Africa remained constrained in 2025 by entrenched authoritarian rule, fragile states, unresolved conflicts, and deep socioeconomic pressures. Across the region, citizens faced shrinking civic space, tighter media restrictions, and governance systems that struggled to meet the expectations of rapidly growing, youthful populations.

The sudden fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in Syria in December 2024 reflects significant changes in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. While it is still impossible to predict where Syria will arrive politically, civic and political activists are asserting their commitment to a democratic Syria, with many returning from exile. NED will continue to work with partners to support democratic civil society as they navigate a critical transition period.

Across the region, local leaders, independent journalists, labor organizers, community groups, and policy thinkers pushed to make their voices heard and hold those in power accountable. In some countries, civic actors focused on practical governance challenges—improving service delivery, strengthening transparency, or proposing policy solutions reflecting public needs. In others, independent media and research centers documented human rights conditions, exposed propaganda, and kept information flowing despite harassment, censorship, and captured media environments.

Conflict-affected states presented a different kind of democratic challenge. The war in Gaza, and its ripple effects across the region, further constrained the civic space. Even amid violence and fragmentation, NED-supported partners contributed research, scenario planning, and dialogue efforts that is helping lay the groundwork for future

“Throughout MENA, NED and its Core institutes supported strategic, locallydriven initiatives that strengthened civic engagement, nurtured emerging leaders, and sustained the institutions and ideas underpinning future democratic openings.”

Why This Matters to Americans

Instability, weak governance, and economic hardship in the Middle East and North Africa affect regional security and can create openings for armed or extremist groups—developments with direct implications for the United States. By supporting local partners who expose corruption, push for basic accountability, and improve how institutions function, NED helps strengthen the conditions that make communities safer and governments more reliable. Stronger governance also creates more reliable conditions for U.S. diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian engagement.

stability across the region. Their work ensured that democratic ideas, networks, and leaders would be ready when opportunities for change emerge.

Throughout MENA, NED and its Core Institutes supported strategic, locally-driven initiatives that strengthened civic engagement, nurtured emerging leaders, and sustained the institutions and ideas underpinning future democratic openings.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Iran’s Digital Public Squares: Where Truth and Debate Thrive

Across Iran and its global diaspora, new media formats have become the primary arena for independent information and democratic debate, as traditional media remain tightly restricted. With modest NED support, an Iranian journalist launched an online political talk show that draws significant viewership inside the country and became one of the most-watched political

“With modest NED support, an iranian journalist launched an online political talk show that draws significant viewership inside the country and became one of the most-watched political programs outside the country.”

programs outside the country. Live online broadcasts routinely drew tens of thousands of viewers—often surpassing major Farsi outlets— while clips on Instagram and YouTube reached more than a million views.

By creating a space where ideas are debated and public concerns aired, the platform helps Iranians, wherever they are, access information they trust and engage with issues that shape their lives. In an environment where seeking truth carries real risk, this digital forum has become a crucial outlet for Iranians who want accountability, connection, and a voice in their country’s future.

The Most Significant Political Opening in Half a Century

The year 2025 marks the most consequential moment in Syria’s political trajectory in more than five decades. The fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 created an opening unprecedented since the Ba’ath Party consolidated power in the 1970s. For the first time in generations, Syrians face the possibility, however fragile, of shaping a political future rooted in accountability, pluralism, and public participation. Yet this transition is unfolding amid deep uncertainty: the transitional government’s legitimacy remains untested, violence persists in regions with large minority populations, and citizens’ expectations for safety and equal protection have yet to be met. Navigating this moment demands credible voices, resilient institutions, and civic actors capable of both responding to immediate needs and shaping the long-term architecture of democratic governance.

NED is uniquely positioned to meet this challenge. Since 2005, NED has supported independent media, civil society networks, local governance efforts, and rights-focused organizations, well before the 2011 revolution and the years of conflict that dismantled formal opposition structures. These longstanding partnerships have created a foundation of trust, professionalism, and mission-driven leadership that cannot be built overnight.

“As Syria enters a new chapter, NED’s enduring support, and the resilience and integrity of its partners, stands as a critical asset for strengthening Syria’s prospects for a more inclusive, accountable, and democratic future.”

As many donors withdrew over the past decade or concentrated support narrowly in oppositionheld and autonomous regions, NED remained committed to cultivating a diverse ecosystem of civic actors across regions, including inside Damascus and difficult-to-access enclaves. Today, those relationships are proving indispensable. NED’s partners have the credibility, networks, and technical readiness to contribute meaningfully to the transition and articulate citizens’ priorities.

In 2025, NED’s Syria strategy focused on leveraging this deep groundwork to help civic actors maximize their impact at a moment when the political trajectory is still undecided. Priority investments support independent media outlets that offer rare, trusted reporting; emerging civic groups advocating

for democratic norms and the rule of law; and organizations that are shaping public debate around constitutional questions, citizen protection, and transitional governance. This includes support to our Core Institutes that will support activists and groups in introducing political organizing, fostering a shared national vision for Syria’s post-Assad future, and expanding citizen participation in informing and shaping transitional processes. NED’s combination of national-level programming and region-specific initiatives ensures partners can respond flexibly to fast-moving developments while maintaining a consistent democratic vision. As Syria enters a new chapter, NED’s enduring support, and the resilience and integrity of its partners, stands as a critical asset for strengthening Syria’s prospects for a more inclusive, accountable, and democratic future.

RESEARCH, LEARNING, AND DEMOCRAT i C i NNO vAT i ON

AS

COUNTRiES NAviGATE ACCELERATiNG REPRESSiON, DiGiTAL DiSRUPTiON, AND SHRiNKiNG CiviC SPACE, NED iS HELPiNG iLLUMiNATE HOW DEMOCRATiC ACTORS CAN ADAPT AND REMAiN RESiLiENT.

We are fostering a connected ecosystem that enables new insights to inform practice and be shared more widely across the community.

By bringing our engines of learning and innovation into a more coordinated, agile effort, we are creating an environment where knowledge circulates quickly, thoughtful experimentation is encouraged, and ideas can more readily move into action. This ecosystem spans the Impact Lab’s applied learning, the Reagan-Fascell Program’s leaders, the Forum’s forward-looking analysis and convening power, and the Journal of Democracy’s intellectual rigor.

impact Lab

Launched in 2025, the Impact Lab ensures that our grantmaking is driven by evidence— applying rigorous analysis and results tracking to make sense of complex environments, validate assumptions, and identify which promising ideas have the potential to scale.

Building on NED’s long-standing commitment to evaluation and learning, the Impact Lab strengthens our ability to track change over time, measure return on investment, identify what works, and

translate those insights into stronger strategies. By applying mixed method research methodologies and data analysis, the Impact Lab helps identify emerging challenges early, shape smarter responses, and translate evidence into action, sharing this knowledge across the NED family and our global network.

Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program

Named for President Ronald Reagan and Congressman Dante Fascell, whose bipartisan vision helped launch NED, the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program has long been a home for courageous democratic leaders to reflect and deepen their impact. Now, as authoritarians innovate faster and democratic actors confront more complex challenges, the program is evolving into NED’s democracy accelerator: a pioneering initiative designed to generate the ideas and leadership needed for the next era of democratic action.

Bringing together a cohort of breakthrough civic leaders, tech innovators, and scholars, the Fellows Program will create the space, support, and global platform required to develop solutions—whether confronting AI-enabled repression, countering transnational authoritarian networks, or building new forms of civic power. As a focused engine for democratic innovation, the Fellows Program fills a critical niche in the democracy field: a hub where leaders can deepen their thinking, experiment with new approaches, and shape ideas that drive meaningful change.

The international Forum for Democratic Studies

The International Forum for Democratic Studies serves as NED’s strategic engine for foresight—

“As authoritarian regimes innovate at unprecedented speed, the Forum brings together researchers, technologists, civil society organizers, and policymakers to understand the implications for democracy and surface practical strategies for resilience.”

scanning the horizon for emerging threats, rapid technological shifts, and new forms of authoritarian reach. As authoritarian regimes innovate at unprecedented speed, the Forum brings together researchers, technologists, civil society organizers, and policymakers to understand the implications for democracy and surface practical strategies for resilience. Its convenings distill diverse expertise and experience into practical strategies that strengthen democratic resilience and advance a shared agenda for renewal.

Through private workshops, public dialogues, and flagship initiatives, the Forum bridges the gap between ideas and frontline democratic practice. Convenings on China’s “Digital Silk Road,” civil society protection, and emergent digital repression allow diverse actors to share lessons and shape coordinated responses. Events such as the free speech discussion with defenders from Iran, Nicaragua, and Tibet, and the China Salon on AI-driven information control, clarify how authoritarians are adapting—and where democracies must adapt faster.

Spotlighted work like Data-Centric Authoritarianism sheds light on how new technologies are reshaping authoritarian reach, while the annual Seymour Martin Lipset Lecture—most recently delivered by Leopoldo López on freedom tech and the fight

Challenging China’s Digital Repression Playbook

The Forum published Valentin Weber’s Data-Centric Authoritarianism: How China’s Development of Frontier Technologies Could Globalize Repression, which analyzes how China’s accelerating work in AI surveillance, neuro- and immersive technologies, quantum capabilities, and state-run digital currencies is expanding the reach of data-driven authoritarian control. By detailing how these technologies enhance China’s capacity to monitor, shape, and constrain civic life, and by outlining concrete steps democratic governments and civil society can take, the report maps a practical path for challenging China’s growing technological advantage. It provides democratic actors with a clearer understanding of where the risks are emerging and how coordinated action can help shape a more open, rights-respecting digital future.

for democracy—serves as a flagship platform for charting the ideas that will define democratic renewal in the future. Together, these initiatives by the Forum strengthen transnational networks of problem-solvers who translate common challenges into collective strategic purpose.

Journal of Democracy

Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, the Journal of Democracy is the world’s leading publication on the theory and practice of democracy. Since 1990, it has brought together scholars, activists, and policymakers to grapple with the toughest questions for free societies, from transitions away from authoritarian rule to the renewal of long-established democracies.

Today, the Journal sits at the center of global debates over how democracies can adapt in the face of digital repression, corruption, economic coercion, and resurgent autocracy.

Each quarterly issue features influential analysis, firsthand perspectives from democratic movements, and close looks at authoritarian threats. Widely cited in policy and academic circles and read by frontline advocates, the Journal of Democracy serves as a shared reference point, and meeting place, for a networked democracy community working to defend and renew freedom.

In 2025, the Journal of Democracy recorded its highest levels of engagement to date. Website traffic exceeded 2024 figures by 36 percent, and readership of its paywalled long-form essays grew by more than 40 percent.

“Today, the Journal sits at the center of global debates over how democracies can adapt in the face of digital repression, corruption, economic coercion, and resurgent autocracy.”

“Bitcoin is Freedom Money” by Alex Gladstein

Published in the Journal of Democracy, “Why Bitcoin Is Freedom Money” by Alex Gladstein argues that financial repression has become one of authoritarians’ most powerful tools, as regimes from Russia to Nigeria freeze bank accounts, block transfers, and weaponize inflation to strangle democratic movements. Gladstein examines how activists and human rights groups in Russia, Afghanistan, Cuba, and across Africa are turning to Bitcoin as a censorship-resistant way to move resources, pay staff, and stay alive politically when traditional banking channels are monitored or shut down. The essay is one of the most popular ever published by the Journal, underscoring a growing recognition that the struggle for democracy now runs through the financial system as much as the ballot box or the information space.

THE CORE i NST i TUTES

NED WAS FOUNDED ON THE BELiEF THAT A PRivATE FOUNDATiON GROUNDED iN AMERiCA’S CiviC TRADiTiONS OF POLiTiCAL PLURALiSM, ENTREPRENEURiAL SPiRiT, AND A STRONG LABOR HERiTAGE COULD SERvE AS A POWERFUL CATALYST FOR DEMOCRATiC PROGRESS AROUND THE WORLD.

This legacy is not only one of moral leadership, but of strategic foresight: free societies make stronger partners, better neighbors, and more reliable allies.

To translate this vision into action, NED’s founders mobilized key pillars of American democracy—political parties, business, and labor—to support their counterparts abroad. This led to the creation of four Core Institutes that form the NED family, each representing a vital dimension of democratic life:

• International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) — advancing democratic values and strengthening democratic institutions through support for political parties, elections, and inclusive political processes.

• Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) — promoting economic freedom and democratic development through market-based solutions, anti-corruption efforts, and private sector engagement.

• Solidarity Center — expanding worker agency and defending labor rights to advance just, democratic societies grounded in dignity.

Through direct grantmaking and the work of its Core Institutes, NED fosters interconnected democratic ecosystems by linking legal defenders, tech innovators, investigative journalists, labor organizers, civic educators, and reform-minded political leaders. Together, they provide support to help democratic movements take root across every region of the world.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

International Republican Institute (IRI) Defending Democratic Choice Around the World

In 2025, IRI played a critical role in safeguarding electoral integrity at a time when credible oversight is increasingly under pressure worldwide. Deploying observers and technical experts across Moldova, Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Iraq, IRI ensured independent scrutiny at every stage of the electoral cycle. Teams conducted pre-election assessments, election-day monitoring, and post-election analyses—visiting more than 200 polling centers, engaging with hundreds of election administrators and political actors, and observing thousands of voting stations to verify procedures and document irregularities. These efforts produced targeted recommendations on issues ranging from campaign finance transparency and cybersecurity safeguards to voter education and accessibility, equipping reformers with practical resources grounded in international standards.

IRI’s missions also exposed specific threats undermining democratic processes in key countries. In Moldova, IRI documented Russian-backed propaganda and vote-buying that challenge the country’s democratic trajectory. In Côte d’Ivoire, observation findings highlighted systemic concerns around candidate disqualifications and voter disenfranchisement, prompting renewed calls for transparency and a level playing field. In the Philippines, IRI identified both progress and persistent vulnerabilities ahead of upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the 2028 presidential race. Through rigorous observation, rapid-response assessments, and sustained engagement with electoral stakeholders, IRI helped protect citizens’ voices and reinforce democratic norms across varied political environments.

National Democratic Institute (NDI) Nigerian Youth Champion Electoral Reform at National Assembly Hearings

After the flawed 2023 elections, NDI-supported youth groups transformed widespread frustration into a coordinated national push for reform. They built a unified platform that elevated youth priorities across the country, securing commitments from 171 lawmakers to advance their proposals. At 19 public hearings convened by the National Assembly, youth representatives presented a clear set of consensus recommendations that helped shape seven constitutional and electoral reform measures under debate. Their sustained advocacy ultimately propelled 10 youth-backed bills to the floor— positioning Nigeria for significant electoral reforms expected to be voted on in 2026.

Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) Countering Authoritarian influence in Bolivia’s Lithium Sector

Across Bolivia’s strategic lithium industry, authoritarian regimes have sought to expand their control over one of the world’s most important resources. For more than a decade, state-owned companies from Russia and China have made significant inroads into global critical mineral supply chains—using opaque contracts, debt dependence, and political leverage to dominate markets and entrench influence. In Bolivia, where weak governance and fragile democratic institutions heighten vulnerability, two nontransparent deals totaling nearly $1.975 billion threatened to grant Kremlin- and Beijing-linked firms disproportionate control over the country’s lithium reserves and undermine democratic oversight of this vital sector.

With CIPE’s support, local economists, transparency advocates, and civil society coalitions produced rigorous analyses that exposed the risks of these contracts, ignited national debate, and ultimately halted the approval of both deals. Their work created essential space for Bolivians to demand transparent, rules-based investment and to protect the country from authoritarian economic capture. By equipping civil society with credible evidence and by strengthening collective action, CIPE’s partners helped safeguard Bolivia’s national sovereignty, protect global supply chains, and ensure that U.S. and democratic market businesses can compete on a level playing field.

IMPACT SPOTLIGHT

Solidarity Center

Empowering

Workers to Build Competitive Economies in Central America

Across Central America, rising violence against workers and democratic organizations has made the defense of fundamental freedoms—peaceful assembly, association, expression, and free speech—not only a human rights priority, but an economic necessity. In 2025, the Solidarity Center worked with unions in Guatemala and Honduras to safeguard these rights amid weak rule of law

and mounting threats to those organizing for fair conditions. With support from NED, Solidarity Center helped agricultural, garment, and palm sector unions protect their ability to organize, bargain collectively, and advocate for safe, dignified work. This included mobilizing national and international pressure to stop the dismantling of Guatemala’s only southern banana plantation union, guiding garment unions through collective bargaining during widespread factory closures, and supporting Honduran palm sector unions as they negotiated dozens of clauses to strengthen worker protections.

These gains reach far beyond individual workplaces. When workers can exercise their rights freely and negotiate fairer conditions, families escape cycles of poverty, productivity increases across supply chains, and businesses become more competitive in global markets. By promoting decent work and protecting civic freedoms, Solidarity Center and its partners help reduce the economic pressures that fuel outward migration while strengthening regional industries and national economies. Stronger worker protections also expand purchasing power and deepen trade relationships with allies like the United States—demonstrating how defending democratic freedoms is inseparable from building a more stable, prosperous hemisphere.

“By equipping civil society with credible evidence and by strengthening collective action, CiPE’s partners helped safeguard Bolivia’s national sovereignty, protect global supply chains, and ensure that U.S. and democratic market businesses can compete on a level playing field.”

DEMOCRACY AWARDS HONORING FA i TH, FREEDOM, AND COURAGE

FAiTH, FREEDOM, AND COURAGE WERE THE DEFiNiNG THEMES OF THE 2025 DEMOCRACY AWARDS iN WASHiNGTON, D.C. THE CEREMONY HONORED EXTRAORDiNARY iNDiviDUALS AND ORGANiZATiONS CONFRONTiNG THE CHiNESE COMMUNiST PARTY’S REPRESSiON OF SPEECH AND BELiEF, WHiLE AFFiRMiNG THE FUNDAMENTAL RiGHTS TO WORSHiP FREELY, SPEAK THE TRUTH WiTHOUT FEAR, AND LivE ACCORDiNG TO ONE’S OWN CONSCiENCE.

NED presents two distinct honors that reflect the many faces of courage. The Democracy Award recognizes those on the frontlines—organizations confronting repression and expanding the space for freedom today. The Democracy Service Medal pays tribute to those whose lifelong dedication has made an indelible mark on the cause of freedom and democracy and has inspired generations to follow.

The 2025 Democracy Awards honored China Digital Times, accepted by founder and editor-in-chief Xiao Qiang, and Campaign for Uyghurs, accepted by founder and executive director Rushan Abbas. The Democracy Service Medals recognized Pastor Wang Yi, imprisoned leader of China’s house church movement, accepted on his behalf by Cao Yaxue of China Change, and the 11th Panchen Lama, Tibet’s abducted spiritual leader, accepted on his

behalf by Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

The program featured remarks by a distinguished group of leaders including Representatives John Moolenaar, Jason Crow, Joaquin Castro, and Raja Krishnamoorthi. NED Board Members participating in the program included Senator Todd Young, Chairman Representative Peter Roskam (Ret.), Vice Chair Eileen Donahoe, Senator Mel Martínez (Ret.), and Board Member Alyssa Ayres.

By honoring these courageous voices, the 2025 Democracy Awards highlighted the enduring power of individuals who stand for truth and conscience in the face of repression. Their leadership affirms that free speech, religious liberty, and human dignity are fundamental values—and that those who defend them strengthen not only their own nations, but also the security, prosperity, and freedom of the United States.

Pastor Wang Yi: 2025 Democracy Service Medal Honoree

Accepted on His Behalf by Cao Yaxue, China Change

The Democracy Service Medal honoring Pastor Wang Yi was accepted by Cao Yaxue, who has chronicled the persecution of Wang Yi’s Early Rain Covenant Church and the house church movement as founder of China Change.

Introducing the Medal, Representative Jason Crow reflected, “Authoritarian regimes target faith because they cannot tolerate an alternative power. They cannot tolerate people believing in something bigger than themselves and bigger than the state.”

Pastor Wang Yi, he said, “is taking his faith and his responsibility to others, and to his country, and to his congregation seriously. He is making the sacrifices necessary to set the example for all of us, and we can garner great strength from that.”

Accepting the Medal, Cao observed that “the house church movement in China, despite relentless

repression, is one of the most dynamic and enduring drivers of social change because of its emphasis on human dignity, service, justice, and neighborly love.” She shared a message from a

member of Wang Yi’s congregation: “Pastor Wang Yi’s imprisonment and all that our church has endured are not an isolated event. Nor is it confined

Campaign for Uyghurs: 2025 Democracy Award Honoree

Accepted by Rushan Abbas, Campaign for Uyghurs

Rushan Abbas, founder and executive director of Campaign for Uyghurs, accepted NED’s Democracy Award on behalf of her organization. Her remarks connected the Uyghur struggle to the broader fight for freedom worldwide.

“This is not a Uyghur issue anymore; it is China’s war on freedom and democracy, a war on women and children, and a war on humanity itself,” Abbas said. She dedicated the award to “all those whose voices are silenced, including my beloved sister,” Dr. Gulshan Abbas, detained by Chinese authorities since 2018. “Nothing in this world will slow me down,” she said. “Please join me in this fight to protect humanity and the future of the free world we cherish.”

NED Board Member and former U.S. Senator Mel Martínez presented the award, noting, “As someone

China Digital Times: 2025 Democracy Award Honoree

Accepted by Xiao Qiang, China Digital Times

Accepting the award on behalf of China Digital Times, founder and editor-in-chief Xiao Qiang honored the “countless netizens inside the Great Firewall whose courage to speak, document, and share truth keeps the light of freedom alive.” Founded in 2003, China Digital Times documents the voices and experiences that China’s censors attempt to erase, preserving a living record of resistance and resilience that defies authoritarian control.

“At CDT, our mission is to speak truth to power. Not with hatred, but with clarity and courage, and to preserve collective memory as history,” Xiao added. “Freedom

to just the religious freedom of Christians in China. It is a microcosm of what countless Chinese prisoners of conscience are suffering today.”

whose own family fled tyranny in search of freedom, I know courage like this does not come easily. It is born of love. A love for family, for faith, and for the simple dignity of being free.”

begins with truth—and truth, when preserved in collective memory, becomes the seed of a freer future.”

Representative Joaquin Castro, a NED Board Member, presented the award to Qiang,

The 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun

Choekyi Nyima: 2025 Democracy Service Medal Honoree

Accepted on His Behalf by Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche

Accepting the Democracy Service Medal for the 11th Panchen Lama, Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery called on the world to remember Tibet’s disappeared child lama, recognized as the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism and abducted at age six in 1995.

Abbot Rinpoche posed the question, “Why is a country as powerful as China so threatened by a child? The answer is simple: the boy embodies a sacred lineage. He is the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism. To abduct one is to plunge a people into darkness. And that is precisely why China took him.”

“Authoritarians fear faith,” Rinpoche continued. “When people find meaning, dignity, and unbreakable resolve in their beliefs, no regime—no matter how powerful— can extinguish it. Faith will always prevail over tyranny.”

NED Board Member Alyssa Ayres presented the award to Abbot Rinpoche, drawing attention to

noting, “The CCP operates the largest, most sophisticated and most repressive censorship apparatus in the entire world. Xiao Qiang has refused to be censored and refused to be silenced.”

China’s ongoing assault on Tibetan faith and culture. “Nearly one million Tibetan children are separated from their families and raised in state-run schools that strip them of their language and faith,” she said.

Ayres reflected that, “Even in the face of such control, the story of the Panchen Lama endures. His disappearance has become its own form of witness: a reminder that truth and faith cannot be dictated, and that even silence can become a form of defiance.”

“Authoritarians fear faith. When people find meaning, dignity, and unbreakable resolve in their beliefs, no regime—no matter how powerful—can extinguish it. Faith will always prevail over tyranny.”

—Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche

DEMOCRACY SERVICE MEDAL HONOR i NG OSWALDO PAYÁ

iN A CEREMONY AT THE U.S. CAPiTOL, NED POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED iTS HiGHEST HONOR, THE DEMOCRACY SERviCE MEDAL, TO OSWALDO PAYÁ, ONE OF CUBA’S MOST PRiNCiPLED ADvOCATES OF PEACEFUL DEMOCRATiC CHANGE. THE CEREMONY COMMEMORATED THE 13TH ANNivERSARY OF PAYÁ’S MURDER BY THE CUBAN REGiME AND CELEBRATED THE ENDURiNG MOvEMENT HE SPARKED FOR A FREE CUBA.

Accepting the medal on Payá’s behalf were his wife, Ofelia Acevedo, and daughter, Rosa María Payá, who continue to carry forward his work for a free Cuba. The ceremony also included reflections from Payá’s family and a tribute to Harold Cepero, a fellow activist who was killed alongside Payá in the 2012

car crash orchestrated by the Cuban regime. Sabas Cepero, Harold’s father, attended the ceremony in remembrance.

“Oswaldo’s legacy is clear, unwavering, and urgent. Rights come first. The people are the

protagonists. Freedom comes first,” said Acevedo as she accepted the Democracy Service Medal on behalf of her late husband. “My father’s fight was a deeply human project. A project inspired by faith, rooted in non-violence, and centered on the dignity of the human person,” noted his daughter Rosa María.

The evening’s program also featured powerful tributes from Senators Ted Cruz and Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chief of Staff César González, who spoke on behalf of Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, and State Department Senior Bureau Official for Western Hemisphere Affairs Mike Kozak. Each speaker honored Payá’s moral clarity and the hope he gave to so many Cubans.

“Oswaldo was a fierce believer who worked tirelessly to liberate the Cuban people from Communist oppression. He had long been a thorn in the side of the Castro regime. In retaliation the regime harassed him, they arrested him repeatedly,

Oswaldo was a fierce believer who worked tirelessly to liberate the Cuban people from Communist oppression. He had long been a thorn in the side of the Castro regime. in retaliation the regime harassed him, they arrested him repeatedly, and in 2012 they killed him. But in life and in death, they never succeeded in silencing the message.”

— Senator Ted Cruz

Oswaldo Payá led a heroic decades-long effort to change a nation. From the first signature that he collected, he knew that he was risking his life for democracy.”

— Senator Durbin

and in 2012 they killed him. But in life and in death, they never succeeded in silencing the message,” said Senator Cruz during his remarks at the ceremony.

“Oswaldo Payá led a heroic decades-long effort to change a nation. From the first signature that he collected, he knew that he was risking his life for democracy,” noted Senator Durbin.

NED Board Member and former U.S. Senator Mel Martínez and Board Vice Chair Ken Wollack, both of whom knew Payá personally, shared personal remembrances that underscored the depth of his impact and the power of conviction in the face of tyranny.

“Oswaldo Payá awakened a nation’s conscience through the power of truth and the strength of

his convictions,” said President and CEO of NED Damon Wilson. “His moral courage reflects the spirit of so many partners NED supports around the world—ordinary people who stand up to repression and demand the right to shape their own future. Honoring Payá affirms our commitment to those who, like him, risk everything for the cause of liberty.”

NED Chairman Peter Roskam stated, “This medal represents our deepest respect for those who confront tyranny with truth. Oswaldo Payá’s voice, rooted in faith and freedom, continues to inspire a new generation of democratic leaders in Cuba and beyond.”

The Democracy Service Medal, first awarded in 1999, honors individuals whose steadfast commitment has advanced freedom and human rights around the world. Oswaldo Payá joins this distinguished list not only for his leadership of the Varela Project, which mobilized over 25,000 Cubans to peacefully petition for democratic reform under one of the world’s most repressive regimes, but

for a lifetime of moral leadership and nonviolent resistance. As founder of the Christian Liberation Movement, Payá anchored his activism in the belief that human dignity and democratic rights are inseparable, inspiring generations of Cubans to imagine a freer future.

NED’S COMPARAT iv E AD vANTAGE

AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 2025-2030

NED’s Comparative Advantage

Purpose-built to operate where freedom is most contested, NED combines resolve, agility, and disciplined risk-taking to support democratic actors on the frontlines of global struggle.

• People-Led, Locally Grounded Approach

NED backs local actors—activists, entrepreneurs, journalists, labor leaders, faith leaders, civic organizers, and reformers—who are embedded in their societies and trusted by their communities. Democracy is not imposed; it is built from within.

• Operational Flexibility with Bipartisan Mandate

Mandated by Congress but operating as private entity, NED brings democratic legitimacy, transparency, and flexibility together—enabling support for bold actors and ideas where traditional aid cannot operate.

• Ability to Operate in the Toughest Environments

NED is active in 95 percent of the world’s most repressive societies, with many of its largest country portfolios in the least free environments—reflecting a deliberate focus on freedom where it is most at risk.

• A Pluralistic Democratic Ecosystem

Through its four Core Institutes—NDI, IRI, CIPE, and the Solidarity Center—and a global direct grants program, NED supports the full spectrum of democratic life: political institutions, independent media, economic actors, labor movements, and civic organizations.

• Comprehensive Support Beyond Grantmaking

NED’s support goes far beyond funding. We provide wraparound assistance that strengthens partners’ resilience, capacity, and long-term viability—including digital security resources, organizational development support, world-class research, and strategic connections to peer networks and international allies.

• Smart, Catalytic Investments with Outsized Returns

NED embraces calculated, prudent risk as a core strategic advantage, enabling agility where others cannot operate. In repressive and fast-changing environments, traditional donors often hesitate due to bureaucracy and low risk tolerance. NED identifies early-stage, bold projects that may be modest in scale but strategically positioned to nurture broader change—channeling targeted, catalytic support that can deliver substantial impact.

• Rigorous Due Diligence and Oversight

NED awards grants through a rigorous, multilayered review process to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds. This includes assessing organizational credibility and performance, verifying alignment with NED’s mission and expectations, and vetting grantees against federal watchlists to ensure legal compliance. Once approved by the Board, grants are monitored through reporting, field engagement, coordination with relevant counterparts, and tailored evaluation tools—supplemented by periodic independent evaluations.

“NED

invests in people,

networks, and ideas that emerge from within societies—backing those with the vision, courage, and strategy to create lasting democratic change.”

Together, these strengths form a global ground game for freedom—a decentralized, resilient infrastructure supporting democratic action across 90 countries.

NED’s Approach to Democracy

We advance democratic change by helping local actors build democratic infrastructure that endures beyond any single moment, organization, or movement. Rather than delivering predefined programs or external blueprints, NED invests in people, networks, and ideas that emerge from within societies—backing those with the vision, courage, and strategy to create lasting democratic change.

Scouting and Backing Global Talent

NED identifies and supports high-potential democratic actors before they are widely known, providing early, flexible capital that gives promising ideas room to grow. By investing in civic entrepreneurs whose strategies are rooted in local realities, we help transform innovative efforts into durable forces for democratic advances.

Fostering Local Democratic Ecosystems

Democracy is sustained through interconnected ecosystems, not isolated actors. NED strengthens resilience by connecting civic groups, independent media, labor organizers, legal defenders, technologists, and reform-minded political leaders into reinforcing networks. In repressive environments, these connections become lifelines—helping democratic actors survive crackdowns, sustain momentum, and reemerge stronger when opportunities for change arise.

Connecting Partners to Lift Their Game

As authoritarian threats increasingly operate across borders, NED links local democratic actors to a global ecosystem of solidarity, shared learning, and innovation. Through cross-regional exchanges and support for global coalitions, NED expands partners’ strategic reach, accelerates innovation, and enables collective action—helping democratic actors not only endure locally, but thrive globally.

Advancing Freedom in a Defining Decade: NED’s Strategic Objectives 2025-2030

Over the next five years, NED will concentrate its resources where democratic investments can be most catalytic—aligning strategy with the most urgent threats to freedom and the most promising opportunities for democratic renewal.

NED’s strategy is shaped by three defining realities:

• Authoritarianism is mounting a systemic challenge to democracy.

• Technology is reshaping power, repression, and resistance.

• Local contexts remain decisive in determining political outcomes.

In response, NED will pursue three strategic objectives to disrupt authoritarian momentum and strengthen democratic resilience worldwide.

Counter Resurgent Authoritarian Powers

Goal: Weaken authoritarian power at its source and strengthen democratic resistance across regions of strategic importance.

NED will prioritize confronting the influence and tactics of China, Russia, Iran, and their proxies by supporting democratic actors operating under repression and by countering authoritarian reach across borders. Key areas of focus include:

• Challenging China’s global assault on democracy, including digital authoritarianism, transnational repression, and coercive economic practices.

• Supporting democratic alternatives inside and beyond Iran amid regional destabilization.

• Confronting Russia’s aggression and influence operations while backing democratic resistance inside Russia and across affected regions.

Secure Democracy’s Digital Advantage

Goal: Ensure democratic actors can navigate and shape a technological landscape increasingly weaponized by authoritarian regimes.

NED will invest in innovation and protection to safeguard open information ecosystems and strengthen the digital capacity of frontline actors. Key priorities include:

• Disrupting digital surveillance, censorship, and cross-border repression.

• Equipping civil society to deploy emerging technologies, including AI, in defense of democratic accountability.

• Developing a new generation of civic and tech leaders fluent in democratic innovation.

Advance Democracy’s Future in Bellwether Regions

Goal: Strengthen democratic trajectories in countries and regions where outcomes will shape global freedom.

NED will concentrate support in environments where democratic progress can tip regional balances and anchor long-term stability. This includes:

• Investing in countries with regional leverage, such as Ukraine, Venezuela, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iraq, and the Philippines.

• Empowering youth-led and next-generation movements across Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia to engage in politics and develop policy responsive to citizen demands.

• Defending religious freedom as a cornerstone of democratic resilience and human dignity.

“NED will prioritize confronting the influence and tactics of China, Russia, iran, and their proxies by supporting democratic actors operating under repression and by countering authoritarian reach across borders.”

2025

DONORS

Democracy Champions ($500,000+)

Eileen Donahoe

Oak Foundation

Democracy Stewards ($100,000-$499,000)

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Barbara Haig

Democracy Leaders ($50,000-$99,000)

Korea Foundation

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Taiwan Foundation for Democracy

Democracy Defenders ($25,000-$49,999)

Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation

Dayton Ogden

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Democracy Advocates ($10,000-$24,999)

Alyssa Ayres

Marie-Louise Caravatti Kemble

Scott and Susan Carpenter

Frank Fukuyama

Carl Gershman

Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation

Tom Price

Pooh Shapiro

Juan and Cindy Zarate Family Fund

Democracy Supporters ($5,000-$9,999)

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

American Federation of Teachers

Mary and Frank Fahrenkopf

Marjorie Mandelstam and Harley Balzer

The National Association of Manufacturers

Marc Plattner and Jaqueline Stark

Peter and Elizabeth Roskam

Sackin Adelman Family Foundation

Olin Wethington

Damon Wilson and David Van Lear

Democracy Allies ($1,000-$4,999)

Sheila Crowley

George Mason University Foundation

Paul Jackson

Brian Joseph

Greg Lebedev and Suzanne Clark

Bette and Winston Lord

Robert Mandell

Rosalia G-H and Richard W. Miller

Anastasia Popova

Zerxes Spencer

Mary Thornley

Vin Weber

Friends

of

NED

(up to $1,000)

Michael Abramowitz

Yaw Apaah

Leonard Baldyga

Matthew Barry

John Bass

Nicole Bibbins Sedaca

Andrea Blazanovic

Franklin Bonner

Mollie Bradford

Tracy Brown

Tetiana Bulakh

Roberta Cohen

Maia Comeau

Tessa Conrardy

Nara Damdindorj

Wafiullah Dehzad

Lindsay Demidovich

Larry Diamond

Mamby Diouf

Javkhlant Dorjsuren

Gabriela Dutra

John Fluharty

Michael Freedman

Katherine Fox

Thaer Ghandour

Heather Gilberds

Mary Kate Godfrey

Rebecca Hearle

Jodi Herman

Nancy Herzog

Elizabeth Hoffman

Rachel Horowitz

Adam Israelevitz

Assia Ivantcheva

Sarah Jacob

Brent Kallmer

John Knaus

Miriam Kornblith

This listing includes donations made from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. If there is an error in this list, contact give@ned.org.

Erika Kuenne

Lynn Lee

Grayson Lewis

Linda Lingle

Sydnee Lipset

Agnesa Ljamadjema

Megi Llubani

David Lowe

Amira Maaty

Joshua Machleder

Ian McGinnity

Hardy Merriman

Valery Nadjibe

Christopher O’Connor

Daniel O’Maley

Tenzin Palkyi

Sonia Pastein

Tarek Radwan

Eric Robinson

John Suarez

Jean Schindler

David Skaggs

Dominic Stam

Carolyn Stewart

John Sullivan

Marguerite Sullivan

Rebekah Usatin

Rachel Van Horn

Christopher Walker

Kelly Walz

George Weigel

Robert Whittle

Kenneth Wollack

Oksana Young

Andriy Yuzvenko

BOARD OF D i RECTORS

Chairman

Peter Roskam

Vice Chair

Stephen Biegun

Vice Chair

Eileen Donahoe

Vice Chair

Kenneth Wollack

Secretary Jendayi Frazer

Treasurer Juan Zarate

Stuart Appelbaum

Liliana Ayalde

Alyssa Ayres

Roxanne Brown

Scott Carpenter†

Joaquin Castro*

Victor Cha

Marlene Colucci†

Kelley Currie†

Elizabeth Economy

Daniel Fried

Amaney Jamal

Tim Kaine*

Rachel Kleinfeld

Mel Martínez

John Moolenar*

Victoria Nuland

Robert O‘Brien†

Dayton Ogden

Minxin Pei

Marc Plattner

Nadia Schadlow†

David Skaggs†

Elise Stefanik†

Scott Taylor

Todd Young*

*Members of Congress serve on the NED Board of Directors in an honorary capacity.

†Board service concluded in 2025.

Includes all individuals who served on the Board at any time from January 1 to December 21, 2025.

Budget, Audit, and Administration Chair

Jessica Adelman

NED’s Current Board of Director’s Listing

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FY 2025 Spending Snapshot

7% Administrative Expenses & Operations

7% Oversight

2% Research & Development

84% Directly to Partners

Fiscal Year 2025 Audited Financial Statements

For the period ending September 30, 2025, NED received a clean audit opinion, reflecting strong financial management and oversight.

A summary of audited financial statements for Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2024 is available on the following page. Full audited financials for FY2025 are available on our website at www.ned.org

FiSCAL YEAR 2025

iNFORMATiON

Consolidated Statement of Activities

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP accounting. $263 million represents the pro-rated amounts of obligations or executed grant agreements over the period of the life of the grant.

Statement of Financial Position / Balance Sheet

iMPACT REPORTS

impact Report: Protecting Free Speech and Countering Authoritarian Censorship

America’s authoritarian adversaries tighten their grip by controlling speech and information—both in their home countries and abroad. NED helps people break through that control and build the infrastructure that ensures pluralistic sources of information are available.

NED exists to support freedom where it’s under threat around the world. By mandate, we fund work focused on impact outside of the United States and do not support any projects involving U.S. domestic media, politics, or speech.

Free expression and open access to information are not abstractions; they are the precondition for free and self-governing societies. Freedom depends on the fundamental rights of citizens to speak, worship, question, organize, evaluate facts, and participate in civic life without fear.

When free speech is protected, citizens can ask hard questions and get real answers—exposing corruption and propaganda. NED partners help ensure people around the world have access to facts, a voice in their communities, and a say in their future.

Our Four Strategic Objectives in Authoritarian Informational Environments:

1. Protect the Right to Speak and Expose Abuse

Propaganda thrives when the public is silenced. NED equips citizens, researchers, and journalists to document abuses—arbitrary arrests, speech-based prosecutions, torture and ill-treatment, newsroom raids, and digital surveillance—and to chronicle citizen efforts, from peaceful protest to community initiatives, that press for change. We help partners

professionalize editorial standards, reporting processes, digital and physical security systems, and legal defenses, so truth-telling can endure.

• Iran: During the Women, Life, Freedom protests, NED partners documented deaths, injuries, and arrests—supplying verified evidence to Iranian audiences, international media, and human-rights investigations.

• Uyghurs and Tibetans: The CCP is carrying out a campaign of forced assimilation and cultural genocide against Tibetans and Uyghurs. Partners pierce Beijing’s censorship by opening secure channels for testimony from inside Tibet and Xinjiang, verifying and archiving evidence, translating findings, and safeguarding sources. Their efforts keep the right to speak and access independent information alive while building pressure for accountability.

• Russia: NED-supported journalists and engaged citizens defend the freedoms to speak, publish, and access information. By uncovering the Kremlin’s corruption and misconduct, they enable Russians to form their own opinions rather than be forced to rely on state narratives. They keep vital facts in public view—and their reporting also fuels global sanctions enforcement, uncovers covert influence campaigns, and advances warcrimes accountability.

2. Strengthen Local, Independent Media Ecosystems

People have a right to know how public resources are used and whether those in power act in the public interest. Independent, community-rooted media—from local outlets and watchdog groups to podcasters, newsletter writers, online creators, and community radio—makes that possible. NED helps local, community-focused voices provide reliable

reporting, investigations, and practical information. Our support also strengthens their organizational capacity, safety practices, and sustainability as alternatives to media captured by states, oligarchs, or organized crime networks.

• Latin America: NED backs public-interest reporting that explains decisions affecting daily life—from schools and clinics to public safety. By putting information in the open, this work strengthens free speech and civic participation and enables citizen oversight of budgets, services, electoral processes, and officials. It also exposes corruption, abuses of public authority, and organized crime’s attempts to capture institutions—giving people the evidence and forums they need to take informed decisions and demand accountability.

• Ukraine: Partners use investigative reporting and open-data tools to track public spending, expose misuse of resources, and monitor wartime procurement. By publishing findings, they promote transparency, inform public debate, and help ensure responsible stewardship of both domestic and international funds. NED also supports efforts to bolster the resilience of Ukraine’s independent media by helping partners build organizational capacity, grow audiences and revenue streams, and counter Kremlin propaganda. This ensures Ukrainians—including those at the front and in occupied territories—have access to lifesaving wartime information and stay informed about political developments at both local and national levels.

3. Break Authoritarian Information Blockades

Authoritarian power depends on the control and monopolization of information. NED supports in-country networks, circumvention tools, and alternative distribution pathways so people can access independent reporting and communicate safely—even where media is captured. We also help partners build durable channels—from mirror sites to trusted newsletters—that keep access open.

• North Korea: Defectors and technologists supported by NED have created new ways to break the regime’s information monopoly. By delivering accurate news in and out of the country, this work empowers North Koreans to see beyond propaganda and to think critically about their own circumstances, chipping away at one of the world’s most closed information environments.

• Inside China: Partners help millions navigate and circumvent the country’s complex censorship system—from the “Great Firewall” to strict platform-level controls—empowering citizens to share information, express their views, and access independent reporting.

• CCP Abroad: NED partners have uncovered the CCP’s state-funded propaganda networks and surveillance technology exports. Exposing these operations helps citizens around the world defend their democratic rights, resist manipulation, and harden democratic institutions against infiltration. Our partners have also exposed how the CCP uses coercion to intimidate and silence critics of the regime living outside of China in free societies. By informing and partnering with local authorities, NED partners have helped defend the free speech of those who criticize the CCP.

4. Fuel Innovation to Secure the Future of Free Expression

Democratic leaders must innovate to stay ahead of authoritarian regimes, which continue to invest significant resources in cutting-edge technologies and information control systems. NED backs new tools, formats, and security practices that both bypass repression and institutionalize safer, longterm expression. Innovation also means creative formats—animation, comics, music, meme-literacy, and non-digital storytelling—that can travel farther than traditional news in censored spaces.

• Venezuela: When the Maduro regime tried to crush independent reporting, journalists adopted

privacy-preserving methods—including AIassisted avatars—to protect their identities and be able to keep informing the public safely.

• Russia: Partners developed secure VPN tools now used by hundreds of thousands to access uncensored information, engage in debate, share their views—while building user education and digital-hygiene practices that outlast any single app.

• Cuba: Partners pilot low-bandwidth and offline distribution, mirror sites, and other resilience tools to keep information flowing during Internet throttling and shutdowns—while training partners in operational security so reporting can continue even under duress. Partners prototype censorship-resistant storytelling, like micropodcasts and music collaborations, which can

impact Report: Advancing Religious Freedom and Human Dignity

Religious freedom is a cornerstone of human dignity and democracy. Yet, authoritarian regimes around the world see religious communities as threats— independent forces that challenge their control. From churches and mosques to temples and synagogues, faith-based groups are often on the front lines of defending human rights and democratic values.

Since 1983, NED has stood with courageous partners defending the freedoms of religion, conscience, and thought. These partners expose persecution, empower religious communities as forces for freedom, and advance civic advocacy through coalition-building and documentation of abuses. Through these efforts, they work to ensure that all people—regardless of belief—can fully participate in civic and political life.

With NED’s support, partners work to:

• Expose Persecution: Documenting attacks, discrimination, and restrictions on religious freedom.

be distributed via low-data channels and offline forums to reach youth where bandwidth is limited and surveillance is pervasive.

From Havana to Hong Kong, trusted local voices— independent reporters, legal defenders, and community leaders—are creating space for free speech and open information. They take the initiative to approach NED with their own locally developed plans. NED provides support that helps them both break censorship and build resilient, self-reliant institutions. Their work equips people to make their own decisions about their future and hold leaders accountable, and strengthens communities to resist corruption and authoritarian control. Supporting these efforts is both strategy and principle: freedom grows, instability recedes, and truth remains audible.

• Empower Faith-Based Leaders: Engaging religious actors to promote democratic values and defend human rights.

• Unite Across Differences: Bringing diverse religious communities and civic actors together to strengthen pro-democracy coalitions.

NED’s Support Makes a Difference:

1. Documenting China’s Religious Freedom Violations:

NED partners have exposed the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Christian, Tibetan Buddhist, and Muslim communities—reporting on mass detentions in reeducation camps, the imprisonment of religious leaders, and the targeting of women for wearing religious attire. Their work has spurred responses from the United States and other democracies, catalyzed action from UN bodies, and galvanized solidarity across the Global South, including from Muslim-majority nations.

2. Strengthening Observer Networks in Cuba and Nicaragua:

NED partners have built nationwide observer

networks to monitor and report on religious freedom violations. Their documentation has exposed abuses and brought them to international attention, encouraging governments to take action to uphold religious rights. Reports submitted to global human rights bodies have led to increased scrutiny and diplomatic calls for Cuba and Nicaragua to respect religious freedom, demonstrating how systematic monitoring can drive accountability.

3. Advancing Accountability in Burma:

Burma’s military junta has targeted Christian and Muslim minorities for decades, particularly the Rohingya community. Since the 2021 coup, the military has escalated these attacks including the widespread killing and detention of religious leaders, forced conscription, and the intentional destruction of mosques and churches. NED partners are at the forefront of documenting these abuses. They have helped to bring these crimes to light, drive international media attention on the plight of Burma’s religious minorities, and spur accountability and justice efforts.

4. Championing Democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

NED partners representing the Catholic and Protestant denominations spearheaded the country’s largest-ever domestic election observation mission. The groups spotlighted irregularities in the process, including closed polling stations and reports of violence and confrontations. Following the elections, the groups are actively contributing to ongoing electoral reform dialogues.

5. Empowering Tibetans to Defend Their Culture, Faith, and Future:

For over 35 years, NED has been a vital supporter of the global Tibetan movement. Its partners empower Tibetans to defend their rights, preserve their culture, and lead international advocacy. A groundbreaking NED-backed report exposing China’s colonial boarding schools—where over a million Tibetan children face separation and indoctrination—led to visa sanctions, global media coverage, and diplomatic pushback. NED also

supports Tibetan-led efforts to protect religious freedom and ensure Tibetans—not the CCP— determine the future of Tibetan Buddhism and the next Dalai Lama.

6. Equipping Vietnam’s Religious Minorities to Resist Repression:

NED plays a pivotal role in advancing religious freedom in Vietnam by supporting organizations that serve religious minorities, including Christians. One key partner trains and sustains these groups, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate Vietnam’s restrictive legal environment. These religious communities document human rights violations and hold the Vietnamese Communist Party accountable by challenging its efforts to suppress religious expression and freedom.

7.

Building Peace and Pluralism in Pakistan’s Religious Landscape:

NED partners work with youth, civil society, and religious communities to advance peace, pluralism, and democratic values—key to regional stability. NED funding supports efforts to share democratic narratives in Muslim communities, promote religious tolerance, and ensure justice and accountability for persecuted Christian minorities. One grantee mobilized one of Pakistan’s largest grassroots movements for pluralism, helping reduce drivers of radicalization. Through NED support, Christian civic leaders have honed their strategies and skills to advocate for a pluralistic, religiously tolerant, and democratic Pakistan.

8.

Bridging Divides in Sri Lanka:

Partners work to overcome religious and ethnic conflict to build movements that advance democratic rights, including the rights of religious minorities. Partners have advocated for the Sri Lankan government to officially investigate and report on attacks against religious communities, including the 2018 anti-Muslim riots and the 2019 Easter bomb attacks on churches and hotels. These efforts have attracted international attention and have precipitated responses from political leaders and parliamentarians.

9. Documenting Religious Atrocities in Sudan:

Amid Sudan’s civil war and humanitarian crisis, a NED partner has documented the destruction of mosques, church looting, threats to religious leaders, forced conversions, and violence towards worshipers. This partner has actively engaged with both local and international stakeholders, calling on warring factions to cease attacks on religious communities and respect religious freedom.

impact Report: Supporting Economic Freedom, Fair Competition, and Workers

NED grantees are working to promote transparency, protect property rights, and ensure fair competition for businesses and workers. Their efforts offer a strong alternative to authoritarian regimes that use economic pressure to manipulate markets and undermine the rule of law. A vibrant private sector and respect for worker rights mean stronger democracies, fair economies, and more stable societies. This work also helps ensure a level playing field for American businesses and workers.

From combating forced labor to exposing corruption, NED’s partners drive meaningful change that protects democratic values and enables broad-based prosperity. This report highlights key successes by NED grantees that have strengthened markets and safeguarded economic freedom worldwide.

With NED’s support, partners are:

• Promoting market transparency by investigating opaque financial networks, tracking illicit trade routes, and exposing corrupt practices that distort fair competition.

• Strengthening economic resilience by equipping local businesses with tools to navigate authoritarian pressure, ensuring they can operate independently and ethically.

• Protecting business rights by advancing legal reforms that safeguard property rights,

10. Defending Freedoms in Nigeria: Partners have raised the alarm on the application of laws that restrict freedom of religion and expression. NED partners have advocated extensively on behalf of a singer sentenced to death for blasphemy; documented attacks on artists and defended their rights; and engaged government bodies curtailing freedom of expression.

strengthen procurement laws, protect small businesses and promote fair market practices.

• Defending labor rights by partnering with civil society groups to combat exploitation and protect workers from coercion and intimidation.

NED Impact Case Studies:

1.

Protecting U.S. Markets from China’s Forced Labor:

NED-supported research and advocacy exposed China’s use of forced labor in electric vehicle production, solar panels, and critical mineral processing, which undermines U.S. industries. NED partners also worked to expose the use of forced labor in the Uyghur region, helping to block goods produced with forced labor from entering U.S. markets.

2. Fighting Corruption, Stabilizing Trade:

NED funds investigative journalism that has uncovered corruption in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia, revealing ties to drug cartels and transnational crime. These efforts help hold governments accountable and create more transparent environments for trade and investment.

3. Ending Forced Labor, Promoting Fair Competition:

A coalition of experts and local activists successfully worked to eliminate child labor and reduce stateimposed forced labor in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry. Supported by NED partners, this alliance of over 30 human rights, business, and labor

organizations played a key role in pressuring Uzbekistan to implement major reforms. By promoting fair labor practices, these efforts leveled the playing field for businesses in the U.S. and elsewhere that adhere to ethical sourcing standards.

4. Revealing Authoritarian Economic Influence in Sri Lanka:

NED supported investigations expose foreign authoritarian influence on overseas commerce, including China’s control over Sri Lanka’s Port City project and Russian sanctions evasion by Sri Lankan officials.

5. Promoting Accountability and Economic Integrity in Ukraine:

NED-funded initiatives advance transparency and accountability in Ukraine. NED-supported

impact Report: iran and the Fight for Human Rights

In Iran, the fight for freedom comes at a steep price. Activists, journalists, and everyday citizens risk everything to challenge repression, as seen in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement’s defiant stand. Since 1991, NED has stood with Iran’s prodemocracy movement—documenting abuses, amplifying voices, and strengthening civil society. NED’s grants empower changemakers inside Iran and across the diaspora, advancing a vision for a free and democratic Iran while countering the regime’s repression at home and malign influence abroad.

With NED’s support, Iranian partners are:

• Documenting and exposing regime abuses through human rights reporting, advocacy, and digital tools.

• Countering regime propaganda by amplifying democratic narratives and uniting voices for Iran’s democratic future.

• Expanding the democratic movement

organizations have established a transparent procurement system for U.S. and allied supplied non-lethal military aid, safeguarding against corruption and saving $300 million in 2024 alone. NED core institute Core Institute has helped over 200 business associations improve Ukraine’s business environment by advancing reforms in customs and economic security laws, empowering the private sector to advocate for lasting change.

6. Exposing North Korean Economic Manipulation:

NED grantees revealed North Korea’s use of global supply chains to evade sanctions, linking its exports to China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes. Their widely cited findings highlight Pyongyang’s deepening ties with Moscow, an ever-present concern for U.S., Indo-Pacific, and European security.

by strengthening labor unions, business communities, and grassroots networks.

• Empowering frontline activists with training, resources, and international connections to sustain momentum for change.

NED Impact Case Studies:

1. Exposing the Regime’s Crimes:

During the Women, Life, Freedom protests, a NED partner published the first report on Mahsa Amini, who became the movement’s symbol. Other grantees documented protester deaths, injuries, and arrests, providing critical evidence for international media and human rights investigations.

2. Holding Perpetrators Accountable:

Documentation by a NED grantee contributed to the arrest and later prosecution of an Iranian official involved in the 1988 massacre of political prisoners – marking the first-ever criminal prosecution for the mass executions and torture committed by the regime.

3. Providing Lifelines to At-Risk Activists:

NED partners have delivered emergency support,

including relocation assistance, safe house support, medical aid, and legal and psychosocial services to frontline activists facing severe repression and violence inside Iran.

4. Securing International Action:

NED grantees played a key role in Iran’s removal from the UN Commission on the Status of Women and the creation of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran. Since then, they have worked with the Commission to gather evidence and hold the regime accountable for human rights violations.

impact Report: China and Countering the CCP’s Global Efforts to Undermine Freedom

Across China, courageous activists, journalists, and lawyers risk everything to defend fundamental freedoms. With decades of support from NED, they are pushing back against Beijing’s repression— amplifying voices, exposing abuses, and fighting for democracy. NED’s grants empower local changemakers across Mainland China, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the Uyghur region, while also addressing the CCP’s global reach.

Through their efforts, NED’s partners are:

• Holding the CCP accountable for human rights abuses through investigative reports and survivor testimonies.

• Helping millions bypass censorship with cuttingedge technology and secure communication tools.

• Strengthening legal defenses against CCP transnational repression and misuse of global institutions like Interpol.

NED Impact Case Studies:

1. Exposing CCP Intimidation Tactics Abroad: NED grantees alerted governments and law enforcement to the CCP’s targeting of Hong

5. Bridging Divides for a Democratic Future:

A NED partner has united civic and political activists across ideological and geographic lines, fostering collaboration for a democratic transition.

6. Countering Iran’s Authoritarian Influence:

NED grantees have exposed misuse of resources, including Iran’s financial support to its regional proxies, and have produced viral media content on Iran’s authoritarian influence in the MENA region.

Kongers and other political victims in third countries. Their work has been pivotal in exposing the violation of sovereignty in democratic countries and alerting the world to the existence of 100+ CCP-operated “overseas police stations,” including one in New York City.

2. Collecting Evidence to Stop Uyghur Genocide:

Long before the CCP’s atrocities against Uyghurs became global headlines, NED partners led the charge to uncover the truth. Through groundbreaking, evidence-based research and survivor testimonies, they provided the evidence that underpinned the US, UK, Canadian, EU, and Uyghur Tribunal’s genocide determinations, leading to sanctions against perpetrators.

3. Combating Forced Labor in the Uyghur Region:

NED grantees took on China’s industrial scale forced labor system, holding complicit corporations accountable. Their relentless campaigns and shareholder advocacy forced major companies like Volkswagen to exit the region, striking a blow against exploitation and CCP profiteering.

4. Exposing Attacks on the Tibetan People:

NED partners exposed the CCP’s deliberate erasure of Tibetan identity, revealing that nearly one million Tibetan children are being forced into colonial boarding schools. This revelation galvanized global

efforts to defend Tibet’s cultural and religious heritage.

5. Driving Legal Reform in Mainland China:

NED partners led the charge to abolish the oppressive “re-education through labor” system, secured legal and policy changes for women and vulnerable groups, and protected individual property rights from the CCP at the provincial level, transforming lives and advancing justice in a corrupt and repressive legal system.

6. Breaking Through the Great Firewall:

NED grantees have helped ensure hundreds of millions in China are able to defy the CCP’s iron grip on information so that they can bypass censorship to access the truth, share their stories, and amplify calls for democracy. In a tightly controlled environment where dissent is silenced, the ability to break through censorship is not just a tool, it is a lifeline for truth and a step toward challenging authoritarian rule.

7. Defending the Defenders:

NED doesn’t just support democracy activists, it supports a vast network of fearless Chinese human rights lawyers who have taken on thousands of cases of wrongful arrest, torture, and unfair trials to demand accountability, as well cases of religious persecution against Christians,

Tibetans, and Uyghurs to protect religious freedom.

8. Empowering the Next Generation:

The White Paper Movement of 2022 sparked an unprecedented wave of activism both inside China and across global diaspora communities. NED partners swiftly stepped in to support this rising generation of young leaders, including by providing digital and security training, turning their courage into sustained momentum for democratic change.

9. Building a Global Network to Push Back:

Through partnerships with NED, Chinese activists are connecting with allies across 82 countries, exchanging strategies and expertise to confront the CCP’s authoritarian influence. This network has led to impactful collaborations, such as coordinated advocacy campaigns to advance Uyghur, Tibetan, and Chinese human rights causes.

10. Fighting the CCP’s Transnational Influence and Attacks on Democratic Sovereignty:

A grantee is combating CCP encroachment on other countries’ legal systems and abuse of organizations like Interpol, for instance by exposing the misuse of extradition treaties and coordinating legal defense of victims caught in the process. Through this vital work, the grantee is calling out the PRC’s corrosive manipulation of these systems.

GRANT

L i ST i NGS

This public grant listing reflects projects approved by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) for Fiscal Year 2025. NED administers grants through multiple award mechanisms and timelines crossing over fiscal years. Each grant undergoes rigorous internal review to ensure strict compliance with our mission, ethical standards, and operational accountability.

As part of our duty of care, our internal processes are designed to ensure that while we maintain rigorous transparency standards, we do so without compromising the safety of our partners. This grant listing includes details that reflect the nature of our work without disclosing sensitive or identifying information that could put our grantees at risk. NED shares additional information regarding its programs with its Board of Directors and Congressional oversight committees.

AFRiCA

ANGOLA

Promoting Youth Civic and Political Participation

15 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote civic and electoral education among youth, the organization will provide civics and leadership training in three municipalities, use theater and media to highlight community issues, produce a radio program, and maintain an informative youth-focused website.

Developing Leadership Skills and Democratic values for Youth

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To empower youth with leadership capacity and democratic values, the organization will provide training, hold workshops with various stakeholders, and facilitate an exchange program for selected youth activists to learn from civic and political leaders in other countries about best practices in participatory governance.

increasing Citizen Participation in Promoting Transparency

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To empower citizens and promote transparency in the management of public funds, the organization will conduct training on monitoring the national budget and municipal investment programs, advocate for stronger civil society collaboration with municipal administrators, and hold community forums with municipal leaders to discuss progress and address governance challenges.

Supporting Citizens for Participatory and Transparent Governance

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To increase citizen participation in local governance, the organization will conduct trainings and community dialogues, support citizen monitoring platforms, and engage local officials on public project accountability.

Strengthening Civic Networks

12 Months Duration

$129,000

To increase citizen awareness and participation in decision-making processes and defend the rule of law, the organization will train its members, support local-level initiatives, document human rights violations against activists, and assist with the legal costs for human rights defenders.

Promoting Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote freedom of expression, the organization will establish mini newsrooms to train citizen journalists, develop reporting skills on rights issues, and share local civil society updates via digital platforms.

Protecting Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$79,000

To create an enabling environment for human rights defenders, the organization will strengthen its protection mechanism, reinforce defender capacities, and build a solidarity network for rapid response support.

Promoting Citizen Engagement with Public institutions

12 Months Duration

$32,000

To promote democratic values and citizen understanding of governance, the organization will broadcast a weekly radio program and convene community meetings to identify engagement strategies with public institutions.

Combating Repressive Laws

12 Months Duration

$84,000

To defend civic space and advocate for enabling legal environments, the organization will assess risks, raise awareness of restrictive laws, convene dialogues, and lead sustained advocacy with policymakers.

BURKiNA FASO

Advancing Democratic values and Principles

12 Months Duration

$47,500

To empower youth to advocate for a return to democracy, the organization will equip young people with knowledge of democratic values and skills to monitor constitutional reform, conduct awareness-raising activities, and host debates on democracy and the draft constitution.

Strengthening Youth Capacity to Defend Human Rights and the Civic Space

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To defend human rights and civic space, the organization will strengthen youth capacity to advocate for their rights, mobilize their community around democratic values, host regional convenings and awareness-raising activities, and facilitate the creation of youth networks to reclaim civic space.

Strengthening Democratic Culture

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster democratic culture and social cohesion, the organization will empower youth to promote democratic values and mobilize communities, host dialogues and awareness activities, and support advocacy for democratic transition and constitutional restoration.

Promoting Human Rights and Strengthening Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$88,000

To protect human rights and improve access to justice, the organization will build civil society capacity to document abuses, support victim assistance, and encourage citizen reporting through community engagement.

Promoting Respect for Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$88,000

To uphold human rights in conflict settings, the organization will document violations, strengthen lawyers’ capacity to assist victims, and support public interest litigation in regional and international courts.

BURUNDi

Preventing violence and Supporting Youth During the Electoral Cycle

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders to promote nonviolence and constructive dialogue throughout the electoral cycle, the organization will conduct dialogues with community leaders and youth affiliated with political parties to discuss tolerance and peace, foster linkages between youth and conflict resolution mechanisms, and provide legal support to at-risk groups.

Strengthening Good Governance

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To improve governance and encourage greater accountability by women parliamentarians and elected officials, and to strengthen civic participation in elections, the organization will conduct trainings to help women officials respond to citizen demands, analyze, draft, and defend government budget provisions, and work with grassroots groups to implement civic education campaigns.

Fostering Youth Digital Engagement

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen the capacity of young journalists to contribute to freedom of expression and promote accountability, the organization will train a cohort of young journalists and produce blogs and video content on good governance, elections, and civic participation.

Promoting Democratic values

12 Months Duration

$46,092

To promote democratic values and community cohesion in areas with a history of political conflict, the organization will hold community dialogues with local leaders

and youth to discuss inter-communal tensions, establish local committees to address conflict, conduct awareness-raising activities, and support formerly displaced young people to encourage their political participation.

Strengthening independent Media

12 Months Duration

$58,800

To strengthen freedom of expression by increasing access to information and independent reporting, the organization will maintain correspondents in refugeehosting countries, support additional correspondents in border countries, expand coverage of women’s political issues, and strengthen its security protocols.

Envisioning a Model for Good Governance

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To counter corruption and economic mismanagement and expand civic and political space, the organization will monitor government spending and produce publicly available content to bring more transparency to public budgeting.

Advocating for Justice through Human Rights Monitoring

24 Months Duration

$110,000

To promote democratic principles and prevent human rights violations, the organization will expand its monitoring network, improve reporting, highlight serious abuses, transmit cases to international bodies, and educate citizens on rights and democratic values.

Documenting and Monitoring Post-Electoral violence

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To monitor electoral conflict and promote human rights and accountability, the organization will document rights violations and provide legal assistance to survivors, analyze electoral compliance with national and international protocols, develop recommendations for future elections, and produce a documentary for advocacy.

CAMEROON

Promoting Youth Civic and Electoral Participation

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To educate and mobilize youth to participate in the 2025 elections and reduce electoral violence, the organization will launch a nonpartisan “Not Too Young to Vote” campaign to educate youth on their civic rights and responsibilities, hold public engagements to encourage election participation, and develop an interactive web page, toolkit, and newsletter on the electoral process.

Advancing Youth Participation

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote youth participation in public affairs and freedom of expression, assembly, and association, the organization will host workshops to engage youth leaders and promote community peace, hold dialogues with elected officials, launch a nonpartisan voter registration and mobilization campaign to encourage youth voting and political engagement, and host a mentorship program for youth interested in running for office.

Mobilizing and Empowering Citizens to Uphold Election integrity

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To mobilize and empower young people to increase voter participation and safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections, the organization will train a nonpartisan cohort of young democracy advocates on increasing voter turnout and ensuring fair elections, provide tools for citizens to observe and report on the electoral process, hold forums to promote civic participation, and engage lawyers to document civil and political rights violations.

Enhancing Access to information and Ensuring Accountability During Elections

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen the capacity of media and community leaders to ensure electoral integrity, the organization will collaborate with media professionals to inform citizens about the electoral process and support journalists, bloggers, and civil society leaders in researching and reporting on election-related issues.

Promoting Youth Engagement and Leadership in Advancing Democratic Principles

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote youth and civil society participation in local governance and peacebuilding, the organization will host workshops to build the capacity of youth council members to participate in the local budgeting process, promote peace, and contribute to post-conflict reconstruction discussions.

Enhancing Electoral Transparency

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To advance voter participation and strengthen the electoral process, the organization will educate citizens about voting rights and procedures, train election observers to monitor and report irregularities, and coordinate a civil society hub for collaborative oversight.

Building Momentum for Post-Election Democratic Change

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To support democratic change after elections, the organization will assess electoral processes, host civil society strategy forums, and coordinate calls for constitutional, electoral, and governance reforms.

CENTRAL AFRiCAN REPUBLiC

Promoting Peace and Community Cohesion

12 Months Duration

$64,900

To promote citizen participation in electoral and democratic processes to foster peace and community cohesion, the organization will conduct workshops for community leaders, engage religious and political leaders on political participation and how to promote religious and ethnic cohesion, establish a nonpartisan school of democracy for citizens, and coordinate a high-level peace forum

Promoting Youth Political Leadership

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen the political leadership capacity of young people and promote the political empowerment of young women, the organization will organize nonpartisan workshops and seminars for young political party leaders on youth political participation, political leadership, conflict resolution mechanisms, and tolerance.

Enhancing Access to information During Elections

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To enhance access to independent information during elections, the organization will strengthen the capacity of influencers, bloggers, and journalists to monitor news and produce articles and podcasts in French and local languages and conduct targeted awareness campaigns for publishing independent information online.

Supporting Public Debate to Counter Authoritarian influence

12 Months Duration

$184,000

To foster civil society resistance to authoritarianism, the organization will research authoritarian influence, strengthen democratic resilience, and host forums to advocate for pro-democracy policies.

Strengthening Local Democracy Through Community Radio

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen local democracy, the organization will train community radio stations, support citizen monitoring mechanisms, and expand access to platforms for public dialogue and accountability.

Supporting Civic Education to Empower Citizens

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advance civic education, the organization will launch a citizenship program, produce educational materials, form learning groups, and broadcast radio programs promoting democratic debate.

CHAD

Strengthening Local Capacity to Protect Rights and Freedoms

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To reinforce local responses to rights violations and support strategic advocacy, the organization will train local defenders to document abuses, create a realtime community alert network, launch public awareness campaigns, establish an independent observatory to report violations, and conduct targeted advocacy for international support of local defenders and reforms.

CÔTE D’ivOiRE

Promoting Nonviolence and Transparency in the Electoral Process

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen civil society and local government capacity to prevent violence during the electoral cycle, the organization will implement workshops for community leaders and local government authorities to develop strategies for preventing violence, strengthen early warning systems, support local monitoring committees, and synthesize findings after the election.

Advancing Peaceful Elections and Women’s Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$8,000

To prevent conflict and promote the participation of young women in civic life, the organization will train local young women leaders and traditional, religious, and administrative authorities on the electoral process, hold community and family dialogues to raise awareness on democratic culture, and work with local peace clubs in three communities with a history of electoral violence.

Supporting Democratic initiatives for Peaceful and Free Elections

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote peaceful and free elections, the organization will train young activists in democratic and civic values, conduct bi-monthly citizen debates on political issues and the importance of peace and tolerance, broadcast messages on democratic values and non-violence via community radio and social media, and monitor online violence against women involved in politics.

Promoting Peaceful and informed Electoral Participation

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To advance peaceful and informed electoral participation, the organization will establish local citizen watch committees to enhance electoral transparency, educate youth leaders and communities on responsible election discourse and reporting, and collaborate with leaders to apply their skills in reducing electoral tensions.

Fostering Civic Engagement in Elections

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote voter education for transparent and participatory elections, the organization will train youth leaders from urban and rural communities in civic education, community engagement, and conflict management, deploy them to mobilize and inform voters, and advocate for the publication of disaggregated electoral data.

Advancing Peaceful Youth Participation in Elections

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advance peaceful and participatory elections, the organization will hold consultations on challenges faced by youth and women, create education and awareness programs, and host discussions to encourage civic responsibility and peaceful participation in elections.

Promoting Youth Political Leadership

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote youth leadership, the organization will establish a citizenship school to train young and female leaders, offer public workshops, and produce political podcasts for local radio.

Fostering Accountability in Public Affairs Through investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To enhance public accountability through journalism, the organization will produce investigative reports on public finance, train journalists, and improve public understanding of economic resource management.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Promoting Peace and Political Participation in Elections

15 Months Duration

$1,055,000

To promote peaceful political participation in Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election, the Institute will support national and inter-ethnic dialogue, media campaigns, and pollwatching strategies with political parties to enhance electoral transparency.

DEMOCRATiC REPUBLiC OF THE CONGO

Supporting Human Rights Documentation and Monitoring

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To improve reporting on human rights and to better inform the public and international actors about human rights in the country, the organization will strengthen the ability of human rights defenders and journalists to monitor, document, and report on human rights violations, develop a database of human rights cases, and support advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns.

Empowering Youth to Defend Rights and Advocate for Change

12 Months Duration

$57,500

To enhance the capacity of youth organizations and their leaders to advocate for youth rights and drive positive change in local communities, the organization will host interactive workshops on democratic processes, civic engagement, and communication, and conduct research on critical community issues sharing the findings with elected officials, policymakers, and the public.

Strengthening Youth Capacity to Promote Nonviolence

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote peaceful youth participation in elections, the organization will conduct research on the causes and consequences of youth political violence in presidential electoral cycles, use the findings to inform youth training workshops and engagement with local authorities, and collaborate with local youth to conduct awareness-raising campaigns, radio programs, and public events promoting nonviolence.

Supporting Freedom of Expression to Build Accountability

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote freedom of expression and citizen oversight of government, the organization will conduct capacity-strengthening activities for media on conflictsensitive reporting and combating community tensions, advocate for better protections for journalists, and produce quality independent journalism on the electoral cycle, the management of public affairs, and conflict.

Preventing Conflict and Advocating for Democratic Reform

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To build the capacity of communities to avoid conflict and advocate for democratic governance reforms, the organization will strengthen community resilience through peacebuilding workshops and inter-community dialogue, launch awareness campaigns to promote civic engagement, and conduct targeted advocacy with newly-elected lawmakers on democratic reforms responsive to citizens’ needs and interests.

Supporting Provincial institutions to improve Democratic Governance

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To support good governance best practices and to strengthen the capacity of provincial assembly deputies and the provincial executive, the organization will

empower civil society to hold elected officials accountable, and in formulating advocacy strategies, support civil society to become involved in local policy development and raise community awareness of laws and regulations guiding local elections.

Strengthening Local Governance and Youth Participation

12 Months Duration

$52,500

To strengthen local democratic governance and youth participation, the organization will build the capacity of local government leaders, civil society actors, and young people from political parties and citizen movements to combat corruption and encourage responsive leadership, and organize a mentoring program for young political leaders.

Strengthening Community-Government Partnership on Security Sector Governance

12 Months Duration

$72,500

To strengthen collaboration between local community leaders and government officials to improve public security sector governance, the organization will conduct workshops on security sector budget planning, support sector assessment missions, facilitate town hall forums, and produce monthly reports on political, judicial, and security issues.

Strengthening Democracy in Online Civic Forums

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To advance digital democracy, the organization will deliver community education on media literacy, partner with journalists for quality reporting, and expand digital content to broaden information access.

Promoting Human Rights for improved Governance

12 Months Duration

$16,250

To strengthen the capacity of rural populations to monitor human rights and promote good governance, the organization will assist a network of monitors to document human rights violations in conflict-affected areas, hold workshops and town halls to encourage collaboration in violence prevention and strengthen accountability, and produce regular reports to raise awareness of rights violations and atrocities.

Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Natural Resource Governance

12 Months Duration

$97,500

To strengthen transparency in the management of natural resources and ensure effective accountability, the organization will conduct public research on citizen participation in resource revenue management, facilitate community dialogues and meetings to build accountability mechanisms, promote transparency between the public, government, and private sector, and establish local structures to address conflicts related to natural resources.

Advancing Citizen Oversight and Democratic Processes

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To reinforce citizen oversight of government institutions and advocate for needed reforms at local and national levels, the organization will strengthen citizen advocacy, provide opportunities for direct engagement with elected officials and government institutions, and support awareness-raising initiatives around potential reforms.

Strengthening Mechanisms to Safeguard Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen mechanisms to protect and promote human rights, the organization will establish community-led reporting hubs to document, investigate, and report human rights violations, publish reports to inform the public and policymakers, and advocate with officials to improve human rights conditions.

Advancing Press Freedom

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To defend press freedom and strengthen the capacity of independent media, the organization will monitor violence against journalists, trials, and visits to detained journalists, publish reports and hold press conferences on press freedom violations, and conduct workshops to promote independent and ethical community-centered journalism.

Strengthening Transparency and Access to information to Foster Accountability

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To improve transparency and access to information to promote accountability, the organization will organize workshops for youth to learn how to use innovative tools to access and analyze publicly available government data, and develop an application to conduct audits of public data on education and public finances to detect potential cases of corruption.

Preparing for Democratic Elections

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To promote a comprehensive reform framework to strengthen electoral processes, the organization will establish a task force to evaluate electoral system laws and institutions, propose electoral reform measures, strengthen the capacity of parliamentarians to advocate for reform, and launch national civic education campaigns to create spaces for dialogue between lawmakers and citizens.

Combating Corruption and Advancing Accountability

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To combat corruption and promote accountability in government institutions, the organization will research policies on public salaries and benefits, issue policy recommendations, launch nationwide awareness campaigns to drive public demand for reform, and introduce an annual award to honor anti-corruption heroes.

Advocating for Electoral Reforms

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To advocate for electoral reforms and promote civic and electoral education, the organization will launch a national civic education campaign to increase political participation across provinces, establish an independent, nonpartisan mission to monitor elections and identify irregularities, and recommend key reforms to the electoral process.

Advancing Community initiatives for Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To empower and engage citizens in human rights oversight in their communities, the organization will host dialogues to mobilize community members, develop strategies to amplify their concerns, establish or leverage community-based early-warning measures, and protect citizens and human rights defenders.

Advancing Active Citizenship

12 Months Duration

$72,500

To promote citizen participation through grassroots civic education and community mobilization, the organization will convene national meetings on citizen participation, peacebuilding, and governance, host forums and conferences to educate citizens and encourage public participation, and support interactive radio programs to foster dialogue and increase citizen involvement in governance.

Strengthening Local Government and Civil Society

Engagement to improve Governance

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To strengthen the capacity of local authorities and empower civil society leaders for effective democratic governance, the organization will train local councilors and community leaders to improve local governance, create a dialogue platform to enhance interaction between local authorities, civil society, and community members, and launch a civic rights and governance mentorship program.

Advancing Public Support for Electoral Reform

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To foster public support for electoral reforms that advance free, fair, and peaceful elections, the organization will conduct national consultations to inform reforms and enhance public trust, organize workshops to educate citizens about their electoral rights, facilitate dialogues with party leaders, civil society, and election officials, and support the establishment of a parliamentary committee to monitor and evaluate progress on these issues.

improving Citizen Oversight in Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To deepen citizen engagement and oversight for better governance, the organization will work with local authorities to strengthen resource governance, improve revenue management, and partner with citizen committees to develop accountability mechanisms.

Monitoring Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$52,000

To strengthen citizen monitoring of human rights violations, the organization will conduct workshops for local leaders and defenders, produce a human rights report to support advocacy, and organize dialogue meetings between community leaders and authorities.

Enhancing Citizen Engagement for Electoral Reform

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen citizen engagement and advocacy for electoral reform, the organization will host community workshops, conduct awareness campaigns, gather data on citizen expectations, and use the findings to engage electoral and political authorities.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Mining Governance

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote accountable governance in the mining sector, the organization will conduct cross-border investigations, publish findings, convene forums and roundtables, and lead a regional advocacy campaign for fair licensing and transparency standards.

Promoting Citizen Participation and Oversight of the Parliament

12 Months Duration

$112,000

To boost parliamentary transparency and citizen oversight, the organization will convene stakeholder dialogues, track legislation, and disseminate findings to inform and engage the public.

investigating and Monitoring Public Funds Allocation for infrastructure

12 Months Duration

$112,000

To investigate public spending on infrastructure, the organization will monitor international contract allocations, engage citizens in oversight, and assess the Lobito Corridor project’s social and economic impacts.

Fighting Grand Corruption in the Mineral Sector

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To curb corruption in the mining sector, the organization will investigate risks in the lithium industry, support project renegotiation, and empower media to raise public awareness of extractive sector corruption.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Promoting Transparency and improved Governance of Critical Minerals

12 Months Duration

$800,000

To promote transparency and improved governance in the critical minerals sector, the Institute will equip government officials, civil society, and community leaders with tools and knowledge to monitor the sector, advocate for reforms, and counter opaque foreign practices, supporting democratic oversight and a level playing field for responsible investment.

ETHiOPiA

Promoting Media Literacy in Youth Social Media

12 Months Duration

$71,211

To denounce violence, enhance youth media literacy and promote political and ethnic tolerance online, the organization will implement its media literacy curriculum in four regions, train and mentor youth in content production, and support responsible social media campaigns.

Building Democratic Culture Through Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$104,287

To counter polarization and promote democratic dialogue and respect for human rights and the rule of law, the organization will hold moderated debates on political, governance, and human rights issues, broadcast the debates on national television and social media, and gather citizen input through audience polls and surveys.

Supporting Democratic Transition Through independent Reporting

12 Months Duration

$106,500

To promote informed civic dialogue on the challenges and opportunities for democracy through independent reporting, the organization will distribute political, security, and economic news via online platforms, radio, and television channels, including weekly talk shows, podcasts, and daily news briefs.

Enhancing the Resilience of Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To empower human rights defenders to engage in advocacy, the organization will work with human rights clubs to identify local challenges, equip members to become advocates beyond their university communities, and provide opportunities for internships and greater connections within the country’s human rights network.

Raising Awareness on Key Challenges in a ConflictAffected Region

12 Months Duration

$64,000

To raise awareness of and increase engagement on critical democratic and human rights challenges in a conflict-affected region, the organization will use its existing networks to document human rights-related issues and set up stakeholder networks to create a coordinated action plan to address these challenges

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$104,000

To enhance public awareness and engagement, the organization will produce Amharic-language news, video explainers, and multimedia content on public interest topics, political developments, and economic issues, and foster dialogue through its social media platforms.

Strengthening Election Reporting Through Comprehensive Multimedia Journalism

12 Months Duration

$226,400

To promote informed analysis of current events and elections, the organization will expand digital media production and launch an election mapping and analysis reporting desk through its news outlet.

Advancing Strategic Human Rights Litigation Capacity

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To build legal capacity for rights protection, the organization will train lawyers on strategic litigation, create informal legal networks, and support evidence gathering for collective legal action.

GUiNEA

Promoting Democratic Transition Processes

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To enhance citizen access to information and political consensus during transition processes, the organization will strengthen the capacity of civil society and media to report on human rights, and produce programs to inform the public and promote dialogue among communities and political actors.

Supporting Peaceful Land Governance

12 Months Duration

$87,500

To promote women’s participation in natural resource governance and strengthen community capacity to peacefully resolve conflicts, the organization will conduct studies on land governance, disseminate results to civil society for advocacy, train citizens, local authorities, and paralegals on land rights legislation, and provide opportunities for citizens to express concerns to officials.

Promoting Youth Leadership

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen the capacity of young leaders from civil society and political parties to monitor political processes, the organization will train youth in leadership, political communication, and conflict prevention, and hold dialogues on political and citizen participation.

Promoting Democratic Electoral Processes

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote peaceful and democratic electoral processes, the organization will train and deploy local activists to educate communities on the draft constitution and electoral laws and produce radio programs to inform and encourage public participation.

KENYA

Enhancing Citizen Awareness on Legislative Accessibility and Transparency

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To strengthen legislative transparency and citizen participation, the organization will publish a legislative scorecard, work with caucuses on reform priorities, support anticorruption efforts, convene civil society on electoral issues, and promote regional peer learning among monitoring groups.

Promoting Transparency at the Grassroots

12 Months Duration

$128,000

To promote youth oversight of public spending, the organization will support youthled hubs to track funds, lead accountability campaigns, and conduct social audits to strengthen sub-regional citizen oversight.

Strengthening Budget Accountability through Public Participation

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To enhance citizen input on budgets, the organization will promote engagement in county-level deliberations, build budget literacy, and engage marginalized groups in decision-making processes.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Promoting Responsive and Accountable Subnational Governance and Enhancing Youth Political Engagement

11 Months Duration

$1,300,000

To strengthen government responsiveness and accountability, the Institute will empower youth to monitor county expenditures, advocate against corruption, and engage county officials and citizens using open government principles and practices.

LiBERiA

Promoting Accountability in the Justice Sector

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advocate for justice sector reforms, the organization will conduct an assessment of the criminal justice system, develop a policy paper for education and advocacy with the legislature, judiciary, and executive, and hold workshops for citizens on their rights and responsibilities in promoting justice sector accountability.

Promoting Youth Civic Activism

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To advance youth participation in governance, the organization will launch a youth leadership initiative that includes civic activism training, democracy clubs, youth shadow parliaments, policy development, and engagement with government officials.

Promoting Youth Civic Education and Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To consolidate peace and advance democracy, the organization will continue its youth civic education initiative, host regional convenings, expand a democracy lecture series to rural areas, and produce a democracy-focused radio program.

Advancing Women’s Civic and Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To increase women’s participation in governance, the organization will offer leadership coaching and mentorship, host forums including workshops and podcasts, and support advocacy campaigns and community initiatives.

Promoting Local Accountability through Civic Participation

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote public accountability, the organization will hold community dialogues and radio programs on public fund use, educate citizens on fiscal processes, and launch an ‘accountability meter’ platform.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Supporting Citizen Engagement in Governance Processes

10 Months Duration

$164,000

To strengthen citizen engagement in governance processes to foster responsive government action, the Institute will convene civic and government actors to discuss progress on Liberia’s national development goals, provide technical assistance on communication and engagement to civic partners, and foster collaboration between government officials and civic actors to address citizen priorities.

MALAWi

Strengthening Media Professionalism

4 Months Duration

$49,336

To promote fair and independent media, the organization will support journalists with professional standards and dispute resolution, facilitate regional knowledgesharing, and improve election reporting through training, dialogues, and media monitoring.

Bolstering Citizen Action against Corruption

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To mobilize the anti-corruption movement, the organization will strengthen the capacity of the youth activists, content producers, civil society leaders, journalists, and citizens to use digital anti-corruption tools, encourage citizen engagement, and understand anti-corruption legal and policy frameworks.

MALi

Promoting Access to Justice and Advancing the Protection of Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$51,500

To promote access to justice and advance the protection of human rights, the organization will support legal clinics providing pro bono assistance to victims of human rights abuses, convene stakeholders to expand access to justice and promote democratic principles, and conduct an awareness campaign to promote respect for the rule of law and constitutional rule.

Promoting Democracy and Combating Extremism

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To reinforce community cohesion and peace and promote democracy, the organization will host events with musicians and speakers from different ethnic groups, convey messages of peace and reconciliation, and combine these events with public dialogues to highlight the importance of tolerance and good governance.

Strengthening Human Rights and Good Governance

Through Access to information

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To protect women’s political rights and foster peace through access to information, the organization will produce news and informational content, host dialogues, and encourage information sharing between media, civil society, and government.

Promoting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen citizen access to independent media, the organization will produce and disseminate quality media reports on democracy and good governance, train journalists on data journalism, artificial intelligence, and verification techniques, and produce content on governance, accountability, constitutional reform, elections, human rights, and security.

Enhancing independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote access to information and support democratic demands, the organization will enhance journalists’ and activists’ capacity for investigative reporting, advocate for press freedom, and maintain a secure media platform for independent news.

Fostering Transparency and Accountability

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To advance citizen oversight of the extractive sector, the organization will hold stakeholder dialogues, encourage public demand for transparency, and run an incubator and bootcamps to empower youth-led initiatives that strengthen community-government engagement.

Promoting Civic Engagement to Advance Democracy

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote democratic values and civic engagement, the organization will strengthen the capacity of democracy advocates to engage in electoral processes, raise awareness about democracy, conduct civic education on democratic governance, and support community-driven initiatives that enable citizens to convey their priorities to decision-makers.

Strengthening Access to information

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote citizen access to independent media, the organization will monitor and verify information across platforms, publish reports, partner with media outlets, share content in local languages via radio, and conduct media literacy through videos.

Empowering Youth to Engage in Governance

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To build youth confidence in democracy, the organization will conduct workshops and debates, lead awareness campaigns, and organize convenings to counter undemocratic narratives and foster civic engagement.

NiGERiA

Defending Human Rights for All

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To protect human rights, the organization will support a hotline and document violations committed against a targeted community, publish an annual report, and engage the government and regional bodies on human rights policy reform.

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY

Fostering investigative and Data-Driven Journalism

12 Months Duration

$65,625

To foster a media environment that advances democratic discourse, the organization will conduct investigative reporting on government policies, educate civil society on governance challenges, and collaborate with other media entities to strengthen democratic discourse.

Strengthening Local Journalism

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To strengthen local journalism, the organization will enhance journalists’ and newsrooms’ capacity at the state and local levels to produce news on government transparency, accountability, and performance and, foster a journalist network for mentorship, editorial support, and learning.

Advancing Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen freedom of expression, the organization will monitor attacks on free expression, advocate for policy reforms, provide training and mentoring on rights, and hold public education activities to foster broader support for freedom of expression.

Promoting Democratic Norms and Youth Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$135,000

To strengthen youth political participation, the organization will foster public discourse on democratic norms as a means to prevent youth political apathy, mentor democratic activists, and support them in launching advocacy campaigns.

Strengthening Journalism to Promote Peace and Accountability

14 Months Duration

$85,000

To promote peace and good governance in conflict zones, the organization will train journalists in conflict-sensitive reporting and technology use, and guide them in producing stories on governance and citizen responses.

Advancing Accountability Through Policy insights

12 Months Duration

$135,000

To promote open government data to advance accountability, the organization will analyze government data on fiscal transparency, produce reports to explain the data, and train activists to use the data for informed advocacy campaigns and promoting democratic discourse.

Promoting Political Leadership

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To prepare young women for civic and political leadership, the organization will conduct a civic needs assessment, launch a mentorship program for aspiring leaders, produce a podcast series with women leaders, and host university gatherings to discuss the episodes.

Defending Human Rights Defenders by Challenging Repressive Laws

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote freedom of speech and assembly, the organization will analyze restrictive laws, strengthen a network of activists defending these rights, launch a public awareness campaign on the harms of such laws, and advocate for legislative reform to protect free expression and assembly.

Strengthening Civic Activism in Northern States

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen youth capacity for democratic governance, the organization will train youth in civic leadership, support community education events, lead advocacy for citizen participation and accountability, and organize town halls with officials.

Advancing Freedom of Expression and Assembly

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To protect freedom of speech and assembly, the organization will monitor and respond to violations against activists and journalists, provide legal support, pursue litigation, and maintain advocacy campaigns for expression rights.

Strengthening Women in Politics Through Public Debate

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To promote women’s political participation, the organization will air a television program featuring leaders discussing exclusion and highlighting strategies to overcome barriers.

Strengthening Political Participation at the Subnational Level

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen youth engagement in governance, the organization will mobilize youth to educate citizens, support advocacy and monitoring efforts, and promote participation through interparty youth forums.

Strengthening Democratic Discourse through Documentaries

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To foster dialogue on democratic reform, the organization will produce media narratives on democratic deficiencies, host public discussions, and link conversations to policy priorities.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Political Party Development

15 Months Duration

$1,000,000

To improve political party leadership and participation, the Institute will support pro-democracy parties in leadership development and policy formulation, promote regional networking and best practice sharing to enhance political competition, and conduct skills-building activities to increase the visibility and participation of marginalized groups in political processes and candidacies.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Supporting Youth to Lead Electoral Reform Efforts

9 Months Duration

$1,320,000

To increase the engagement of young people in political processes in Nigeria, the Institute will strengthen the capacity of youth-focused civil society organizations and electoral stakeholders to build consensus on electoral reform priorities and pursue them through multi-stakeholder forums.

RWANDA

Monitoring Political and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To protect and promote human rights and democratic principles, the organization will monitor human rights conditions, share reports, draft and track implementation of Universal Periodic Review recommendations, and analyze electoral cycles to develop recommendations.

Protecting Freedom of Expression and Public Liberties

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To defend independent media and expression, the organization will analyze freedom of expression laws, provide legal support to at-risk actors, and strengthen their capacity to claim legal protections.

Engaging Youth in Democratic Processes

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To empower youth to participate in democratic processes and decision-making, the organization will host regular debates on governance and public policies, implement training programs for young leaders to promote civic engagement, and convene national policy dialogues to foster networks of civically-minded youth and raise awareness of their role in decision-making processes.

Defending Human Rights and Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To strengthen human rights defenders’ capacity to protect democratic principles, the organization will work with youth clubs to raise awareness of human rights, train journalists in advocacy and democratic norms, monitor rights abuses, and support civil society networks.

Engaging Journalists and Youth on Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To enhance the data skills of youth to promote freedom of expression and strengthen journalists’ capacity to report on human rights, the organization will train youth on media and data literacy, train journalists on human rights and conflict reporting, and produce radio programs on human rights and social cohesion.

Protecting Rights through Data-Driven Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To improve civil society’s data use in advocacy, the organization will enhance data protocols, monitor rights and legal threats, and apply evidence-based findings to advocacy efforts.

SOMALiA

Supporting Access to information

12 Months Duration

$35,842

To improve access to information, the organization will work with journalists to produce original news content and continue its annual media awards initiative, recognizing journalists for original reporting on governance-related issues.

Promoting voices of Democracy

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To enhance governance and women’s political participation, the organization will produce an online current affairs show focused on democratic governance and featuring in-depth reporting, expert interviews, and community perspectives to foster civic dialogue and amplify women’s voices.

Expanding information on Human Rights Protection

12 Months Duration

$52,386

To raise awareness of human rights and press freedom, the organization will document violations in a public database, publish an annual report on press freedom, provide legal support for journalists, and offer specialized training in human rights reporting.

Strengthening Citizen Participation in Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To improve service delivery accountability, the organization will hold citizengovernment dialogues, develop policy briefs, and inform reforms through wide dissemination and awareness efforts.

SOMALiLAND

Supporting Freedom of Expression and Human Rights

9 Months Duration

$5,700

To promote human rights and democracy, the organization will document violations, advocate for protections, and raise awareness through trainings, workshops, and policymaker engagement.

Promoting Democratic values and Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote democratic values, the organization will facilitate dialogues, conduct trainings and events, and collaborate with youth networks to develop peace-building solutions.

Strengthening independent Media Outlets

12 Months Duration

$42,340

To strengthen independent media, the organization will help media houses improve internal policies for sustainability and strengthening journalist protections, and promote quality reporting during the electoral cycle through media monitoring.

Enhancing Citizen Understanding and Trust in Governance Reforms

12 Months Duration

$54,968

To strengthen public understanding of legislative roles, the organization will conduct a national study, launch a multimedia campaign, and engage stakeholders to amplify citizen voices and legislative responsiveness.

Supporting the Next Generation of Women Political Leaders

12 Months Duration

$41,530

To boost women’s electoral leadership, the organization will mentor aspiring candidates, provide training on campaigning and mobilization, and support leadership development ahead of elections.

SUDAN

Advancing Human Rights Awareness

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To document human rights abuses and amplify survivor voices, the organization will produce media content featuring survivor perspectives, host public screenings and discussions, and conduct international advocacy with key human rights stakeholders.

Empowering Citizen voices and Participation

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To support access to independent information and facilitate a countrywide public dialogue on democracy and anti-war issues, the organization will produce regular features on transitional justice, women’s political rights, and youth contributions, while providing on-the-ground reporting from refugee camps and broadcasting content on local radio stations in neighboring countries.

Advancing Policy Solutions to Restore Democracy

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To provide policy analysis and recommendations focused on responding to the war, the organization will conduct research, publish policy briefs on the war’s impact on social relations, infrastructure, and the economy, and use the findings to improve understanding of the crises and amplify calls for an end to the war.

Protecting Human Rights and Supporting the Anti-War Movement

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To support the pro-democracy movement, the organization will use its networks to document human rights abuses, provide legal aid and support to democracy activists, and conduct public research and analysis on efforts to resolve the conflict and strengthen the democracy movement.

Documenting Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$93,800

To monitor, report on, and raise awareness of human rights violations, the organization will support a network that will investigate violations by security forces and militias, issue reports and press releases, and provide periodic analytical reports on political trends, security developments, and human rights issues, offering root cause analysis and solutions.

Demanding Accountability for Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To strengthen civil society’s ability to demand accountability for human rights violations, the organization will train civil society groups to document mass killings and enforced disappearances, advocate for justice before regional and international bodies, and work with experts to train lawyers, doctors, prosecutors, and judges in forensic investigations to ensure unlawful deaths are properly investigated and those responsible are held to account.

Promoting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$121,200

To support access to independent information, the organization will publish daily English and Arabic news on political, economic, and conflict developments with a focus on Darfur, and collaborate on in-depth investigative stories that promote transparency and accountability.

Documenting Human Rights violations in Darfur

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To monitor and report on human rights violations, the organization will support and train its network of monitors, document violations in the region, publish monthly reports, and advocate for change with regional and international actors to raise awareness and drive action.

Supporting a Youth-Led Democratic Culture

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To empower youth leaders and promote peace, the organization will expand its youth network to lead democracy campaigns and produce media content with interviews and dialogues advocating for peace.

Supporting a Next Generation Democracy initiative

12 Months Duration

$127,438

To build future democratic leadership, the organization will lead virtual training on democratic values and run a fellowship to develop regional advocacy and policy skills.

Combating Kleptocracy in the War Economy

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To reveal war-related corruption, the organization will train activists, support investigations, and promote international engagement for accountability.

increasing Public Access to Accurate information

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To ensure access to independent war-related reporting, the organization will publish a weekly online magazine covering economic, service delivery, and community impacts.

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Building Capacity Among informal Workers

12 Months Duration

$522,585

To strengthen the capacity of informal economy workers in Sudan to advocate for their rights and contribute to the peace process, the Center will provide a secure organizing space, support union formalization, and amplify worker voices through capacity building and advocacy initiatives.

Strengthening Accountability Through the Media-Amka Tuongee

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen financial accountability reporting, the organization will train journalists, host forums, run radio programs, and lead social media campaigns to foster public discourse.

Amplifying Women’s Political Leadership through Media

5 Months Duration

$20,000

To amplify women’s political voices through media, the organization will support a media fellowship for journalists, provide training and mentorship, and foster multimedia storytelling that highlights women’s leadership in elections and governance.

Supporting Journalism for Electoral Accountability

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To expand access to information, the organization will provide comprehensive coverage of key events, political developments, and emerging debates nationwide, ensuring fair, independent reporting on all major political groups before, during, and after the election.

Advancing a New Draft Constitution - Katiba Mpya

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To advance constitutional reform, the organization will revive the reform process, update a citizen-driven annex, and engage the public through dialogue and digital platforms.

Supporting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$56,000

To promote independent media, the organization will publish a free weekly digital newspaper featuring political analysis and investigative reporting by a national network of journalists to foster informed debate and highlight underreported political issues.

Advancing Human Rights and Democratic Practices

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To document and advocate for human rights and support credible elections, the organization will publish a human rights report to inform policy reform, promote citizen engagement, observe the 2025 general elections, and provide findings and recommendations for electoral reform.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Promoting intergenerational Leadership for Democratic Progress

12 Months Duration

$750,000

To support emerging leaders in advancing democratic values, the Institute will provide leadership training, mentorship, and civic innovation opportunities culminating in an idea-thon to launch reform initiatives and convene intergenerational dialogues linking youth and senior leaders to strengthen democratic progress.

THE GAMBiA

Strengthening Citizens’ Participation in Governance

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To advance transparency and citizen participation in governance, the organization will host policy dialogues between National Assembly members and constituencies, encourage legislators to develop accountability processes, and raise awareness of the roles and responsibilities of citizens and legislators in national policy design, management, and monitoring.

Empowering Women Survivors of Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To empower women survivors of human rights violations to shape and advance the transitional justice process, the organization will raise victims’ awareness about available accountability mechanisms, produce radio programs and reports amplifying women’s voices, and disseminate policy briefs on accountability, justice, and reforms.

Strengthening Journalists’ Capacity for Transitional Justice Reporting

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To inform citizens about transitional justice and foster accountability, the organization will train journalists on special tribunals established to adjudicate cases of serious human rights violations, provide impartial, accurate, and balanced coverage, and raise awareness of tribunals’ role in supporting justice and democratic consolidation.

Promoting Constitutional Reforms

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To advance constitutional reforms and promote transparent elections, the organization will facilitate collaboration among pro-democracy actors to engage the government on the draft constitution bill, conduct public awareness campaigns to encourage participation, and observe the upcoming constitutional referendum to ensure transparency and widespread engagement.

Advancing Human Rights, Accountability, and Reconciliation through Memorialization

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advance public support for human rights, prevent future abuses, and generate dialogue around reconciliation and justice, the organization will maintain a memorialization site with a permanent exhibition, educate youth, security forces, and teachers on human rights, and conduct virtual and mobile exhibitions for the public.

Assessing and Strengthening Democracy

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To assess democratic processes and advocate for reforms, the organization will conduct surveys on public perception of election integrity, disseminate findings through media, and push for improved governance.

UGANDA

Enhancing Parliamentary Accountability Through Digital innovation and Media

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To enhance the transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of parliament, the organization will leverage digital and traditional media for comprehensive parliamentary coverage, coordinate a community of practice to advocate for legislation, expand radio partnerships, and conduct the country’s first Open Parliament Index.

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote freedom of expression and access to information, the organization will produce online broadcasts on governance, democracy, and human rights, and host live debates with politicians, opinion leaders, and citizens ahead of the elections.

Elevating Citizen voices Through Radio

12 Months Duration

$43,133

To promote freedom of expression and information, the organization will host weekly community radio debates and talk shows in a local language, rebroadcast them on social media, and foster dialogue and accountability on governance and electoral issues.

Fostering Transparency Through investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote transparency and accountability, the organization will produce investigative content on corruption and rights abuses to empower citizens before and after the 2026 elections.

Enhancing Citizen Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To promote a credible electoral process and amplify citizen voices, the organization will conduct a national opinion poll ahead of the 2026 elections to generate datadriven insights that inform public discourse, civic engagement, and policymaking.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening interparty Political Platforms for Women and Youth Ahead of the 2026 Elections

15 Months Duration

$750,000

To strengthen interparty political structures and promote the political participation of women and youth, the Institute will support the establishment of regional chapters for the Interparty Women’s Platform and Interparty Youth Platform and, in collaboration with a local partner, conduct a campaign school to equip first-time candidates with essential campaign skills.

ZAMBiA

Building Stronger investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote investigative journalism and accountable governance, the organization will foster a network of journalists through targeted training, mentorship, and collaboration, partner with a leading journalism school to provide specialized investigative training and organize a competition to recognize excellence in investigative reporting.

Expanding Civic Space and Legal Reform

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To advance legislative reform for a resilient democracy, the organization will support civil society, youth, and media in addressing constitutional reform and censorship, monitor the pre-election context, create accessible reform content, and provide legal electoral analysis.

Enhancing Conflict Sensitive Journalism

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To ensure responsible election reporting, the organization will train and mentor journalists on media literacy, safety, and collaboration to uphold freedom of expression during elections.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Enhancing Accountability, Transparency, and Citizen Participation in Constituency Development Funds implementation

12 Months Duration

$500,000

To improve accountability and community participation in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) processes, the Institute will strengthen a local partner’s capacity to conduct systematic political process monitoring of the CDF process in target constituencies.

ZiMBABWE

Promoting Sustainable Local Governance Through Civic Participation

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To foster transparent and accountable local governance, the organization will empower youth by facilitating action groups that engage policymakers, monitor councilor performance, and boost community involvement through radio, messaging apps, and information centers.

Enhancing Youth involvement in Democratic Processes

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To foster a culture of participatory democracy among youth and strengthen their freedom of expression and access to information, the organization will use innovative online and offline approaches to amplify youth voices, produce digital content and campaigns to promote accountability and advocacy, and convene open data experts and journalists to facilitate knowledge exchange.

Promoting Rural Women’s Participation in Accountable Governance

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote women’s participation in governance, the organization will empower rural women in mining communities to defend their rights, advocate for better natural resource management, document human rights violations, raise awareness, and demand accountability for mineral resource revenue.

Amplifying voices for Change

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote freedom of expression through satire and media, the organization will support youth-led storytelling, creative content production, advocacy campaigns, and dialogues on governance and accountability.

Building a Citizen-Driven Constitutional Movement

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To protect the constitution and strengthen regional and global political advocacy for democratic reforms, the organization will support a citizen-led movement of informal workers, miners, farmers, and faith-based leaders to engage on constitutional issues and empower communities to defend their rights and demand political change.

Engaging Local Organizations in Democratic Reform

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen women’s community-based organizations and advocate for the alignment of electoral laws with constitutional principles, the organization will collaborate with government and regional bodies, host multi-stakeholder meetings and a public campaign, and will provide technical support and grants to selected grassroots organizations.

Fostering Citizen Engagement for Transparent Governance

12 Months Duration

$62,500

To enhance citizen awareness through investigative reporting and advocacy, the organization will equip citizens with tools to address governance challenges, promote accountability in resource management through journalism and data-driven advocacy, and foster broader civic engagement through town halls and digital media.

innovating Human Rights Reporting and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To monitor and report human rights violations and advance advocacy, the organization will collaborate with young defenders, use AI for verifying reports and analyzing trends, develop a human rights reporting platform, and run multimedia campaigns and tailored reports.

Strengthening Democracy and the Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To monitor parliament and advocate for legal reform and the rule of law, the organization will publicize information and analysis on parliamentary procedures, the courts, and independent commissions, conduct monitoring and advocacy, and provide legal expertise to promote democratic governance, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression.

AFRiCA REGiONAL

Strengthening Collaboration between Journalists and Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen investigative capacity and collaboration, the organization will provide journalists and civil society leaders with training and mentoring to investigate the expropriation of public assets and connect them to global activists.

Promoting Cross-Border investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To sharpen the fight against crime, corruption and kleptocracy, the organization will launch an investigative journalist hub to support and amplify the work of journalists and media, and build an African data repository that will act as a resource for civic

campaigns that call for transparency, accountability and an end to impunity, while publishing investigations and providing capacity building support, including physical and digital security training.

Strengthening Networks to Defend Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen human rights defenders and advocates to promote the rights of marginalized groups, the organization will conduct legal analysis and draft recommendations, strengthen youth activists’ and civic actors’ capacity, and provide legal aid and support to vulnerable individuals, including refugees, through its partner network.

Strengthening Activist Protections to Combat Kleptocracy

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To strengthen protection for anti-kleptocracy activists, the organization will enhance its advocacy, investigations, and anti-corruption campaigns, promote legislation to protect activists, and support strategic litigation to ensure accountability for retaliation against whistleblowers.

inspiring Renewed Civic Activism through Film

12 Months Duration

$55,700

To promote youth civic activism, the organization will screen a documentary on citizen movements for democracy and freedom and host roundtables with civic activists to inspire youth engagement.

Upholding Press Freedom Through Quality Journalism

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To support quality journalism and strengthen freedom of expression across Africa, the organization will produce 40 editions of a digital newspaper via WhatsApp, share lessons learned, and support innovation with media partners in the region.

Strengthening Civic Movement Solidarity and Resilience

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To advance civic movement resilience under authoritarian pressure, the organization will host an inter-movement exchange to share best practices, mentor young activists, and provide emergency support to at-risk civic actors.

Raising Awareness of Grand Corruption

12 Months Duration

$280,000

To raise awareness of grand corruption, the organization will support a network of investigative journalists to produce exposés and provide legal assistance to protect reporters from intimidation.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Democracy that Delivers in Africa

12 Months Duration

$2,499,995

To advance economic freedom and democratic resilience, the Center will mobilize business leaders to champion reforms that strengthen competitiveness, counter corruption, enhance security, and expand digital access, empowering coalitions in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Sudan through evidence-based dialogue and strategic advocacy.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Constitutionalism for Democratic Consolidation

14 Months Duration

$674,450

To promote constitutional norms in Africa, the Institute will engage with civil society organizations, constitutional experts, and political leaders to advocate for constitutionalism and democratic principles through regional gatherings, awareness campaigns, and a community of practice.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Regional Responses to Election Challenges in Southern and East Africa

18 Months Duration

$1,325,000

To enhance electoral stakeholders’ capacity and readiness to address challenges to free and fair elections in Southern and East Africa, the Institute will organize dialogue platforms and peer learning opportunities, provide targeted technical assistance, and develop knowledge products.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Transnational Civil Society Cooperation to Combat Kleptocracy and illicit Financial Flows - Phase i

12 Months Duration

$580,000

To strengthen independent national and transnational networks combating kleptocracy and illicit financial flows, the Center will partner with trade union confederations and civil society groups, conduct research, and enhance mechanisms to detect, deter, and dismantle kleptocratic channels in key economic sectors.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Transnational Civil Society Cooperation to Combat Kleptocracy and illicit Financial Flows - Phase ii

12 Months Duration

$605,000

To strengthen independent national and transnational networks combating kleptocracy and illicit financial flows, the Center will partner with trade union confederations and civil society groups, conduct research, and enhance mechanisms to detect, deter, and dismantle kleptocratic channels in key economic sectors.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Youth Leadership and voice

12 Months Duration

$595,832

To strengthen the capacity of young labor leaders and allies to advance democratic practices in their organizations and communities, the Center will conduct a leadership development program combining virtual and in-person training, leadership projects, peer coaching, facilitator support, and alumni collaboration.

CENTRAL AFRiCA REGiONAL

Strengthening the Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote access to justice, the organization will strengthen the role of a key non-governmental justice commission, collaborate with regional and international coalitions to increase access to justice for human rights abuses, and build capacity, trust, and collaboration between civil society groups and the diaspora to promote democratic values and enhance youth and women’s participation in advocating for democracy.

Promoting Citizen Oversight of the Health Sector

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote transparency and accountability in government spending, the organization will establish an independent network to gather information on public expenditures, demand greater accountability from local authorities, compile the data into a comprehensive report, and conduct advocacy campaigns.

Preventing Human Rights violations and Promoting Youth Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To prevent human rights violations and promote civic engagement among youth, the organization will monitor, report, and advocate on human rights issues, provide legal assistance to victims, organize human rights training for law enforcement, and advocate for legislative changes regarding freedom of assembly.

Strengthening Human Rights Documentation and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$220,391

To enhance accountability and civil society contributions to policymaking, the organization will improve documentation of abuses, disseminate findings, and support local advocacy and conflict resolution.

Protecting Human Rights and Supporting Frontline

Defenders

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To support frontline defenders and human rights, the organization will train activists, conduct investigations, operate mobile labs, issue alerts, and convene a regional meeting to adopt a joint advocacy roadmap.

investigating, Litigating, and Resisting Kleptocracy

12 Months Duration

$315,000

To strengthen regional anti-kleptocracy efforts, the organization will build coalition capacity, support cross-border collaboration, and partner with international experts to advance anti-corruption work.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Safeguarding and Expanding Civic Space

15 Months Duration

$700,000

To protect and expand civic space in Central Africa, the Institute will strengthen civil society organizations’ capacity to develop shared civic engagement strategies and action plans in their countries.

EAST AFRiCA REGiONAL

Promoting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To provide access to independent news and democratic dialogue inside the country and among the diasporas, the organization will produce and publish Tigrinya, Arabic, and English news reports and analysis on its radio program and through satellite TV and social media platforms.

Building a Network of Trained Human Rights and Casualty Documenters

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To develop the capacity of human rights defenders, the organization will train human rights partners in their network on international best standards of casualty reporting, provide translated materials in local languages, and equip them with the skills to replicate and expand the training.

Promoting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To increase access to independent news, the organization will publish daily updates and monthly longform investigations on political, economic, and human rights developments.

Supporting independent Media and Freedom of information

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To expand access to independent media, the organization will use radio and online TV to deliver reporting and foster dialogue on governance, accountability, and citizen perspectives.

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Labor Movements and Advancing Worker Rights

4 Months Duration

$168,692

To elevate the voice of workers and increase their participation in peace dialogues in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, the Center will strengthen union organizing capacity, expand media representation and trade union services, support a partner’s labor rights advocacy in Ethiopia and Somalia, and work with partners to open civic space and defend basic worker rights.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Trade Union and Community Organizations’ Advocacy and Democratic Practices

12 Months Duration

$1,425,193

To enhance worker rights protections and improve advocacy on rights and good governance, the Center will organize an intergenerational mentorship program, support informal worker certification, conduct training and campaigns, and provide litigation support to enhance partner organizations’ advocacy capacity.

SOUTHERN AFRiCA REGiONAL

Promoting Open Parliament Engagements and Networking in Southern Africa

12 Months Duration

$102,100

To establish a community of parliamentary engagement and monitoring organizations, the organization will facilitate participation in the Africa Open Parliament Index, organize a regional conference, and conduct virtual training workshops across Southern Africa to share experiences and best practices for parliamentary openness.

Promoting Press Freedom and the Right to information

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To protect freedom of expression and access to information, the organization will advocate for press freedom laws, publish annual reports on press freedom violations, hold advocacy meetings, and provide technical and logistical support to a peer association, strengthening a network dedicated to defending journalists and promoting free and independent media.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Enhancing Democratic Oversight and Transparency of Public Debt Management

15 Months Duration

$1,325,000

To enhance democratic oversight and transparency of public debt management in the Southern and East Africa region, the Institute will provide technical guidance, develop practical tools, foster peer-to-peer learning, and facilitate engagements between civil society and a broad range of political stakeholders to bolster advocacy efforts and strategies for reform.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Worker-Led Democratic institutions

11 Months Duration

$1,711,311

To strengthen the capacity of trade unions to promote good governance and worker rights, the Center will partner with regional trade union confederations and councils to conduct strategic research, deliver leadership and organizing training, and launch civic engagement initiatives.

WEST AFRiCA REGiONAL

Supporting Open Parliament Engagements and Networking

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To advance parliamentary transparency and accountability across national and regional legislatures, the organization will conduct legislative performance

assessments, advocacy skills workshops for parliamentary monitors, create a legislative transparency index and online resource hub, and deploy monitors to regional parliamentary bodies.

Promoting Public interest Law to Advance Justice and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To foster support for public interest law, the organization will support a regional network of civil society organizations in conducting human rights litigation, build a network of public interest lawyers, launch legal clinics, and conduct advocacy campaigns across national and regional courts.

Strengthening Civil Society’s Understanding of Technology for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To boost civic tech engagement, the organization will strengthen civic tech networks, support new tech leaders, and research and disseminate findings on democratic innovation.

Strengthening Citizen Engagement in Peace and Social Cohesion

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To strengthen women’s participation in peace-building and social cohesion in the Sahel, the organization will train women activists in advocacy and legal frameworks, and lead awareness campaigns through dialogues, radio broadcasts, and policy roundtables to promote civic and political engagement.

Strengthening Access to information

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To promote access to information across West Africa, the organization will strengthen journalists’ skills in investigative and data-driven reporting on governance, facilitate virtual debates and conferences on democratic issues, and collaborate with local media to broaden audience reach.

Strengthening Regional Media Freedom and Norms

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To strengthen media and civic actors’ capacity to advance press freedom, the organization will build advocacy collaboration among media stakeholders and engage the Economic Community of West African States to reinforce regional media freedom commitments.

Mobilizing Youth Activists to Prevent Democratic Backsliding

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To support youth-led democratic reform, the organization will run a civic organizing school, provide mentorship, and host a regional civil society conference to strengthen solidarity.

Promoting Transparency and Good Governance

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote transparency through journalism, the organization will train reporters, support investigative stories, and convene dialogues to discuss findings and enhance public engagement.

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Promoting Civic Participation and Worker Rights

11 Months Duration

$1,561,464

To strengthen collaboration between trade unions and civil society organizations to advance worker rights, civic participation, and accountable governance in West Africa, the Center will partner with labor unions to build networks with civic groups, conduct sectoral research and organizing drives, and launch public advocacy and civic engagement activities.

ASiA

BANGLADESH

Promoting Youth Participation in Democracy and Elections

12 Months Duration

$162,000

To advocate for accountable governance and comprehensive democratic reform, the organization will conduct trainings, awareness campaigns, and social audits to equip youth with democratic fundamentals, policy knowledge, and skills for civic participation and oversight.

Promoting Freedom of Expression and Access to independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$211,000

To generate content and spur debate on democratic governance, human rights, and critical political issues, the organization will maintain an independent media group that researches and publishes articles, videos, and news pieces for audiences in Bangladesh and abroad.

Advancing Accountability and Transparency Through the Right to information

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote accountability and transparency through right to information laws, the organization will work with activists and experts to submit information requests to government institutions and organize trainings, strategy sessions, and dialogues to assess government compliance with these laws.

Building Youth Capacity to Promote and Protect Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To engage youth in promoting and protecting human rights, the organization will build youth capacity to monitor and report violations, create a network of program graduates, and develop initiatives to enhance youth involvement in the human rights movement.

Promoting Freedom of Expression for Democratic Change

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To empower constructive public commentary and democratic participation, the organization will use its multimedia platform to disseminate political, religious, and social content, generate debate challenging anti-democratic narratives, and build the capacity of grassroots organizers and opinion leaders to produce objective information.

Defending Human Rights Through Network Strengthening

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen a human rights network’s ability to monitor, document, and report violations, the organization will support district networks, host local and national meetings, and publish reports to advance a culture of human dignity across Bangladesh.

Building Youth Capacity to Conduct Civic Education and Election Awareness Programs

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To build the capacity of youth volunteers to advance civic education and election awareness, the organization will support volunteers to conduct outreach and dialogue on democratic leadership, responsive governance, and free and fair elections.

Promoting Dialogue for Democratic Reforms

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To facilitate comprehensive democracy reform processes, the organization will engage key stakeholders in national and regional dialogues with experts and the public to spur debate on constitutional, economic, judicial, administrative, security, and media reforms.

Documenting Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To document violence from the July uprising and ensure victims access justice, the organization will collaborate with paralegals and community-based organizations to build solidarity with victims, document emblematic cases, and engage citizens to promote confidence in the legal system.

Promoting Youth Leadership and Civic Responsibility

8 Months Duration

$62,000

To strengthen youth leadership on democracy, governance, and social harmony, the organization will conduct leadership trainings on politics, critical thinking, and civic engagement to equip youth with skills to promote civic responsibility and democratic values.

Combating Economic and Human Rights Crimes

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To document and promote understanding of the systemic nature of economic and human rights crimes, the organization will document transnational corruption and rights violations, identify involved individuals and institutions, and raise awareness of the harm these crimes inflict on the rule of law and democratic values.

Promoting Freedom of Expression and Access to independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$240,000

To generate content and stimulate debate on democratic governance and human rights, the organization will operate an independent media group that publishes multimedia coverage, strengthens election-focused reporting, and leads a citizen initiative to hold election officials accountable.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Political Parties and Youth Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$500,000

To support Bangladesh’s democratic transition, the Institute will conduct national public opinion research, provide targeted assistance to political parties, engage youth leaders to bolster civic participation, and carry out a pre-election assessment to promote transparency, participation, and institutional integrity ahead of upcoming elections.

SOLIDARITY

CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Worker Participation in Democratic Governance

10 Months Duration

$918,439

To promote worker participation in legislative and policymaking processes during the democratic transition, the Center will train and mentor worker leaders to develop policy proposals, advocate with decision makers, and strengthen their organizations to adapt to new policy frameworks.

BURMA

Promoting Awareness of Human Rights

11 Months Duration

$30,000

To enable grassroots communities to recognize, claim, and promote human rights, the organization will document violations, train survivors to advocate for justice, connect them with federal democracy leaders, and coordinate a truth-telling event to share their stories.

Promoting Ethnic Minority Perspectives in the ProDemocracy Movement

4 Months Duration

$20,000

To raise political awareness of ethnic minority perspectives and promote cooperation among ethnic minorities, pro-democracy leaders, and youth, the organization will

publish a quarterly journal on ethnic rights and federalism, convene dialogues with ethnic political leaders, distribute news briefings, and support pro-democracy groups.

Supporting independent Reporting from Southern Shan State

12 Months Duration

$46,500

To provide accurate and reliable information about political, social, and economic developments in southern Shan State and promote an increased understanding of democracy, federalism, and rights, particularly among the ethnic Pa-O community, the organization will produce news reports and maintain multimedia platforms with independent coverage and analysis of issues affecting communities in southern Shan State.

Enhancing Community-Driven Research and Analysis on Arakan State

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To advocate for community-driven policymaking and stakeholder engagement for democratic change on in Arakan State, the organization will support youth analysts to produce reports with recommendations, and hold briefings and roundtable discussions with local and international decisionmakers.

Enhancing Democratic Awareness in Mon State

10 Months Duration

$50,000

To enable youth from southern Burma to actively participate in and lead democratic civic and political activities, the organization will implement a six-month civic education and leadership training program to equip youth leaders in southern Burma with the skills to advocate for genuine democratization.

Empowering Citizens to Protect Their Rights

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To mobilize citizens seeking to protect their rights and livelihoods, the organization will conduct workshops to build the capacity of network members, strengthen public outreach by civil society organizations, and support activists to organize human rights and pro-democracy initiatives for farmers and youth.

Promoting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$59,000

To provide access to timely and accurate reporting on the political environment and conflict situation and foster appreciation for media freedom, the organization will publish media content and multimedia broadcasts in Burmese to establish its digital platform as a primary news source for domestic and diaspora audiences.

Advancing international Solidarity with Burma’s Prodemocracy Movement

6 Months Duration

$45,000

To amplify the work of Burmese civil society and the pro-democracy movement, the organization will publish analytical briefers, engage policymakers, diplomats, and media, and conduct advocacy highlighting the causes of affected communities.

Promoting a Commitment to Federal Democratic Principles

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To increase citizens’ awareness of the principles of federal democracy, the organization will convene activists across the country to maintain and coordinate a network advocating for a democratic federal union that guarantees fundamental rights for all.

Empowering Local Communities to Defend Their Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To monitor human rights violations in conflict areas of central Burma and promote understanding of accountability and transitional justice, the organization will conduct advanced trainings on human rights, community organizing, and conflict resolution for community leaders, and present documentation of violations to key prodemocracy stakeholders.

Strengthening the Political Leadership of Women and Youth

3 Months Duration

$17,000

To promote women’s and youth’s roles in the pro-democracy movement, the organization will support grassroots campaigns, develop responsive policies, strengthen women’s political rights, and assist human rights defenders and political prisoners.

Promoting Peace and Political Participation Among Youth from Religiously Diverse Communities

12 Months Duration

$10,000

To promote peace and political awareness among ethnic and religious minority youth in Arakan State, the organization will conduct youth leadership programs on peacebuilding, human rights, and democracy, and facilitate outreach to foster trustbuilding and civic engagement among religiously diverse youth leaders.

Enhancing the Pro-Democracy Movement’s international Diplomacy and Engagement

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To strengthen strategies for high-level international support of the pro-democracy movement, the organization will conduct advocacy meetings with policymakers, diplomatic missions, and human rights bodies, while engaging with civil society organizations to enhance its capacity for more informed international advocacy and research.

Empowering Politically Active Youth

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To connect, strengthen, and elevate politically active youth to promote human rights, the organization will coordinate youth courses on human rights and conflict, monitor the post-coup political environment, and produce policy research and analysis.

Supporting Burmese-Language Satellite Television

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To provide independent information and sustain independent public opinion, the organization will produce and broadcast daily satellite TV programs, maintain its website and social media, and offer in-depth coverage and analysis on politics, human rights, media freedom, and business issues.

Strengthening Newly Emerging Prodemocracy Activists

6 Months Duration

$20,000

To empower and connect emerging community leaders and youth focused on democracy, human rights, and civic activism, the organization will mentor organizers, conduct training on civil and political rights, provide emergency protection for human rights defenders, and convene expert-led discussions to foster democratic learning and coordination.

Strengthening Political Participation of Pa-O Women and Youth

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To increase the capacity of Pa-O women and youth to promote human rights and participate in the pro-democracy movement, the organization will strengthen human rights documentation initiatives, conduct leadership workshops, and continue coalition-building with political leaders and Shan State-based women’s rights organizations.

Supporting Human Rights Documentation and Advocacy for Shan State Ethnic Minorities

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To provide accurate information on human rights in Shan State, the organization will document violations linked to mega-development projects, publish reports, and conduct campaigns to encourage accountability and transparency with regional and international actors.

Promoting the Leadership of Women in the Struggle for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To strengthen leadership and coordination of women in the pro-democracy movement, the organization will provide intensive human rights documentation

training for women leaders, and publish reports on the ongoing humanitarian crisis to inform the network’s advocacy initiatives.

Strengthening Youth Political and Pro-Democracy Activists

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To advance the human rights agenda of the pro-democracy movement, the organization will document military junta abuses and produce policy-oriented, research-based analyses to support accountability, transitional justice, and alignment with international human rights standards.

Enhancing Democratic Awareness Through Training and Research

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen the capacity and coordination of the country’s pro-democracy movement leaders, the organization will facilitate dialogues and trainings on movement-building strategies, enhance the skills of key political figures, and conduct social media campaigns to energize and inform the pro-democracy discourse.

Supporting Grassroots Engagement in Promoting Democracy

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote understanding of human rights, democracy, and federalism among Shan women and strengthen their role in the pro-democracy movement, the organization will conduct political outreach, coalition building, and workshops, while advocating for human rights preparing Shan women for leadership roles.

Strengthening Youth Political and Pro-Democracy Activists

12 Months Duration

$170,000

To bolster an emerging generation of pro-democracy youth organizers and human rights advocates, the organization will conduct programs to strengthen youth activist capacity, deliver strategic political analysis, and establish a platform to address the protection needs of youth leaders and political prisoners.

Enhancing Democratic Awareness Through Training and Research

9 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen democratic advocacy and resilience among a new generation of activists and political leaders, the organization will provide intensive trainings on public administration, local governance, and federalism, and conduct research on the political crisis and political economy.

Enhancing Democratic Awareness in Kachin State

12 Months Duration

$82,000

To strengthen youth participation in northern Burma’s pro-democracy movement and emerging democratic processes, the organization will conduct training and research on local governance and run a year-long democracy education program to build civic awareness and strengthen youth and activist advocacy for democratization in Kachin State.

Supporting Human Rights Documentation and Civil Society Development in Mon State

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To empower communities in southern Burma to claim their rights and galvanize international actors to advance human rights, the organization will support a network of community leaders to document and respond to violations, conduct international advocacy campaigns, and produce regular briefings, reports, and newsletters.

Supporting independent News and information in Mon State

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To provide accurate and independent information to the Mon people, the organization will publish a monthly online newspaper in Mon and Burmese, maintain a website and social media platforms, and produce multimedia broadcasts in both languages.

Promoting Access to News and information in Karen State

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To provide communities with accurate and reliable news on Karen State and eastern Burma, and to promote media freedom, human rights, and democracy, the organization will maintain a website, manage social media, and produce multimedia broadcasts in both Burmese and Karen languages to serve as primary news sources for Karen communities in Burma, displaced populations, and the international community.

Promoting investigative Journalism

6 Months Duration

$25,000

To provide policymakers, civil society, and citizens with in-depth investigative journalism that stimulates policy change, the organization will publish investigative articles, independent analysis, and long-form video features in Burmese on its website and social media platforms.

Enhancing the Political Participation of Mon Women

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To empower Mon women to participate in politics and assume decision-making positions, the organization will support women’s political participation with trainings, workshops on federalism, and networking, while strengthening its institutional policies and capacity.

Supporting Policy-Oriented Research and Analysis

10 Months Duration

$221,000

To strengthen debate in the pro-democracy movement through informed analysis and sustained political engagement, the organization will publish its analyses online, engage with key political and civic stakeholders, and bring together political leaders and community organizers for dialogue and collaboration.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability Through investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To promote transparency and accountability, the organization will operate Burmeseand English-language media platforms providing investigative and long-form reporting on human rights, corruption, and democracy.

Promoting and Advocating for the Human Rights in Southeastern Burma

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To increase international pressure for the rights and protection of communities in southeastern Burma and advocate for accountability and justice mechanisms, the organization will raise awareness of human rights and democracy, document and report violations, engage stakeholders for accountability, and organize workshops to promote local understanding.

Empowering Democratic Stakeholders Through Capacity Building

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To strengthen the capacity of civil society leaders to advocate for democracy, human rights, rule of law, and freedom of expression, the organization will train youth, activists, farmers, journalists, and civil society organizations to deepen their knowledge on key democracy topics and sustain the momentum of the nonviolent pro-democracy movement.

Providing Civic and Political Education for Rohingya Leaders

12 Months Duration

$95,000

To build the leadership capacity of Rohingya youth and emerging civil society actors, the organization will provide training in democratic values, rights, responsibilities, and conflict resolution to prepare them to advocate for community solutions and human rights protections.

Strengthening Democratic Leadership within Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To advance federal democratic governance in northern Shan State, the organization will convene workshops and meetings that enhance the capacity and coordination

of local administrative and civil society actors, promote good governance, and strengthen connectivity among stakeholders.

Advancing the Protection Response for Human Rights

Defenders

10 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen the protection and rights of Burmese civil society and human rights defenders, the organization will conduct workshops on human rights principles, provide psychosocial and legal assistance to activists, and foster civil society coordination to improve policy and protection responses.

Strengthening independent Media

12 Months Duration

$72,000

To strengthen the capacity of leading newsrooms and journalists, the organization will conduct workshops on geopolitics, editorial writing, and journalism fundamentals and assess local media agencies’ technical needs.

Strengthening Political Leadership and Coordination

Within Shan State Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To bolster emerging leaders from Shan State and expand ethnic minority youth participation in democracy and justice efforts, the organization will conduct workshops on democratic leadership, coordination, and digital security for ethnic minority human rights defenders.

Promoting Women’s Political Leadership in Shan State

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To strengthen the leadership capacity of women in northern Shan State, the organization will conduct intensive training on democracy, federalism, women’s empowerment, human rights documentation, and civic engagement to prepare them for leadership in politics, governance, and civil society.

Empowering Students and Youth Through Capacity

Building Trainings

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To raise youth awareness of human rights, transitional justice, and federal democracy, the organization will conduct trainings and build networks among youth activists to expand democratic space and sustain the nonviolent pro-democracy movement.

improving Access to information in Kachin State

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To increase accurate reporting on developments in Kachin State and northeastern Burma, the organization will publish Burmese- and Kachin-language news content and collaborate with national and international outlets.

Supporting Political Prisoners and Human Rights Advocacy

4 Months Duration

$250,000

To raise awareness of human rights abuses by the military junta, especially against political prisoners, the organization will document their situation, provide legal and financial support, and conduct domestic and international advocacy campaigns.

Conducting Policy-Oriented Research and Civic Education in Mon State

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To encourage Mon citizens’ participation in pro-democracy activities, the organization will conduct civic education programs, analyze the post-coup political landscape in southern Burma, and coordinate with civil society and academic partners to promote democratization and peacebuilding.

Providing Access to independent Reporting

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To provide credible and independent reporting to ethnic Shan and Burmese communities on critical political issues, the organization will promote human rights, democracy, and federalism among ethnic Shan communities through local language TV and radio programs, and maintain a multilingual website and social media.

Building a Network of Human Rights and Democracy Activists

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To strengthen youth leadership in advancing democracy, the organization will organize trips and trainings for activists to expand networks and coordinate national and international pro-democracy campaigns.

Promoting Student and Youth Participation in the Struggle for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To build solidarity among youth activists for federal democracy and transitional justice, the organization will convene intensive workshops uniting politically diverse youth leaders on solidarity, coordination, federalism, and civic participation.

Rebuilding Civic and Political Space Conducive to Conflict Transformation

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To increase civic understanding of Burma’s political landscape, the organization will conduct opinion polls, social media research, focus groups, and training for civil society and local communities.

Cultivating Advocates for Human Rights in Arakan State

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen the leadership and organizing skills of natural resource and human rights advocates in Arakan State, the organization will conduct trainings and mentoring for youth leaders, promote community-driven resource management, and convene civil society strategy forums.

Enhancing Resilience in a Restrictive Digital Security Landscape

24 Months Duration

$150,000

To empower pro-democracy actors to circumvent digital repression, the organization will provide tailored trainings and hands-on support for activists, journalists, and pro-democracy institutions, and maintain and grow learning platforms focused on providing tools for digital security and risk mitigation.

Strengthening Justice and Accountability Efforts

6 Months Duration

$15,000

To strengthen coordination and advocacy in the pro-democracy movement, the organization will provide data-driven analysis on the relationship between the military’s illicit financial flows and rights abuses, conduct international advocacy campaigns, build civil society coalitions, and offer emergency support to at-risk organizations.

Encouraging Political Participation Among Mon Youth

12 Months Duration

$47,000

To encourage youth to take active leadership roles in Mon society, the organization will foster cooperation and leadership development through political education, multi-ethnic exchanges, internships, debate forums, and dialogue sessions.

Supporting Accountable Natural Resource Management

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To inform communities, the pro-democracy movement, and international actors on corruption in the extractives sector, the organization will research and publish reports on large-scale investment projects, build a public awareness platform, and educate communities on democratic natural resource management.

Promoting Youth Participation in the Struggle for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To raise awareness among youth about human rights and encourage active participation in the country’s democratic processes, the organization will focus on national reconciliation, providing transitional justice workshops for youth activists, documenting human rights violations, and advocating on these issues.

Strengthening Accountable Development Practices

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To encourage communities in Kachin State to advocate for rights-based development, the organization will conduct workshops and discussions on transparent natural resource management to empower affected communities and leaders to shape accountable development policies.

Fostering the Next Generation of Public Leaders

10 Months Duration

$90,000

To prepare Burma’s next generation of public leaders for a future federal democratic union, the organization will deliver leadership, governance, and public administration training for current and prospective public officials and community leaders in interim governance roles.

Protecting Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To protect freedom of expression and raise awareness of human rights and democracy, the organization will produce policy research on military violations of media freedom and conduct online training to improve activists’ understanding of free speech rights.

Supporting independent Media in Northern Burma

9 Months Duration

$20,000

To increase public access to accurate information about political, social, and economic developments in northern Burma, the organization will produce online news, maintain a website and social media presence, and publish news in local languages on human rights and conflict for remote communities.

Promoting the Fundamental Human Rights of the Rohingya

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To increase international and domestic political support for justice, protection, and rights for the Rohingya community, the organization will brief the media, diplomats, governments, and rights groups, promote advocacy, and strengthen alliances between Rohingya advocates and Burmese human rights defenders to increase support for accountability.

Encouraging informed Debate and Policymaking on Federalism

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote informed policy discussions on federalism within the pro-democracy movement, the organization will provide analysis and policy recommendations, advocate to local and international decisionmakers, engage key political stakeholders, and offer technical support to leading actors in the pro-democracy movement.

Encouraging Democratic Principles of Governance in Northern Shan State

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To strengthen the democratic practices and administrative capacity of emerging local governance bodies and promote youth participation, the organization will facilitate policymaking workshops on legislating, rule of law, democratic natural resource management, and revenue sharing, and conduct leadership trainings in northern Shan State.

Advancing Civic and Political Engagement of the Rohingya

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen the civic and political engagement of Rohingya civil society to advocate for Rohingya rights in Arakan State and across the country, the organization will conduct community workshops, facilitate interethnic dialogues, engage with international policymakers, and support Rohingya youth leaders to engage within their communities.

Protecting Civic Space and Freedom of Association

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To monitor freedom of association and strengthen civil society’s ability to deliver public services in conflict areas, the organization will collect data on civic space and participation, facilitate coordination between civil society and regional stakeholders, and advocate internationally to protect freedom of association.

Promoting international Support for Burma’s ProDemocracy Movement

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To strengthen the pro-democracy movement’s capacity to build international support and enhance strategic coordination with domestic political stakeholders, the organization will work to prevent international recognition of the junta through targeted outreach abroad and will convene consultations with ethnic political leaders to promote the interests of all communities in Burma.

Promoting Civic Space in Mon State

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote increased understanding of human rights and democracy among the Mon community, the organization will provide civic education training to community facilitators, empower them to share knowledge locally, and conduct leadership and organizational management training for civil society leaders.

Promoting Democracy and Human Rights in Shan State

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen a network of emerging youth pro-democracy and human rights advocates in southern Shan State, the organization will conduct intensive democracy and human rights training, support youth-led initiatives, and convene regular political seminars to foster coordination and coalition-building among civically-active youth from diverse ethnic communities.

Promoting Access to News and information in Chin State

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To provide accurate information about critical developments in Chin State and promote understanding of democracy, federalism, and human rights among the Chin community, the organization will publish independent news reports and analysis across multimedia platforms on key issues affecting Chin communities.

Promoting Human Rights for Communities in Western Burma

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To advance human rights and accountability in western Burma and Chin State, the organization will use documentation from human rights monitors for reporting, stakeholder engagement, and legal filings in collaboration with civil society and survivors.

Promoting Political Leadership and Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen civic and political engagement of ethnic minority youth in Shan State, the organization will provide civic education, leadership training, and mentorship to foster political participation and coordination.

Advancing Rights Through Civil Society Strengthening

12 Months Duration

$95,000

To advance the rights of marginalized communities, the organization will convene a cross-border civil society forum to build trust and coordination and strengthen local groups’ capacity to address community needs, especially for the Rohingya.

Bolstering Strategic Responses to Malign influence in Mainland Southeast Asia

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To strengthen pro-democracy policymaking responses to malign influence in Mainland Southeast Asia, the organization will produce analytical reports, disseminate findings on economic and diplomatic influence, and convene regional leaders for coordination.

Facilitating Access to Justice in Kachin State

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen the ability of lawyers to assist victims of rights violations in northern Burma, the organization will conduct legal trainings, build lawyer capacity, and provide legal aid and representation for victims.

Promoting Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Kachin State

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To empower women in Kachin State to assume leadership roles in the prodemocracy movement, the organization will conduct trainings for women leaders, promote participation in policy and governance forums, and organize public awareness events.

Bolstering Youth Pro-Democracy Movement Organizers

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen the resilience and strategy of pro-democracy youth and human rights advocates, the organization will build youth activists’ leadership capacity, provide credible analysis to guide political action, and address the protection needs of movement leaders and political prisoners.

Strengthening the Leadership and Peacebuilding Capacity of Diverse Religious Communities

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote peace and civic awareness among ethnic and religious minority youth, the organization will conduct leadership programs on activism, peacebuilding, and human rights and foster cooperation among religiously diverse young leaders.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Democratic Governance and Strategic Cooperation

12 Months Duration

$600,000

To bolster the strategic coordination and governing practices of the pro-democracy opposition, the Institute will provide technical assistance to emerging administrative bodies on rights-based governance and participatory decision-making, and establish a platform to enhance the movement’s coordination and demonstrate its democratic capacity.

CAMBODiA

Defending Press Freedom and independent Media

4 Months Duration

$30,000

To promote freedom of information and provide independent news, the organization will publish a daily online Khmer-language newspaper and host a talk show analyzing critical human rights issues and democracy challenges that hinder the country’s political development.

improving Access to independent News and information

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To support independent reporting on human rights and democracy, the organization will produce radio programs that provide timely news and analysis to the Cambodian public on key socio-political issues in the country, and train women and youth citizen journalists.

Strengthening the Capacity of Youth Activists to Promote Democracy

12 Months Duration

$42,000

To enhance the capacity of youth activists to expand democratic participation, the organization will conduct trainings on legal, media, and digital security, support youth-led advocacy campaigns and media content production on rights challenges in their communities, and convene activists to discuss future strategies, strengthen solidarity, and build networks.

Supporting independent Media and investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To increase public awareness and expand coverage of political and governance issues, the organization will produce independent news reporting on current events, including daily video news broadcasts on social media, and publish in-depth investigative reports on topics not covered by mainstream media.

Supporting independent Journalists and Media

12 Months Duration

$98,000

To expand the availability of independent news, protect at-risk journalists, and strengthen independent media, the organization will conduct independent reporting, provide legal support, publish regular monitoring reports on media repression, and conduct strategic planning with media stakeholders to strengthen the independent media landscape.

Supporting Youth Participation in Political Processes

8 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote democratic values among youth, the organization will train emerging activists in democracy and human rights, facilitate engagement and dialogue with local government, and support youth-led local advocacy projects to increase youth participation in civic processes.

Supporting Activist Capacity and Movement Building

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To support a new generation of democracy and human rights activists, the organization will maintain a training hub and resource center providing skills, mentorship, solidarity networks, and strategic planning for effective activism.

CHiNA

MAiNLAND CHiNA

Supporting Civil Society to Advance the Rule of Law

24 Months Duration

$500,000

To advance rule of law and defend human rights, the organization will train legal professionals, support legal actions on torture and fair trial issues, assist civil society advocacy for equality, and build resilience among persecuted actors.

Strengthening Civil Society to Protect Rights and Promote Accountability

2 Months Duration

$52,584

To support legal actors and civil society in advancing human rights, the organization will support legal cases to hold the government accountable and generate greater public attention, build civil society organizations’ capacity for advocacy, facilitate coordination among diaspora-based advocates, and support in-country networks combating discrimination against vulnerable groups.

Empowering Citizens to Defend Property, Digital Security, and Rule of Law

20 Months Duration

$411,870

To empower civil society to uphold rule of law and accountability, the organization will train lawyers, journalists, influencers, and communities on advocacy for legal redress and systemic change on trafficking, psychiatric detention, and religious persecution.

Defending and Strengthening international Rule of Law Against Authoritarian influence

12 Months Duration

$260,000

To strengthen international legal protections against extradition and forced return, the organization will research and advocate to reveal gaps in extradition agreements and practices that enable authoritarian regimes to target political dissidents and persecuted groups.

Building Resilience in Human Rights Movements

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To improve and incubate new strategies for human rights advocacy, the organization will strengthen activists’ capacity for legal advocacy, expand access to justice and equal rights, and support persecuted activists through international exchange programs and advocacy skills-building.

Bolstering independent Media in Response To Authoritarian influence

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To provide independent news and analysis and to strengthen professional journalism, the organization will launch an online platform offering news, analysis

and interviews, as well as a capacity resource library to independent journalists and media practitioners around the world regularly facing authoritarian propaganda and influence.

Empowering Citizen Journalists to Defend Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$118,000

To raise public awareness and understanding of human rights and public policy issues, and to build the capacity of citizen journalists, the organization will document human rights violations, advocate for policy reforms, and support citizen journalists to produce important human rights coverage.

Strengthening Worker Rights and Representation

12 Months Duration

$300,000

To increase workers’ rights awareness and leverage international legal mechanisms, the organization will train labor leaders to provide consultations, document violations, and engage in advocacy for stronger labor protections.

Fostering Critical Analysis and Political Discourse on Democratization

12 Months Duration

$135,560

To expand democratic discourse and political analysis, the organization will publish a quarterly online journal that targets reform-minded audiences featuring critical analysis and debate on political, economic, and social issues pertaining to human rights and the rule of law, international relations, and potential paths for democratic reform.

Supporting Key Democratic and Legal Actors

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To raise the international profile of human rights defenders and pro-democracy intellectuals, and to provide analysis of political developments, the organization will translate political commentaries and interviews from leading intellectuals into English and publish original profiles and opinion pieces on the country’s human rights and democracy movements.

Expanding Media Narratives and Cultivating Critical Thinking

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote critical thinking and democratic norms among youth in censored media environments, the organization will use comparative media summaries to expose audiences to politically diverse democratic perspectives on key social and political issues.

Supporting the New Generation of Civil Society Leaders

12 Months Duration

$50,004

To support building a resilient civil society, the organization will prepare a younger generation of leaders to adapt to heightened restrictions and risks by providing training and support, including in-person workshops for activists with different levels of experience for solidarity building.

Supporting Rights Defenders and Strengthening Local Civil Society Organizations

12 Months Duration

$237,500

To support rights defenders and strengthen local civil society in expanding access to justice and pursuing government accountability, the organization will provide legal and financial aid to human rights defenders, collaborate with civil society to improve litigation strategies, and raise awareness of rights violations through research and advocacy campaigns.

Supporting Freedom of information and Countering Digital Authoritarianism

24 Months Duration

$1,517,000

To protect freedom of expression and document censorship, the organization will archive political information, analyze surveillance and censorship practices, and convene a workshop to build solidarity and strategy among media professionals.

Advancing Human Rights and Protecting Freedom of Religion

12 Months Duration

$237,000

To support legal actors and civil society in advancing human rights, protecting freedom of religion, and promoting coordination among diaspora-based advocates, the organization will support in-country networks combating discrimination and assist civil society actors in holding the government accountable for religious freedom violations.

Building New Democratic Communities for Civic Activism

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To challenge authoritarian political culture and foster democratic civic engagement, the organization will host public events and produce multimedia content to educate youth and underrepresented groups on democracy and human rights and encourage civic activism.

Supporting Media innovation to Combat Authoritarian information Control

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To enhance freedom of expression through innovation in media, the organization will produce and broadcast internet radio journalism, collaborate with independent media outlets, and develop new applications and distribution strategies for emerging technology.

Building Civil Society’s Digital Resilience through Technology Partnerships

12 Months Duration

$145,000

To enhance digital security and freedom for civil society, the organization will partner with technology professionals to provide digital security services, conduct workshops, and create risk assessment and mitigation guidelines for emerging technologies.

Supporting Youth and Digital Democratic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote civic activism and human rights information in a repressive environment, the organization will publish human rights news, train youth activists abroad, and run social media campaigns to counter censorship and promote association freedoms.

increasing Access to Open internet in Authoritarian Regions

12 Months Duration

$480,000

To provide uncensored internet access under censorship, the organization will update circumvention tools, share research with experts, and direct users to democracy and human rights content.

Enhancing Capacity and Regional Solidarity of Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To expand human rights advocacy capacity, the organization will hold public events, run workshops on creative rights promotion, and develop a civil society training curriculum for community-based instruction.

Supporting Human Rights Defenders and Advancing Government Accountability

12 Months Duration

$925,000

To strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders and hold authorities accountable, the organization will provide training, direct support to pro-democracy actors, and documentation for international advocacy.

Challenging Authoritarian Narratives through investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To advance investigative journalism on human rights issues, the organization will support young journalists to produce investigative reports and long-form profiles of at-risk advocates and share them across domestic and international media.

Building Capacity for Civil Society Sustainability and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$76,000

To enhance civil society’s capacity for coordinated advocacy, the organization will train activists in democratic decision-making and evidence-based advocacy on issues such as gender violence, trafficking, and labor rights.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Collaborative Responses to Democratic Threats

24 Months Duration

$1,690,307

To strengthen civil society resilience and the capacity of youth and diaspora organizations, the Center will partner with emerging diaspora groups and the private sector to build democratic alliances in Asia and promote economic freedom, critical thinking, and civic activism.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Local and international Networks for Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$900,000

To counter growing repression within the People’s Republic of China, the Institute will implement initiatives to empower activists both inside and outside of the country by enhancing their skills, supporting in-country advocacy projects, and promoting diaspora cross-movement collaboration.

HONG KONG

Building international Solidarity and Support for Freedom

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To build international solidarity for defending freedoms and the rule of law, the organization will inform international stakeholders about regional political deterioration, advocate for strategic responses through legal mechanisms, and expand its international network of supporters through outreach and media engagement.

Developing Civil Society Capacity through Combating Censorship

19 Months Duration

$300,000

To build civil society capacity to monitor government and counter censorship of official records and democratic narratives, the organization will conduct workshops training groups and individuals in using digitally secure methods for collecting and archiving materials related to government accountability for human rights violations and preserving the historical record.

Providing Support to Political Prisoners and At-Risk Activists

12 Months Duration

$116,000

To strengthen the resilience of human rights defenders and their families, the organization will offer psychosocial support, foster solidarity networks, and conduct community-building campaigns through publications and correspondence.

TiBET

Supporting independent Exile Media and Shortwave Radio Programming

12 Months Duration

$59,500

To strengthen the free flow of credible, independent, and timely information to closed environments, the organization will broadcast daily independent news across multiple platforms to reach target audiences and promote democracy and human rights among persecuted communities.

Strengthening the Democratic Movement Through Campaigns, Trainings, and Strategic Organizing

12 Months Duration

$209,000

To raise international awareness of rights-based issues and build solidarity with the democracy movement of persecuted communities, the organization will conduct campaigns on language rights, political prisoners, and the environment, while strengthening activists’ skills in grassroots organizing, media advocacy, alliance building, and campaign leadership.

Strengthening Movement Resilience and Capacity

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To strengthen movement resilience and advocacy, the organization will develop a long-term rights-based strategy, equip activists with implementation tools and skills, publish an updated colonial boarding school report, and conduct targeted global advocacy to amplify impact.

Strengthening international Parliamentarians’ Support for Persecuted Communities

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen awareness about the ongoing persecution of the impacted community and foster greater collaboration among international parliamentarians, the organization will host an international conference bringing together parliamentarians, leaders, scholars, experts, and activists to discuss developments, share ideas, and strengthen international action and solidarity.

Building Democratic Solidarity Through Shared History, Culture, and Political Aspirations

12 Months Duration

$27,500

To foster greater dialogue and understanding among persecuted communities about their human rights and democracy-related concerns, the organization will promote regional democratic solidarity through events like public talks, photo exhibitions, film screenings, and site visits with leaders, activists, and scholars.

Strengthening Human Rights Monitoring, Reporting, and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To strengthen human rights monitoring, documentation, and reporting on persecuted communities, the organization will support networks, strengthen research, produce reports and briefings for governments, media, and human rights groups, and mobilize grassroots and parliamentary support for international advocacy.

Countering Transnational Repression Against the Diaspora

24 Months Duration

$109,000

To engage in global advocacy and awareness-raising on the impact of transnational repression on the diaspora, the organization will advocate for countermeasures, strengthen the diaspora’s ability to counter repression, and provide training to help community members identify and combat transnational repression.

Strengthening Multilateral Engagement

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To strengthen coordinated advocacy in global forums, the organization will lead a civil society coalition to produce reports, hold press conferences, and conduct briefings to raise global awareness and promote accountability for perpetrators.

Strengthening independent Exile Media

12 Months Duration

$93,000

To provide the persecuted community with independent information on human rights, the organization will publish a biweekly newspaper in the native language, maintain a bilingual website, and produce video news to promote civic discourse on human rights and democracy.

Strengthening international Support for Democracy and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$185,000

To strengthen the global movement against human rights violations and political repression, the organization will coordinate strategic campaigns through advocacy materials, capacity-building trainings, regional conferences, campaign working groups, and member collaboration.

Building Democratic Solidarity

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To expand support for a persecuted community, the organization will organize awareness events, including speaker tours and cultural activities, to engage similarly impacted communities and human rights supporters, fostering greater support and action.

Strengthening Strategic Global Engagement

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To build global advocacy capacity for the persecuted community, the organization will provide targeted training to amplify their voices in public and parliamentary discourse and to drive policy change.

Strengthening information Access in Closed Societies through Technology

12 Months Duration

$62,000

To promote access to independent news and information in a closed society, the organization will develop the first-ever AI tool by the diaspora to provide the persecuted community with uncensored news and content, counter state propaganda, and raise awareness of human rights violations.

Leveraging Technology to Strengthen information Access

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To counter censorship and preserve cultural identity, the organization will develop a diaspora-led AI chatbot featuring writings on human rights, secular ethics, democracy, and religious freedom by the persecuted community.

Xinjiang/Uyghur Region

Advocating for Human Rights and Ending the Genocide

6 Months Duration

$200,000

To advocate for human rights and an end to the genocide, the organization will convene groups from the persecuted community and allied organizations for coordination and coalition building, conduct international advocacy on forced labor and transnational repression, and pursue international accountability for crimes against humanity.

Empowering Women and Youth for Advocacy and Civic Participation

12 Months Duration

$190,000

To empower women and youth in human rights advocacy, the organization will train diaspora women and youth in advocacy, promote participation through campaigns, and engage government leaders, international organizations, journalists, and civil society through meetings, events, media, and social media.

Supporting Advocacy for Persecuted Communities

12 Months Duration

$106,800

To expand support for the human rights of persecuted communities, the organization will strengthen advocacy networks in Muslim-majority countries through seminars, reports, articles, social media, and culturally-tailored educational materials.

Combating Genocide through Human Rights Reporting and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$280,000

To raise awareness of human rights violations against a severely persecuted group, the organization will research, document, and provide independent information about human rights violations, conduct outreach, and collaborate with other organizations to raise awareness of ongoing crimes against humanity.

Documenting Mass Human Rights violations and Atrocities

12 Months Duration

$270,000

To document human rights violations and develop creative approaches to combating genocide, the organization will conduct research, update its comprehensive database, document cases of extrajudicial detention and forced labor, engage in local and international advocacy, and use creative ways to engage the public regarding an ongoing genocide.

Strengthening Advocacy Responses to Systemic Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote public awareness and regional advocacy on gross human rights violations against a persecuted group, the organization will run awareness campaigns, advocate for condemnation in international forums, and urge regional governments to address transnational repression and forced labor in supply chains.

Engaging in Advocacy and Coalition-Building to End Genocide

12 Months Duration

$787,500

To advance international advocacy against genocide and human rights violations, the organization will convene diaspora members, train youth activists, build coalitions, and pursue accountability in global forums.

Empowering a New Generation of Human Rights Activists

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To strengthen the capacity of diaspora youth activists advocating against human rights violations, the organization will convene a global workshop and provide training on advocacy, networking, data security, organizing, and media engagement.

Strengthening Policy Responses to a Human Rights Crisis

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To combat ongoing crimes against humanity, the organization will research corporate complicity in human rights abuses and collaborate with international partners to develop policy and advocacy strategies targeting transnational repression, surveillance, and forced labor.

MALAYSiA

Analyzing Authoritarian influence in Southeast Asia

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen civil society and political actors’ ability to counter foreign authoritarian influence in Southeast Asia, the organization will research authoritarian influence, map ties between political elites and authoritarian business actors, and hold briefings for civil society, policymakers, and political stakeholders.

Strengthening Civic Understanding and Democratic values Among Youth

24 Months Duration

$98,000

To promote civic understanding and democratic participation among youth, especially first-time and rural voters, the organization will produce youth-oriented social media content on tolerance and civic education and organize trips exposing students to non-partisan educational institutions.

Combating Corruption and Promoting Accountability

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To equip advocates to advance transparency and accountability and engage the public in combating corruption, the organization will conduct research and provide policy recommendations, advocate to parliament for anti-corruption reforms, and engage youth through social media, podcasts, and other initiatives.

Building a Civic Ecosystem to Uphold Democratic Norms

9 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen the ability of youth leaders, lawmakers, and media to advance a rights-based democracy, the organization will train and mentor youth groups, run a journalism fellowship on democracy, and convene policymakers to promote rightsbased policies.

Promoting Human Rights and Access to Justice

5 Months Duration

$50,000

To empower lawyers to protect freedoms of expression and assembly, human rights, and access to justice, the organization will litigate cases with important human rights implications, conduct public campaigns on repressive laws, and advocate for legal reforms.

Expanding Democratic Freedoms through Strategic Litigation

8 Months Duration

$47,000

To empower young lawyers to advance human rights and democratic freedoms, the organization will pursue strategic litigation, train youth lawyers, conduct civic education programs, and engage government on legal reforms.

MONGOLiA

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Supporting Resilient Political Parties

3 Months Duration

$700,000

To strengthen Mongolia’s multi-party political system and support citizen-responsive policy debate, the Institute will facilitate exchanges between Mongolian and U.S. political parties and support Mongolian parties in adopting more democratic and deliberative policy development practices to enhance openness and accountability within the country’s pluralistic political system.

NORTH KOREA

Providing Accurate News on North Korea

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To provide accurate and timely news on North Korea, the organization will produce an online magazine featuring reports from citizen journalists across Asia and conduct training workshops on fact-checking, photography, and digital security to build a regional network of journalists.

Supporting Human Rights Documentation and State Accountability

12 Months Duration

$135,000

To increase international awareness and pressure to address North Korean human rights violations, the organization will document abuses through defector interviews, file UN petitions on behalf of victims, and organize advocacy events amplifying victims’ voices.

Strengthening information Flows

12 Months Duration

$275,000

To support and expand the free flow of information, the organization will produce a daily shortwave radio program with news, analysis, and commentary, and create and disseminate short documentaries on democratic values to foster critical thinking and independent public opinion.

Empowering Young Defectors Leaders and Strengthening

Solidarity on Human Rights issues

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To engage young North Korean defectors in human rights and democracy issues, the organization will implement a leadership program and organize conferences to support young defector advocacy and encourage their roles in building a democratic North Korea.

Promoting information Access Through Daily News

12 Months Duration

$400,000

To raise awareness and understanding of North Korea, the organization will disseminate accurate and timely news through an online platform, expand its source networks, provide professional development for citizen journalists and correspondents, and collect reader feedback to foster independent thinking and expression.

Producing Media to Encourage Democracy and Human Rights in North Korea

6 Months Duration

$30,000

To encourage critical thinking among North Korean audiences, the organization will produce two talk show-style video features on how politically privileged North Koreans can facilitate positive change and distribute the content into the country through a partner distribution organization.

Facilitating Learning and Dialogue on Reform

12 Months Duration

$147,500

To provide a platform for North Koreans in the Asia region, the organization will carry out an educational program to foster critical thinking, explore alternative political systems, and discuss democratic and free market values to envision change in North Korean society.

Promoting Critical Thinking Among North Koreans

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To provide North Koreans with opportunities to access information and express their opinions, the organization will create content on its online platforms, including written pieces and video dialogues featuring defectors on human rights and democracy-related issues.

Enhancing the Capacity of Emerging Human Rights Leaders

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To empower young defectors as advocates for democratic change and human rights, the organization will provide capacity-building training and facilitate a North Korean human rights conference to raise awareness in South Korea and internationally.

Mapping Crimes Against Humanity

24 Months Duration

$366,583

To seek accountability for systemic human rights abuses and raise awareness of transitional justice issues, the organization will conduct a mapping project using geospatial and open-source data to document sites of potential crimes against humanity and conduct international advocacy seeking accountability of the regime.

Leveraging Technology to Expand information Access

12 Months Duration

$93,000

To support knowledge sharing between technologists and activists to advance the development of innovative information distribution tools, the organization will conduct research through defector interviews and open-source resources on communication technology developments in the country, and publish findings on a resource platform, including an annual report and virtual briefings.

Strengthening Youth Engagement on North Korean Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen youth engagement and innovative approaches to North Korean human rights advocacy, the organization will host youth-led seminars and develop an awareness-raising platform in collaboration with defector activists to engage international audiences and the South Korean public.

Promoting information Access Through Daily News

6 Months Duration

$80,000

To raise awareness and understanding of North Korea, the organization will maintain an online news platform, expand its source networks, provide professional development for citizen journalists and regional correspondents, and collect reader feedback to foster independent thinking and expression.

Strengthening Regional Awareness Through Online News

6 Months Duration

$77,500

To provide independent, credible, and timely news for regional and international audiences, the organization will produce and maintain an online platform with current news and analysis on national developments to expand human rights awareness and support, and build the capacity of new journalists.

Enhancing information Access Through Radio and Digital Media

6 Months Duration

$80,000

To expand access to independent news and information in a closed society, the organization will produce a daily radio program on human rights and democracy, create civic education video content, and collect audience feedback to tailor content that fosters critical thinking and human rights understanding.

Enhancing Access to information through Digital Media and Radio

10 Months Duration

$435,000

To increase independent news and information for North Korean citizens, the organization will produce radio and video programs on current affairs, human rights, democracy, and civic education, and analyze North Korea’s media environment to develop new dissemination methods.

Cultivating and Supporting Democratic Leadership in Defector Youth

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To cultivate the next generation of North Korean democratic leaders, the organization will provide civic education, facilitate joint projects between young defectors and South Korean peers to promote democratic change, and train defector leaders on democratic values and human rights.

Strengthening Accountability for North Korean Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To advance international advocacy and accountability on North Korean human rights violations, the organization will conduct civic education to raise South Korean awareness, and engage in research and accountability efforts, including on enforced disappearances.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Regional Activism and Political information and Discourse

12 Months Duration

$500,000

To strengthen North Korean human rights activism, the Institute will support freedom of information efforts by supporting defector-led organizations and building their technical capacity.

PAKiSTAN

Promoting Accountability and integrity in the Public Sector

12 Months Duration

$47,500

To strengthen accountability and integrity among civil servants, the organization will collaborate with public sector training institutions to create programs that teach civil servants about accountability and citizen-centered solutions for democratic governance.

Promoting Democratic values Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To promote peace, tolerance, and respect for political, religious, and ethnic pluralism among youth, the organization will conduct civic education sessions in schools across ten districts of Punjab, collaborate with educators to introduce civic education, and distribute related materials like videos and booklets.

Strengthening Local Governance in Sindh

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To develop democratic values and promote local government accountability in Sindh, the organization will research local government performance, train stakeholders, and host public forums and citizen dialogues to strengthen government accountability.

improving the Performance and Accountability of Democratic institutions

6 Months Duration

$75,000

To deepen dialogue on systemic challenges to democratic consolidation and enhance citizen awareness of the constitutional roles of state institutions, the organization will organize sessions with political parties, youth, and citizens to foster engagement on democratic and policy reform.

Strengthening Next Generation Leadership in Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen youth leadership and civic engagement, the organization will train young activists, connect them with civil society leaders and politicians, and facilitate dialogues and forums to develop action plans for youth-led campaigns.

Supporting Civic and voter Education in Sindh

12 Months Duration

$42,000

To increase youth civic engagement with democratic institutions and promote free and fair electoral participation, the organization will conduct voter and civic education programs on democratic rights and electoral processes.

Building the Capacity of Journalists to Empower

independent Media

12 Months Duration

$60,735

To strengthen journalists’ investigative and digital reporting skills, the organization will train journalists in AI-based ethical reporting, publish digital content, and organize webinars on democracy, human rights, and media freedom.

Fostering Civic Engagement and Advocacy Through Media

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To cultivate the capacity of youth and civil society activists in digital and visual storytelling, the organization will provide training, organize festivals and exhibitions, and produce video content that promotes democratic values, civic participation, and human rights.

Engaging Youth to Promote Human Rights, Pluralism, and Democracy

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To strengthen youth advocacy for human rights, democratic governance, and peace, the organization will train youth to lead grassroots and digital campaigns focused on human rights and good governance in an effort to engage local government, educational institutions, and local communities.

Mobilizing and Connecting Youth and Civil Society for Peace and Democracy

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To foster civil society collaboration and preserve and expand civic space for peace, ethnic pluralism, and democracy in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, the organization will facilitate networking, communication, and mutual support among civil society actors.

Supporting Advocacy for Equal Citizenship

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To enhance advocacy for religious community engagement and equal citizenship, the organization will develop leadership skills in religious minority activists and engage political parties and decisionmakers through seminars, conferences, and community meetings.

Promoting Democratic Accountability Through Budget Research and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To promote government transparency and accountability, the organization will produce research on budget transparency, strengthen civil society advocacy on budget accountability, and increase budget literacy through media, and public engagement activities.

Enhancing the Role of Women Journalists in Digital Media

12 Months Duration

$185,000

To enhance the skills and knowledge of women journalists and media students, the organization will provide training to improve awareness of democratic issues, like women’s rights and public accountability, and enhance skills in broadcast and digital media production.

Cultivating Leadership to Promote Fairness and Pluralism

12 Months Duration

$95,000

To build leadership skills among women and youth and promote pluralism and tolerance, the organization will engage with and conduct trainings for the government, private sector, and civil society as part of its advocacy efforts to enact and ensure compliance with legislation that protects the rights of women.

Promoting Civic Leadership and Participation

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To strengthen civic engagement and participation among rural women, the organization will build a national network of rural women leaders for advocacy on women’s political empowerment, conduct civic education and constitutional rights mobilization, and organize national conferences, media campaigns, and webinars.

Strengthening Civic Participation and Governance in Religious Minority Communities

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To strengthen the civic leadership skills of religious minorities, the organization will train activists in Lahore and Faisalabad to engage with local administrations, organize forums to address governance issues, and promote collaboration between citizens and the government for better service delivery and community development.

Supporting Youth Civic Education to Strengthen Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$120,500

To improve youth capacity for local governance and enhance public knowledge of constitutional rights and public policy, the organization will provide civic leadership training, conduct research and advocacy, and organize public events on civic education laws and key policy issues across three provinces.

Strengthening Democratic Local Governance in Sialkot

12 Months Duration

$103,500

To strengthen local governance and public accountability, the organization will carry out a civic and voter education campaign to increase political participation among women, youth, religious minorities, and laborers in Sialkot district, while also organizing trainings and forums to promote public accountability.

Promoting independent Journalism and Freedom of information

12 Months Duration

$124,000

To promote freedom of expression and media independence, the organization will support a media platform featuring citizen journalism and investigative reporting on human rights, accountability, and censored policy issues.

Supporting Research and Advocacy to Strengthen Democratic Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To enhance the knowledge of parliamentarians and political leaders on local government performance and accountability and strengthen public demand for reform, the organization will convene an alliance of legislators, civil society, and stakeholders to advance a reform agenda through evidence-based research and advocacy.

Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Constitutional Rights

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To enhance the role of parliamentarians in promoting and protecting constitutional rights, the organization will work with national and provincial assembly members to improve oversight of human rights issues through trainings on legislative review, and facilitate public engagement via consultations and youth dialogues.

Strengthening Democracy and Local Governance in Punjab

8 Months Duration

$110,000

To improve democratic governance through community-led civic engagement, the organization will conduct advocacy campaigns, raise awareness on local governance, and train women and youth leaders in civic leadership.

Strengthening Civic Education and Democratic Participation in Sindh

9 Months Duration

$95,000

To promote civic education and engagement among youth to strengthen democratic institutions, the organization will support students in applying civic education knowledge to improve urban governance and citizen participation.

Promoting Civic innovation and Engagement through Technology

12 Months Duration

$105,000

To promote civic engagement and government accountability through technology, the organization will conduct fellowships and develop open-source civic applications to strengthen collaboration and information-sharing between citizens and the government, and promote citizen contributions to participatory governance.

Promoting Labor Rights and Freedom of Association in the Media Sector

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To strengthen media associations’ capacity to protect journalists’ rights, the organization will connect international labor experts with local partners to strengthen understanding of media worker rights, develop a decent work agenda, and monitor labor rights in the media sector.

Engaging Youth to Strengthen Governance Systems in Balochistan

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To enhance public transparency and accountability in Balochistan, the organization will engage and train youth to strengthen governance systems and promote the effective implementation of the right to information law.

Strengthening the Leadership Abilities of a New Generation of Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$133,000

To strengthen activists’ capacity to promote human rights, democracy, and peace, the organization will conduct two annual training courses focused on democracy, peace, and tolerance to advance public discourse and activism.

Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Electoral and Democratic Processes

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To improve women’s leadership and participation in politics and local governance, the organization will expand a model local government platform for young women to discuss barriers, build confidence, and engage community leaders on participatory governance.

PHiLiPPiNES

Fostering Democratic values and Civic Engagement Among Youth

4 Months Duration

$16,500

To strengthen coordination among young democracy and human rights advocates, the organization will build youth leaders’ capacity and operate democracy hubs that facilitate civic education, trainings, public events, and advocacy projects.

Promoting Public Discourse through independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$62,000

To promote public discourse on democracy-related issues through independent journalism, the organization will produce and broadcast live interview shows, analyses, commentary and issue-specific explainers on democracy-related topics such as governance, reform, transparency, and human rights.

Supporting Participatory Budgeting and Policymaking

11 Months Duration

$100,000

To support coalition building for participatory democracy, the organization will influence the budgeting process by mobilizing a network of youth, civil society organizations, and policymakers to develop a people-centered and representative national transport budget, and will hold trainings on coalition building, develop policy recommendations, and conduct research and advocacy.

Supporting independent Media and Political Discourse in Mindanao

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To promote democratic political discourse, the organization will publish an independent daily online newspaper on peace, governance, and human rights in Mindanao and maintain an online historical archive.

Strengthening Civic Engagement Among Economically Disadvantaged Communities

9 Months Duration

$85,000

To support economically disadvantaged communities to participate in public debates and to amplify their voices in support of democracy, the organization will train local leaders in advocacy and partnership building, host democracy-related convenings, and conduct awareness-raising initiatives to promote increased civic and political participation.

Supporting Democratic Discourse through New Media Engagements

18 Months Duration

$90,000

To advance democratic discourse through independent media, the organization will produce multimedia and audio programs on governance and political processes and host a public festival showcasing media and freedom of expression.

Promoting Women’s Civic Engagement in the BARMM

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advance an accountable peace process and political transition in the Bangsamoro region, the organization will conduct civic education and human rights workshops for women, research the peace process’s gender impacts, and convene a policy forum.

Mobilizing Citizen Participation to Defend Human Rights and Democracy in Mindanao

12 Months Duration

$78,000

To broaden public awareness of democratic principles and mobilize support for human rights policies, the organization will enhance civic understanding, document abuses, advocate for policy reforms, and promote participation in democratic processes in Mindanao.

Supporting Research and Strategies to Promote Free and Fair Elections

4 Months Duration

$26,000

To promote a free and fair electoral environment for the 2025 elections, the organization will research campaign communications and AI in elections and foster collaboration among observers and civil society to safeguard integrity.

Strengthening investigative Journalism for Public Discourse on Democracy

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To strengthen media’s ability to promote transparency and accountability and to bolster public discourse on democracy and human rights, the organization will produce investigative reports on democracy and rights, coordinate fellowships and convenings for reporters, and maintain an investigative journalism hub for data and resource sharing.

Fostering Accountability and Transparency in Public Discourse

7 Months Duration

$42,500

To encourage informed public discourse, the organization will monitor, verify, and report on the accuracy of statements made by politicians and government officials, while expanding its reach across social media platforms.

Fostering Awareness of Economic issues for Good Governance and Accountability

12 Months Duration

$48,000

To foster awareness of economic issues that advance good governance and accountability, the organization will mobilize a network of civil society and political actors to build public awareness of budgets, policies, and the implementation of national cash assistance programs, and to push for policy reforms that increase transparency and accountability.

Promoting Human Rights and Dignity for vulnerable Communities

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote human rights and dignity for vulnerable communities, the organization will support victims of human rights abuses through systematic documentation, provide assistance and convening spaces for civic engagement and community building, and conduct advocacy and awareness-raising with civil society, media, and government actors.

Leveraging Technology to Protect Democracy and the Future of News

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To leverage technology for collaborative and resilient newsrooms, the organization will scale development of an open-protocol news platform by onboarding global newsrooms and civil society groups to promote a bottom-up approach to information delivery and improve media discourse and engagement.

Nurturing New voices to Promote Democracy and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To enhance the capacity of youth and artists to promote democracy and human rights, the organization will produce multimedia materials, develop advocacy strategies, conduct trainings, and organize public events to empower communities for civic engagement.

Supporting Emerging Democracy Leaders to Develop Civic Engagement Strategies

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To support emerging democracy leaders in developing local civic engagement strategies, the organization will strengthen a nationwide youth leadership network through mentorship and capacity-building on community mobilization and accountability.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Local Governance and Civic Oversight to Counter Foreign influence

12 Months Duration

$600,000

To strengthen democratic governance and resilience at the local level, the Institute will enhance civic oversight, foster peer learning among local officials, promote open government practices, and equip local governments with research and tools to detect and respond to foreign influence threats.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Advocacy, Localization and Legislation to Counter Abuse of State Resources

12 Months Duration

$900,000

To enhance accountability in the use of government resources and address abuse of state resources, the Institute will strengthen the capacity of civil society to engage in and conduct systematic political process monitoring focused on legal and regulatory reforms.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Building Democratic Resilience

11 Months Duration

$964,560

To strengthen trade unions’ capacity to organize new members and mobilize civic participation for democratic accountability, the Center will partner with unions in key industries to deepen organizing skills and empower workers to defend their rights and support democratic accountability.

SRi LANKA

Promoting Community Mobilization and Political Participation

5 Months Duration

$29,595

To strengthen human rights defenders and advance justice for victims, the organization will provide training in democracy, civic engagement, and international human rights mechanisms, and support mobilization around rights violations and reform efforts.

Promoting Citizen Participation in Monitoring Economic Development

12 Months Duration

$37,000

To promote good governance and the rule of law in economic development, the organization will raise awareness of citizens’ rights, provide transparency and accountability tools, and advocate for legal protections for communities affected by harmful development projects.

Mobilizing Families of the Disappeared in Support of Reconciliation and Justice

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To mobilize families of the disappeared in support of transitional justice, the organization will raise awareness of past enforced disappearances, highlight impunity, and assist victims’ families in seeking redress and advocating for reform and reconciliation.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Governance

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote civic engagement through local cooperatives, the organization will train cooperative members to use right-to-information mechanisms, integrate grassroots perspectives into governance, and build a nationwide network for experience-sharing and solidarity.

Combating Economic and Human Rights Crimes through Advocacy

4 Months Duration

$45,000

To reveal systemic economic and human rights crimes and ongoing impunity, the organization will document transnational corruption and abuses, identify complicit actors, and raise awareness of their impact on the rule of law and democratic values.

Ensuring Proposed Legislation Upholds Fundamental Rights Protections

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To identify and challenge potentially unconstitutional draft legislation that infringes on democratic rights, the organization will monitor bills, appeal legislation that may violate international human rights standards to the Supreme Court, and share relevant judgments with civil society and international institutions for advocacy.

Promoting Civic Engagement for Sustained Collective Action

12 Months Duration

$41,000

To build knowledge and create opportunities for citizens to engage in local political processes, the organization will strengthen volunteer structures through leadership development programs, community training in democracy, good governance, citizens’ rights, and religious tolerance, fostering greater engagement between citizens and government officials on local issues.

Advocating for Land Rights Reform

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To facilitate coordination between civil society and government authorities on land rights, the organization will manage a nationwide network, convene discussions on land laws and policies, document disputes, and advocate for equitable legal reforms.

Promoting Freedom of Expression Through Citizen Journalism

12 Months Duration

$77,000

To generate content and spur debate around democratic governance, human rights, and other critical political issues, the organization will operate a trilingual media platform for activists, bloggers, and journalists to share and discuss democracy and human rights.

Archiving Women’s Oral Histories

12 Months Duration

$64,000

To gather and archive the experiences and social issues of women during the war and post-war periods, the organization will collect data and stories about women’s experiences in the north and east, catalog and analyze the information, and share it with interested entities.

Seeking Redress for victims of Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To raise awareness and seek redress for victims of human rights violations, the organization will provide legal aid, advocate for judicial transparency, and call for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and other policies that violate civil liberties and human rights.

Strengthening Civil Society Networks to Promote Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To raise awareness of political and social rights, the organization will hold discussions and workshops for youth and women’s network leaders on democracy, good governance, and transitional justice, empowering them to take action.

Enhancing Parliamentary Accountability and Good Governance

12 Months Duration

$76,000

To promote accountability and good governance, the organization will run a webbased platform to track parliamentary activities, promote its use by media and civil society, and use the data to inform debates on government policies and legislation.

Promoting Access to independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To foster debate on democratic governance, human rights, and politics in Sri Lanka, the organization will maintain an independent media network that researches and publishes articles, interviews, and videos on political issues for national distribution.

Strengthening Women’s Civic Leadership

12 Months Duration

$64,000

To develop local women civic leaders for political reform, the organization will train women from across the country on democracy, political participation, and accountability, enabling them to lead community initiatives and collaborate with elected officials on local governance issues.

Combating Economic and Human Rights Crimes through Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$287,000

To reveal systemic economic and human rights crimes and ongoing impunity, the organization will document transnational corruption and abuses, identify complicit actors, and raise awareness of their impact on the rule of law and democratic values.

Promoting Active Youth Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To increase youth participation in political and reconciliation processes, the organization will conduct civic and political education and skills development trainings to empower youth networks to promote democracy, inter-ethnic solidarity, and national reconciliation.

Promoting Community Mobilization and Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$68,000

To build the capacity of human rights defenders to pursue justice and accountability, the organization will train them in democracy, civic engagement, and international mechanisms and support their efforts to mobilize victims around ongoing violations and reforms.

Promoting Youth Leadership and Raising Awareness of Challenges to Democracy

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote democratic values among youth leaders, the organization will conduct trainings and traveling photo exhibitions on political and social issues to equip ethnically-diverse youth with an understanding of democratic principles, responsible citizenship, and the rule of law, and empower them to share these values within their communities.

THAiLAND

Facilitating Access to Justice for Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To advance access to justice and support for human rights defenders, the organization will establish a volunteer legal assistance group to monitor political charges and support defendants, and launch an online platform featuring advocacy content and legal resources.

Supporting Youth Engagement and Participation in Democratic Reform

12 Months Duration

$115,000

To strengthen youth civic participation and democratic processes, the organization will conduct training and events that support youth and civil society engagement in politics, advocacy, and coordination with democracy actors to promote reforms.

Promoting Regional independent Media Coverage and Public Discourse

13 Months Duration

$71,000

To promote media coverage and contribute to public discourse on key democracy issues in the northeast region of the country, the organization will expand its geographic reach and produce regular news articles, editorials, and multimedia videos on critical political, human rights, and socio-economic issues in the region.

Strengthening Activists’ Capacity to Engage in Democracy Building

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To strengthen the capacity of activists to promote democracy, the organization will conduct workshops and develop resources on movement building, advocacy, and security to support activist groups in participating effectively in campaigns for freedom of expression and political reform.

Mobilizing Citizens to Advocate for Democratic Reforms

12 Months Duration

$20,000

To foster public dialogue and support for democratic political reform, the organization will run civic education campaigns, raise awareness of how politics affect rights and daily life, and strengthen coordination within the pro-democracy movement through civil society partnerships.

Fostering Collaboration Among Civil Society for Democratic Reform

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote democratic reform through civil society collaboration, the organization will sustain civil and political engagement networks across sectors, serve as a national platform for democracy advocates, provide legal and political training, and coordinate joint democracy reform strategies.

Connecting Democracy and Human Rights Principles to Local Communities’ Challenges

6 Months Duration

$16,000

To strengthen human rights knowledge and regional cooperation, the organization will train land rights activists and local communities in northeastern Thailand on democratic values, active citizenship, and political participation to support their role in public policy reform.

Promoting Freedom of Expression and Legal Reform

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To raise awareness of freedom of expression and advocate for legal reform, the organization will research restrictive policies, build support within international human rights networks, and lead a public campaign for legislative change.

Fostering Citizen Participation in Advancing Democracy and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To foster citizen engagement and regional collaboration on advancing democracy in northeastern Thailand, the organization will hold forums and trainings on political reform, decentralization, and democratization, and convene an assembly to draft reform proposals for submission to parliament.

Strengthening Public Discourse and Data Journalism in the North

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen public discourse and media coverage of key democracy issues in the northern region, the organization will produce regular news stories on political and socio-economic topics and develop a database on northern issues to support prodemocracy activists and policymakers.

Fostering informed Debates on Politics and Governance issues

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To strengthen open access to information and analysis of critical socio-political issues, the organization will develop multimedia products that present policy issues in creative and accessible ways to strengthen citizens’ understanding of political and governance processes, and build a platform to monitor parliamentary actions and track government performance.

Supporting Grassroots Engagement in Promoting Democracy

8 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen grassroots political participation and civic engagement, the organization will foster conversations and advocacy campaigns among a nationwide community network to promote democratic reform and highlight the importance of national political processes and their connections to challenges faced by local communities.

Promoting Democratic values and Fostering Regional Discussions on Political Reform

12 Months Duration

$52,000

To strengthen grassroots activists’ understanding of democracy, the organization will deliver trainings on politics and human rights, host public events on democratic challenges, and expand a regional reform network.

Promoting Justice and Enhancing Support for Fundamental Freedom Activists

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote justice and support detained activists, the organization will administer a grassroots fund to provide material assistance, support social services, monitor and document incarceration conditions, and advocate for activists and their families.

Promoting informed Public Discourse on Democracy and Reform

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To contribute to public discourse and policy debates, the organization will run an independent multimedia platform that publishes content on democratization, reform, socio-economic trends, and their regional and global impacts.

Supporting independent Public Policy Research on Critical Democracy issues

12 Months Duration

$39,000

To enhance policymaking and political discourse, the organization will publish independent research on political, social, and economic issues, and host dialogues on democratization, political reform, socio-cultural changes, and global trends.

Fostering independent Media Coverage of Key Democracy issues

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To promote public discourse and democratic reform, the organization will publish an independent online newspaper in Thai and English, featuring daily and long-form reporting and commentary on key democracy and human rights issues.

Strengthening Communities for Democratic Reform

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To foster citizen engagement in advancing democracy in northern Thailand, the organization will work with a civil society network to promote democratic policy alternatives through trainings, forums, and events focused on democratic principles and civic collaboration.

Bolstering Human Rights Protection and Access to Justice

18 Months Duration

$260,000

To promote human rights and access to justice, the organization will provide legal aid to persecuted democracy activists, document rights violations, and advocate for legal and judicial reforms.

Promoting Fundamental Freedoms and Legal Reform

12 Months Duration

$180,000

To promote freedom of expression and informed public dialogue, the organization will monitor laws and elections, provide accessible legal analysis, document violations, and coordinate advocacy on democracy and human rights.

Promoting Youth Civic Engagement and Movement Building

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote youth civic engagement and movement building, the organization will support a national network of youth community centers that will serve as hubs for outreach, civic education, alliance building, and democracy campaign strategy development.

Strengthening Media Coverage of Democracy and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To inform and expand public discourse on democracy and human rights, the organization will host a web portal featuring original research and data analyses on related topics and promote the resource among media outlets and platforms to improve coverage.

Empowering Local Communities to Defend Their Human Rights

7 Months Duration

$20,000

To empower marginalized communities to defend their rights, the organization will train communities on legal protection and documentation of land abuses, provide legal assistance, raise awareness of human rights impacts, and advocate for legal reform.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Participatory Advocacy for Civic Engagement

15 Months Duration

$600,000

To support democratic freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, the Institute will organize awareness-raising workshops and creative content production on these rights, bolster advocacy on politically prosecuted persons across the political spectrum, raise awareness of amnesty efforts, and develop a report on fair trial rights and judicial independence.

viETNAM

Bolstering the Capacity of Human Rights and Democracy Activists

12 Months Duration

$109,000

To build capacity among democracy and human rights activists, the organization will offer training and support civil society efforts in religious freedom, anti-corruption, labor rights, and legal assistance for detained defenders.

Promoting independent News and Journalism

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To enhance the availability of and expand the space for independent news and journalism, the organization will produce news and analysis on democracy and human rights, provide online training for emerging journalists, and support new independent media initiatives.

Promoting Democratic Legal Reform

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote transparency and deepen understanding of political processes to support democratic legal reform, the organization will create a governance transparency website, publish a book on civil society, establish a digital library on constitutional development, and host a forum on political and legal reform.

Creating a Platform for Human Rights Research, Analysis, and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To increase transparency and promote discussions on democratic legal reform, the organization will develop a governance transparency website, publish a book on civil society, establish a digital library on constitutional development, and host a forum on political and legal reform.

Strengthening independent Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen the capacity of emerging human rights activists, the organization will provide capacity building, technical support, and international advocacy opportunities, along with training physical and digital security for human rights defenders.

Developing the Capacity of Civil Society Youth Activists

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To support youth activists in defending rights and democracy, the organization will provide training and risk-related support for democracy advocates at risk, and convene civil society leaders to strategize on the future of the human rights movement.

Supporting Civil Society to Advance and Defend Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To build civil society and activist capacity in human rights defense, the organization will train religious freedom and civil society activists in advocacy, project management, and legal activism, and initiate legal challenges while fostering international networks.

Supporting the Growth and Resilience of independent Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$72,000

To support civil society leaders in growing grassroots democratic movements, the organization will offer training, study tours, and networking to build knowledge, strategy, and collaboration.

ASiA REGiONAL

Promoting Free and Fair Elections through Monitoring and Capacity Support

6 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote free and fair elections by strengthening the capacity of and cooperation among civil society and election monitoring bodies in Asia, the organization will conduct election monitoring missions, launch advocacy campaigns on election related issues, expand outreach, and build capacity for youth and civil society.

Supporting Japan’s Role in Fostering Democratic Resilience in Asia

6 Months Duration

$98,000

To promote solidarity and cooperation among Asian democracies in advancing democratic norms and a rules-based order, the organization will engage thought leaders, government officials, and legislators to develop a strategic vision for democracy support within Japan’s foreign policy.

Strengthening Asian-led Democracy Promotion in Asia

4 Months Duration

$24,000

To build support for democratic norms in the and regional cooperation in Asia, the organization will conduct research, convene discussions on key issues, establish a support mechanism for democracy advocates at risk, and train emerging democracy advocates through an advocacy program.

Strengthening Civil Society Solidarity and Cooperation in Asia

12 Months Duration

$320,000

To bolster regional support and cooperation on human rights and democracy in Asia, the organization will organize regional and sub-regional convenings for civil society to share information, coordinate efforts, and strengthen democratic resilience and advocacy.

Exposing Dangers of Business Engagement with Authoritarian States

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To raise awareness and mobilize the business and policy communities against authoritarian threats and human rights violations, the organization will conduct research and advocacy to reveal how an authoritarian state’s use of lawfare co-opts international businesses in transnational repression.

Strengthening Asian-led Efforts to Support Democracy Advocates at Risk

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To bolster regional cooperation on human rights and democracy in Asia, the organization will serve as a regional hub to support at-risk democracy advocates, expand cross-sectoral solidarity networks, and conduct research and discussions on key democratic issues.

Monitoring Authoritarian influence and impact on Democratic Standards

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To strengthen understanding of China’s growing global presence and its impact on democratic values, the organization will publish original analysis, engage stakeholders, and foster advocacy and research collaborations to inform debates on authoritarian influence.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Mitigating China’s Corrosive Capital influence Through Transparency in infrastructure

24 Months Duration

$2,738,334

To mitigate the corrosive effects of state-driven Chinese investments in new and fragile democracies, the Center will assess foreign-funded infrastructure projects to identify transparency and governance gaps and map how the Belt and Road Initiative undermines democratic institutions and market principles.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Advancing Emerging Political Leadership

12 Months Duration

$500,000

To strengthen political parties in Asia to be more responsive and representative, the Institute will implement a regional political party development program, helping to strengthen party leadership by empowering a new generation of reform-minded political actors.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Assisting Pro-Democracy Groups in Closed and Closing Societies

14 Months Duration

$1,800,000

To combat corruption and leverage windows of opportunity for political reform, the Institute will strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations and pro-democracy actors to detect, monitor, and report on corruption.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Bolstering Resilience Against China’s Authoritarian influence in Asia

10 Months Duration

$1,335,453

To build resilient democratic systems and promote accountability for foreign interference in Asia, the Institute will strengthen civil society organizations’ ability to identify, analyze, and reveal authoritarian influence linked to strategic corruption, illicit finance, and political interference.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Grassroots Resilience and Advancing Labor Rights

12 Months Duration

$724,550

To strengthen grassroots resilience and advance labor rights, partners will educate workers about legal rights, provide legal support, train young labor organizers, and raise awareness of labor rights issues and workplace safety.

SOUTH ASiA REGiONAL

Building Collective Responses to CCP influence

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To foster regional cooperation and learning in South Asia on CCP influence on democratic norms, the organization will convene an international conference for researchers, policymakers, and experts to develop a comprehensive picture of CCP influence regionally and globally, share strategies for responding, and consider collaboration that addresses the challenges.

Advancing Digital Rights and Democracy in South Asia

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To foster collaboration on digital rights in South Asia, the organization will convene digital rights groups, activists, and human rights defenders from the region to develop a shared agenda and strategies for addressing the evolving digital rights landscape and its impact on democracy and civil liberties.

Safeguarding Human Rights Online in South Asia

12 Months Duration

$180,000

To raise awareness on fundamental freedoms and protect privacy and human rights in South Asia amid growing digital repression, the organization will collaborate with regional partners to analyze legal frameworks, advocate for rights-respecting policies, and equip civil society with tools, evidence, and networks to defend civic space in restrictive digital environments.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Supporting Democracy through Fiscal integrity

15 Months Duration

$900,000

To improve public spending integrity and fiscal resilience in South Asia, the Institute will foster dialogue between civil society and political actors to identify and address challenges to fiscal integrity.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Promoting Fundamental Workplace Freedoms for All Workers

12 Months Duration

$1,137,822

To strengthen union advocacy for worker rights in South Asia, the Center will provide training, legal support, and coalition-building for trade unions in the region and partner with a new media workers union in Sri Lanka to organize forums and media campaigns that amplify union voices.

SOUTHEAST ASiA REGiONAL

Supporting and Protecting Fundamental Freedoms in Southeast Asia

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To advance protection mechanisms for human rights defenders in Southeast Asia, the organization will provide emergency support, legal assistance, and advocacy

for at-risk democracy advocates and convene dialogues with NGOs and donors to strengthen regional protection efforts.

Supporting Electoral integrity and Good Governance in Asia

12 Months Duration

$320,778

To promote free and fair elections across Asia, the organization will coordinate a regional network, conduct election missions, lead advocacy campaigns, build youth and civil society capacity, and convene political stakeholders.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Advancing Economic Freedoms in Key ASEAN Markets

15 Months Duration

$1,500,000

To advance economic freedom in Southeast Asia, the Center will partner with business associations in the Philippines and Indonesia to remove trade barriers, empower the private sector, and promote democratic advocacy by strengthening market institutions and cross-border collaboration to counter authoritarian influence.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Revitalizing Trade Union Capacity and Worker voice

11 Months Duration

$1,231,076

To strengthen the capacity of labor unions in Indonesia and Malaysia to increase membership and protect workers, the Center will conduct workshops and support meetings on labor law reform, union membership recruitment, occupational safety and health, and workplace contract negotiations.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strategic Organizing and Advocacy in Global Supply Chains

12 Months Duration

$1,342,764

To promote workers’ democratic rights, especially in export-oriented industries, the Center will educate workers on their rights, support the development of representative organizations, and assist in advocacy efforts with governments, employers, and multinational firms.

EURASiA

ARMENiA

Advancing Foreign Policy and Security Discourse

2 Months Duration

$28,000

To foster public debate about foreign policy and national security, the organization will produce and broadcast television and radio programming that critically examines national and regional narratives on security, sovereignty, and democracy, and share this content through social media.

Empowering Citizens Through independent Media

12 Months Duration

$98,350

To promote public discussion about political reform, democratization, and major political developments, the organization will publish independent news and analysis about the country’s politics, economy, democratic trajectory, and regional relations in English and Armenian for domestic audiences and international observers.

Promoting Public Engagement on Foreign Policy Reform

12 Months Duration

$27,852

To promote informed public discussion of reform processes and foreign policy, the organization will publish articles and videos focusing on Russia relations, convene events with journalists and officials, hold public discussions, and conduct research to support constitutional and police reform recommendations.

Empowering Young Leaders in Education and Activism

12 Months Duration

$67,345

To enhance youth participation in national reforms and promote civic engagement, the organization will convene local students and Karabakhi refugees in leadership activities, build student councils, and promote youth representation in education and professional spheres.

Advocating for Press Freedom

12 Months Duration

$95,855

To support freedom of expression, the organization will monitor cases of violence against journalists, create a public record of press freedom violations, work with government leaders on media legislation, and build support for press freedom by producing independent opinions on defamation cases.

Strengthening Women’s Participation in Civic and Political Life

12 Months Duration

$64,895

To encourage women’s participation in political and civic life, the organization will host a political leadership program for young women to network with government officials and practice skills on shadow city councils, and support women interested in political participation to develop leadership through implementing community service projects.

Promoting Accountability in Closed Government institutions

12 Months Duration

$16,929

To conduct oversight for closed institutions, support security and defense institution reform, and strengthen human rights, the organization will monitor closed institutions, produce analyses and recommendations, provide legal services to victims of government abuses, and engage in strategic litigation for greater accountability.

Protecting Citizens’ Rights by Fighting for Judicial Reforms

12 Months Duration

$16,187

To promote judicial reform, the organization will monitor courts’ use of pre-trial measures against defendants, produce regular reports, advocate with government and civil society audiences for reforms protecting citizens’ rights, provide legal aid to human rights abuse victims, and produce opinions on relevant draft legislation.

Promoting Government Accountability and Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$66,940

To counter corruption, the organization will monitor anti-corruption court proceedings, investigate judicial corruption, litigate corruption cases on behalf of victims, and produce an online TV program highlighting corruption issues and legal rights.

Advancing Human Rights in the Judiciary

12 Months Duration

$60,001

To defend human rights, the organization will track court proceedings, offer legal advice, engage in strategic litigation, provide expert recommendations to the government, and produce an online interview program addressing human rights and judicial issues.

Forging institutional Resilience

13 Months Duration

$68,696

To promote critical thinking on Armenia’s post-war security and independence, the organization will provide analytical support and trainings to government institutions to strengthen their capacity to develop a sustainable foreign policy.

Promoting Civic Engagement Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$108,350

To promote youth civic engagement, the organization will host events connecting students with policymakers, encourage youth to develop policy recommendations, and support their engagement in local and national politics.

Promoting Greater Transparency and Accountability

12 Months Duration

$50,718

To promote transparency and strengthen the rule of law in local governance, the organization will monitor and report on violations in tenders and subsidies, advocate for a civil servant ethics code, and engage anti-corruption bodies to increase civic oversight.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Yerevan Municipality

12 Months Duration

$90,008

To promote government transparency and accountability, the organization will investigate public procurement and urban development, litigate corruption cases, and support journalistic research on municipal corruption.

Enhancing Democracy and Security

12 Months Duration

$122,820

To provide information and foster public engagement with current events, the organization will publish news reports, interviews, summaries, and analytical content focused on Armenia and the Caucasus, particularly Nagorno-Karabakh, leveraging its strong connections with local journalists and scholars.

Promoting Public Policy Discussions

12 Months Duration

$66,330

To support public policy discussions and foster engagement with Nagorno-Karabakhi Armenians, the organization will convene thought leaders and produce multimedia content to integrate refugee perspectives into national political discourse.

Raising Awareness about Judicial Reforms and Providing Legal Assistance

12 Months Duration

$119,962

To foster awareness and public debate about judicial reforms and facilitate access to justice, the organization will monitor reform implementation in the judiciary, produce recommendations for improving procedures, and provide free legal assistance to victims of human rights violations.

Uncovering Fraud and Abuse

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To increase government accountability and expand access to information, the organization will produce investigations into corruption and publish news and analysis on issues of public interest.

Promoting Government Accountability

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To advance governmental transparency and accountability and facilitate access to justice, the organization will monitor governmental institutions for human rights violations, produce analyses and recommendations, provide legal services to victims, and engage in strategic litigation.

Advancing a Reform Agenda

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To promote informed public discussion of reform processes and foreign policy, the organization will publish content on foreign policy with a particular focus on security relations with Russia, conduct research on constitutional and police reform, and convene events with journalists, officials, and the public.

Advancing Foreign Policy and Security Discourse

8 Months Duration

$67,400

To foster public debate about foreign policy and national security, the organization will produce television programming that critically examines narratives on security, sovereignty, democracy, and regional relations, and will broadcast episodes via television, radio, and social media.

Promoting Democratic Security Policy

12 Months Duration

$83,083

To support democratic institutions and policy discussions, the organization will produce short videos and online journal content on democratic security and engage stakeholders in advocacy on domestic and foreign policies.

Supporting investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$75,001

To promote civic engagement and local government accountability, the organization will monitor municipal budget hearings for transparency and rights compliance and train civic leaders to mobilize communities and advocate for local priorities.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Openness

12 Months Duration

$49,950

To promote civic engagement and government accountability in rural communities, the organization will monitor municipal budget hearings for transparency and compliance with rights legislation and train local activists to organize and advocate for community needs.

Debating Policy Ahead of National Elections

12 Months Duration

$103,913

To promote public discussion and understanding of key domestic and international policies, the organization will produce live debates, interviews, and reporting engaging high-profile figures in constructive policy dialogue.

Elevating Policy Analysis Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

12 Months Duration

$75,052

To promote access to information and elevate policy discourse, the organization will publish analysis on politics, the economy, democratic development, and governance, and produce reports offering insights into systemic challenges and policy solutions to domestic and international audiences.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Enhancing Democratic Leadership Ahead of the 2026 Elections

11 Months Duration

$800,000

To strengthen the capacity and engagement of electoral candidates, the Institute will organize training modules for new and aspiring political leaders on a range of topics that support democratic leadership.

AZERBAiJAN

Defending Fundamental Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$15,753

To promote and defend human rights, the organization will work with rural youth on developing leadership skills, conduct sociological research on economic trends, engage in advocacy, and provide operational, capacity-building and strategic support to partner organizations.

Monitoring and Advocacy for Political Prisoners

12 Months Duration

$68,840

To raise awareness about human rights abuses, the organization will gather verified information on government representatives involved in violations through opensource data, testimonials, and court monitoring, and will disseminate this information to international decision-makers, NGOs, and human rights advocates.

Fostering the Development of the Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$43,990

To promote respect for human rights and the rule of law, the organization will support capacity-building for human rights lawyers and advocacy efforts among civil society groups, including training and resources on legal recourse for human rights violations.

Strengthening independent Media

5 Months Duration

$84,459

To support freedom of information and raise awareness of domestic abuses and authoritarian collaboration, a network of journalists will produce and disseminate online content on economic issues, corruption, human rights violations, and foreign policy.

Promoting Analytical Discourse

13 Months Duration

$99,560

To improve political and economic discourse and preserve academic freedom, the organization will produce and disseminate geopolitical research and opinion pieces to foster a vibrant community of independent scholars.

Supporting Research and Analysis for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$72,878

To produce independent analytical content on fundamental freedoms in authoritarian contexts, the organization will publish essays and reports from regional thinkers and maintain a publishing platform for at-risk academics to preserve independent research and academic freedom.

Documenting Corruption’s impact on Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$52,500

To increase public access to information about endemic corruption and human rights abuses, the organization will conduct research, facilitate discussions, and share its findings with a network of stakeholders.

Providing Legal Support to Defend Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$72,496

To provide legal support for victims of repression and monitor judicial abuses, the organization will document misconduct in criminal investigations, produce legal analyses, and assist political prisoners to support accountability and public awareness.

Promoting Human Rights and Expanding Access to Legal Recourse

12 Months Duration

$8,317

To improve the quality of human rights litigation and expand access to legal resources. The organization will assist in maintaining online resources, creating video content, and solicitating questions from the public.

Broadcasting on international Developments

12 Months Duration

$49,970

To increase public awareness of current events and promote civic and political discourse, the organization will produce and broadcast video commentaries, live interviews, and discussions on political and social issues featuring regional thought leaders, analysts, and citizens.

Promoting Accountability for Human Rights Abuses

12 Months Duration

$71,120

To increase the engagement of international institutions in human rights defense, the organization will document violations, inform policymakers, civil society, and thought leaders, advocate for support networks for victims, and promote legal and diplomatic interventions to enhance governmental accountability.

Supporting independent News and information

12 Months Duration

$79,980

To promote access to reliable information and freedom of expression, the organization will publish daily news on political and societal developments and disseminate content via its website and social media, highlighting issues overlooked by state media.

Defending Fundamental Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$125,800

To promote and defend freedom of expression, the organization will work with rural youth to develop critical thinking, conduct human rights advocacy, support partner organizations operationally and strategically, and strengthen institutional capacity.

Breaking Through Censorship to Deliver News

12 Months Duration

$220,000

To support freedom of information and raise awareness of human rights abuses, a journalist network will publish articles, videos, and commentary on censored topics including corruption, human rights, and foreign policy to expand access to independent information.

GEORGiA

Promoting Access to independent Media

12 Months Duration

$50,002

To promote the availability of independent news in the regions, the organization will publish news, analysis, and multimedia reports for its website and social media in multiple languages and host radio and online shows emphasizing local and regional issues often underreported by national media.

Supporting independent Regional Media

12 Months Duration

$171,279

To promote the availability of independent local, regional, and national news, the organization will report on breaking news and political and social developments, publish multimedia content across its online platforms, and prepare analytical articles and investigative reports on public affairs to encourage government accountability.

Supporting Confidence-Building and Conflict Resolution Through Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$130,258

To increase trust and advocate for initiatives that build trust between Georgians and Abkhaz, the organization will facilitate meetings between Georgian and Abkhaz representatives, coordinate study visits for entrepreneurs and professionals, produce policy papers on conflict transformation, and organize trainings for talented students.

Supporting Democratic ideas and values in Religious Communities

12 Months Duration

$9,310

To promote awareness and understanding of democratic values in religious communities, the organization will conduct workshops with clergy and civil society on the compatibility of democracy and religious beliefs, support and train civic education teachers in religious schools, and promote student engagement on democratization and active citizenship.

Strengthening Democratic values

12 Months Duration

$49,931

To encourage grassroots civic engagement and policy discussions in the regions, the organization will hold discussions on human rights and democratic values with students, collaborate with local media to produce and publish investigative stories on regional issues, and support youth leaders in developing civic engagement projects.

Supporting Multilingual Media for Regional Populations

12 Months Duration

$50,004

To promote freedom of information, the organization will provide balanced coverage on local issues through multilingual content on its online and radio platforms, including professionally produced programs as well as community-created content.

Fostering independent Media

12 Months Duration

$61,970

To increase the availability of independent reporting on local governance and political and economic developments in the regions, the organization will maintain and develop its online news site featuring reporting from rural communities, expand multilingual coverage, draw attention to local governance problems, and connect its audience to the country’s broader political and social context.

Holding the Security Services to Account

12 Months Duration

$44,002

To promote accountability of security services, the organization will monitor their activities and oversight mechanisms, hold meetings with parliamentary leaders, and advocate for reforms that uphold the rule of law.

Promoting Understanding of Historical Memory

13 Months Duration

$62,413

To promote an accurate understanding of Stalin’s legacy, the organization will conduct archival research and primary source analysis to foster discourse on the Soviet Union’s enduring impact and how Stalin’s image is weaponized.

Promoting Citizen Participation and Engagement

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To increase civic engagement and transparency in local governance, the organization will monitor municipal processes, publish findings in interactive formats, and provide trainings to expand local networks of informed and active citizens.

Promoting Municipal Civic Participation

12 Months Duration

$43,413

To promote regional civic networks and informed municipal election engagement, the organization will convene local actors through online and in-person programs to boost civic participation and reduce corruption.

Enhancing Public Engagement through Data-Driven

Storytelling

12 Months Duration

$84,284

To encourage civic participation through data-driven storytelling, the organization will collaborate with civil society and media to produce engaging content, support influencers in reaching youth audiences, and deliver authentic, nonpartisan messages that foster civic engagement.

Providing Legal Aid For Government Accountability

13 Months Duration

$82,250

To promote transparent and accountable reform processes and defend civil rights and freedom of expression, the organization will monitor reform implementation,

provide legal aid in civil rights cases, and initiate strategic litigation to challenge antidemocratic practices.

Bolstering Youth Participation in Civic Life

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To cultivate youth activists and voter engagement, the organization will lead extracurricular programs for students that foster community initiatives, encourage political participation, and connect participants to wider youth advocacy efforts.

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$60,121

To enhance access to independent information in the Armenian language, the organization will provide news and analysis to communities otherwise reliant on Russian-language sources and publish multimedia content offering coverage and comparative perspectives on current events.

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$102,319

To increase access to information, the organization will publish multilingual news and analysis, expand short-form content, report on political media coverage, and create engaging material to reach broader audiences.

Fostering Freedom of information in the Regions

15 Months Duration

$34,996

To support local news and citizen engagement, the organization will operate its online news portal, publish content on regional news, monitor local government activities, host political talk shows, with special coverage of local issues and preelectoral promises.

Fostering Public Engagement with Political Processes

12 Months Duration

$35,620

To promote access to information, the organization will broadcast programs featuring interviews with municipal officials and investigative stories that increase public demand for government transparency and accountability.

informing the Public About Elite Corruption

12 Months Duration

$90,020

To monitor public spending and reveal corruption, the organization will publish investigative reports and maintain databases tracking misuse of administrative resources and public funds.

Supporting investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$94,023

To foster public debate on corruption and promote transparency, the organization will investigate political pressure on public employees, monitor government spending, and track authoritarian influence, sanctions evasion, and harmful investments from authoritarian regimes.

Fostering Freedom of information and Citizen Oversight

12 Months Duration

$70,660

To promote citizen oversight and freedom of information, the organization will report on local governance and current affairs in Armenian to engage underserved audiences in political participation.

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$97,900

To promote government accountability and freedom of information, the organization will produce news on political developments and public interest issues, publish analysis and investigative reports on corruption, and share original multimedia content.

Supporting Civic Engagement for Rural Youth

12 Months Duration

$92,437

To raise human rights awareness in rural areas, the organization will train youth leaders to engage nearby communities, convene regional seminars, and host discussions with leading activists.

Supporting Human Rights Monitoring and Legal Aid

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To facilitate access to justice and promote government accountability, the organization will monitor human rights violations, provide free legal aid to victims, and submit reports to international organizations based on its findings.

investigating and Exposing Corruption and Human Rights Abuse

12 Months Duration

$69,663

To promote government accountability and access to information, the organization will produce investigative documentaries and short interviews exposing corruption, repression, and political abuses.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Unity for Democratic Progress

12 Months Duration

$600,000

To increase democratic resilience and political pluralism, the Institute will support democratic movements in building consensus and engaging in issue-based advocacy.

KAZAKHSTAN

Defending Civic and Political Activism

12 Months Duration

$79,750

To promote access to justice and defend fundamental freedoms, the organization will monitor violations of the right to peaceful assembly, torture, and persecution of activists, provide legal assistance to citizens whose rights have been violated, and use this information to produce policy recommendations for better observance of human rights.

Promoting News, Analysis, and investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$220,338

To promote access to independent and politically relevant news, analysis, and investigative reporting, the organization’s in-house journalists and team of regional freelancers will publish breaking news, in-depth analysis, investigative reporting, podcasts, documentaries, and multimedia content in Russian and Kazakh, while mentoring emerging journalists and collaborating with international partners to inform global investigations into kleptocracy and corruption.

Building Capacity of Elections Observers

12 Months Duration

$52,750

To support free and fair elections, the organization will create a methodology based on international standards and Kazakh law to train citizens in electoral observation, conduct election monitoring, and publish its findings for domestic and international audiences.

Providing independent News, Analysis, and investigations

12 Months Duration

$45,750

To provide objective and timely information about political developments within the country and in connection to transnational corruption, the organization will publish news, analysis, and investigations primarily in Russian with some materials in English for international audiences.

Promoting Civic and Human Rights Education

12 Months Duration

$48,500

To promote civic and human rights activism, the organization will conduct a civic education course for youth, facilitate participant mini-projects, and host public educational events.

Fostering Youth Civic and Political Engagement

12 Months Duration

$35,800

To encourage civic and political engagement among youth, the organization will train and support youth in creating video podcasts on community issues and guide them in local advocacy.

Countering Online Censorship

12 Months Duration

$63,600

To strengthen the capacity of activists and journalists to publish and advocate freely online, the organization will run a school of cyber activism, offer legal defense, and train on digital rights.

Defending Human Rights and Promoting Accountability

12 Months Duration

$66,800

To defend the rights of victims of political repression, the organization will provide legal and advocacy support, monitor prison conditions, and advocate for accountability for human rights violations.

Promoting Civic Activism around Urban Development

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote civic engagement around urban development, the organization will support grassroots groups, provide legal assistance, and build a pro bono legal community.

Providing independent Political Analysis

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To provide independent news and analysis on political, social, economic, and human rights developments, the organization will conduct in-depth interviews in Russian with well-known public figures in Kazakhstan and publish them via YouTube and social media.

Promoting independent Analysis of Politics and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To ensure access to credible information and analysis of political and human rights issues, the organization will publish evidence-based reporting on politics, democratic development, and human rights-including polling on political polarization-and mentor early-career policy experts to raise their public profiles.

Producing independent News and Regional Reporting Online

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To provide public access to independent reporting, the organization will use its national network of freelance journalists to produce Russian- and Kazakh-language news and analysis on key issues, including democratic processes, political rights, Russian influence, and national sovereignty.

Providing Legal Support to Defend Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To defend fundamental freedoms and provide legal assistance, the organization will monitor civic threats, produce analytical reports, conduct international advocacy, and offer legal defense to citizens demanding transparency and adherence to rights norms.

Promoting Civic Engagement Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$105,000

To strengthen civic engagement and youth activism in Kazakhstan, the organization will hold seminars for emerging civic leaders on human rights and activism across nine regions and adapt its education program for school use.

Strengthening Networks of Civil Society Leaders

12 Months Duration

$50,830

To build the capacity and networks of democratic actors, the organization will operate a coordination hub for activists and journalists, offering a shared space for collaboration, dialogue, and training.

Protecting internet Freedom

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To defend digital rights and internet freedom, the organization will lead a public campaign and national convening on unlawful internet shutdowns and pursue strategic litigation to protect online freedoms.

Equipping Civil Society Participation in Decision-Making

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen civic oversight of resource governance, the organization will train activists to monitor extractive industry projects and promote public engagement in resource-related policymaking.

Strengthening Human Rights Literacy and Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$59,500

To strengthen human rights literacy and civic engagement in southern regions, the organization will run a human rights education course, build a network of young activists, and mentor local NGOs.

KYRGYZ REPUBLiC

Promoting Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To expand access to human rights defense in remote regions, the organization will maintain its network of NGOs, monitor abuses, and provide free legal aid.

Promoting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$66,000

To ensure access to accurate news in southern Kyrgyzstan, the organization will maintain a Kyrgyz-language news platform, produce multimedia content, and train young journalists.

Promoting Access to Journalism and Local Language Reporting

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To promote access to independent journalism in Kyrgyz, the organization will produce original content, debates, and investigative reporting for digital platforms targeting the Kyrgyz-speaking population.

Promoting Democratic values

12 Months Duration

$58,000

To engage youth with current affairs and democratic issues, the organization will produce short-form explanatory videos that contextualize issues and connect them to democratic values.

Promoting Resilient independent Media

10 Months Duration

$300,000

To promote investigative and data journalism, the organization will produce content on political and economic issues, emphasizing crime, corruption, and authoritarianism.

Defending Fundamental Rights

13 Months Duration

$92,000

To protect fundamental rights, the organization will monitor freedom of assembly, train lawyers and judges, publish reports, and provide legal support to victims.

Promoting Human Rights and Accountability through Strategic Litigation

12 Months Duration

$51,000

To use strategic litigation to advance reforms, the organization will monitor rights violations on issues such as voting rights and access to government institutions and pursue ten key legal cases.

investigating and Publicizing Abuses and Corruption

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To uncover corruption and rights violations, the organization will conduct investigative journalism and produce documentaries and host press conferences in both Kyrgyz and Russian.

Supporting a New Generation of Human Rights Leaders

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To expand access to justice and strengthen youth leadership in human rights, the organization will train early-career human rights defenders and civic leaders, provide stipends for research and community initiatives proposed by emerging professionals, and establish a public hub to convene youth working to defend fundamental freedom

Promoting independent Media and Public Debate

12 Months Duration

$122,000

To provide access to independent media, the organization will produce television programs for Kyrgyz-speaking audiences featuring politically diverse guests, documentaries, and investigations, and will rebroadcast content from independent Kyrgyzstani and international media outlets.

Protecting Freedom of Speech and Free Press

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote and defend freedom of speech, the organization will litigate strategic cases on behalf of journalists, monitor and confront legal and legislative threats, advocate to the government and international partners, and organize public discussions on press freedom.

Protecting Human Rights and the Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To promote the rule of law and defend civil and political rights, the organization will provide legal consultations and representation in cases of serious human rights violations and produce analysis of proposed laws impacting civil society and press freedom.

Supporting independent investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$103,200

To promote independent journalism, the organization will investigate elite corruption and collaborate with other media to publish findings in both Russian and Kyrgyz across platforms.

Preserving the Memory of Soviet Repression

12 Months Duration

$88,000

To expand understanding of Soviet repression, the organization will run an educational school for civic and cultural leaders and produce accessible, researchbased materials on historical events.

Strengthening Women’s Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To develop women’s civic leadership in rural and religious communities, the organization will conduct civic education and leadership trainings and host interfaith roundtables promoting participation in governance.

Delivering Multiple Perspectives on Current Events

12 Months Duration

$96,300

To foster pluralistic independent commentary, the organization will produce multilingual news videos and short-form content to stimulate public conversation on political and social issues.

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Leveraging international Labor Standards to Build Democratic Resilience

11 Months Duration

$795,207

To strengthen the resilience of grassroots labor advocates to protect workers’ fundamental rights amid shrinking democratic space, the Center will support local partners to increase legal protections for migrant workers and promote safe workplaces by convening stakeholders to reform national policies and practices addressing violence and harassment in the workplace.

RUSSiA

Defending indigenous Rights

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To defend indigenous rights, the organization will monitor rights violations, improve coordination among indigenous rights activists, raise awareness of the challenges facing indigenous communities, provide free legal consultations, and disseminate news on their online platform.

Promoting Regional Civic Education and Public Engagement

12 Months Duration

$106,185

To promote discussion of local issues and history and educate the local population about their rights, the organization will conduct public events on human rights and civic action, support news and informational pages on local developments, and organize consultations and seminars to educate youth on how to defend their rights.

Supporting investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$250,900

To promote investigative journalism and increase access to objective information about the country, the organization will increase investigative pieces, expand publication formats to attract new audiences, and publish in various text and video genres with emphasis on investigative and expert analytical content.

Documenting Repression of Political Prisoners

12 Months Duration

$199,989

To foster respect for international human rights norms, the rule of law, and democratic values, the organization will conduct research, monitor legal proceedings, publish findings, and provide legal assistance to victims of human rights violations.

Building Capacity and Enhancing Collaboration

12 Months Duration

$183,518

To strengthen the capacity of civil society and regional civic leaders, the organization will conduct public events and civic education programs, facilitate collaboration among civic leaders, analyze the civil society ecosystem through field research, and provide technical and financial support to promising local initiatives.

Monitoring Extremism and Repression

12 Months Duration

$180,444

To promote informed, constructive public discussion of extremism, the organization will produce expert analysis of extremism and xenophobia, publish articles on its platforms and in partner publications, conduct public events, engage in international advocacy, and partner with similar organizations to discuss regional dynamics.

Promoting Democratic values

12 Months Duration

$200,056

To maintain a democratic movement amid repression and promote grassroots engagement, the organization will provide small grants, security consultations and training to civic organizations, and enable civic leaders to attend a networking conference.

Supporting Online News and Commentary

12 Months Duration

$250,172

To provide independent news and commentary on political, economic, and social issues and support pro-democracy networks, the organization will produce Russianlanguage video content featuring current events analysis and documentaries on political processes that provide an alternative to state propaganda and stimulate public discussion on democratic values.

Elevating Awareness of Pro-Democracy Opposition

Figures

2 Months Duration

$27,500

To highlight Russia’s pro-democracy opposition, the organization will complete and distribute a documentary film profiling opposition leaders and submit the film to awards competitions and film festivals.

Supporting Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To support critical thinking and freedom of expression, the organization will offer online webinars on civic engagement, history, constitutional law, and human rights, and will monitor and publish findings on freedom of expression in the country.

Supporting Legal Assistance for Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$90,057

To promote the rule of law and adherence to human rights norms, the organization will provide free expert legal assistance to clients seeking justice, engage young lawyers through internships, trainings, and seminars, and foster the creation of interregional networks of human rights defenders.

Monitoring Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$52,890

To improve access to justice for prisoners and victims of political repression, the organization will conduct human rights programs, provide legal education and assistance, offer leadership training, and maintain a resource center.

Strengthening Russian Academic Freedom in Exile

12 Months Duration

$260,000

To support at-risk scholars and foster democratic reform dialogue, the organization will award fellowships to displaced academics, raise their public visibility, and organize conferences and advocacy to promote democratic discourse.

Supporting Collaborative investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$275,000

To increase the availability of quality investigative journalism for Russian and international audiences, the organization will support regional and international investigative reporting and produce appealing digital content, distributing it through its online platform.

Engaging video Reporting and Breaking News

12 Months Duration

$59,350

To support Russian-language investigative journalism, the organization will maintain a long-form outlet covering regional political and economic issues.

Promoting Coverage of Regional issues

12 Months Duration

$51,851

To highlight challenges in far-flung regions, the organization will publish in-depth reports on local corruption and the impacts of the Russian war in Ukraine.

Supporting Regional independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$109,990

To promote civic engagement and interregional cooperation, the organization will operate an independent news platform and a civic resource center focusing on underserved regions.

Developing Regional Civic Leadership

9 Months Duration

$110,000

To support regional political leadership, the organization will run a leadership training program and fund civic initiatives led by participants.

Supporting a Regional Grassroots Community

12 Months Duration

$128,834

To foster civil society and critical thinking, the organization will offer internships, trainings, and community events to engage residents in local governance.

Developing a Regional Media Outlet

12 Months Duration

$87,592

To support regional independent journalism, the organization will expand its multiplatform media outlet’s reach and adapt formats for broader engagement.

Building the Capacity of Grassroots initiatives

12 Months Duration

$75,442

To boost professionalism and cooperation among civic and grassroots activists, the organization will offer training, mentorship, and technical assistance for civic initiatives that pursue collective action and public advocacy.

Promoting Democratic values Through Civic Education

13 Months Duration

$53,172

To preserve the memory of Soviet repression, the organization will manage a civil society resource center, host educational events, and collaborate with local initiatives.

Preserving Historical Memory

12 Months Duration

$50,050

To raise awareness of historical political repression, the organization will document events at a historical site, maintain resources, and support local activism.

Advancing a vision for a Democratic Future

12 Months Duration

$106,659

To promote democratic values, the organization will produce a YouTube channel providing verified information about the war and human rights violations and advocating for political prisoners.

Promoting Human Rights and Regional identity

12 Months Duration

$85,730

To defend human rights and promote civic dialogue, the organization will monitor violations, provide free legal assistance, and host discussions on relevant local issues.

Countering State Censorship

12 Months Duration

$99,959

To counter state propaganda, the organization will create a YouTube channel with analysis on political and economic issues and stimulate democratic discourse.

Analyzing Politics and international Affairs

12 Months Duration

$110,665

To provide analysis of Eurasian politics, the organization will publish analytical content on Russia’s global foreign policy and train journalists on new tools for reporting.

Supporting High Quality investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$150,019

To improve access to independent news, the organization will investigate social and political issues affecting women and distribute content widely.

Supporting and Amplifying investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$177,700

To expand investigative journalism, the organization will produce digital content, particularly video and podcasts, to raise awareness of corruption and politics.

Understanding and Countering Russian Exceptionalism

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To counter Russian exceptionalism and colonial legacies, the organization will build expert networks, create educational content, and convene democracy forums with actors across the ideological spectrum.

Protecting Citizens’ Rights

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To expand civil society through legal and journalistic tools, the organization will produce accessible multimedia content and provide legal advice and litigation support.

Defending Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To facilitate access to justice, the organization will provide free legal aid for victims of torture, domestic violence, and forced labor, and raise awareness through social media.

Advancing Livestream Journalism

12 Months Duration

$200,487

To deliver independent livestream journalism, the media outlet will publish video reports and interviews on underreported events.

Supporting Freedom of information and Accurate Wartime Reporting

12 Months Duration

$44,876

To support investigative reporting on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the organization will research demographic and social impacts, distribute findings to national and international press outlets, and increase the quality of reporting on the war.

Combating Repression Through Mutual Aid

12 Months Duration

$54,794

To support victims of political detentions and administrative offenses, the organization will coordinate legal and financial aid by ordinary citizens and run advocacy campaigns.

Promoting Peaceful Political Engagement

12 Months Duration

$126,830

To help citizens defend their constitutional rights, the organization will provide legal consultations and publish informative legal resources online.

Providing Russian-Language information and Analysis

12 Months Duration

$54,281

To provide high-quality news and analysis, the organization will report on policy developments and explain their societal impact to empower informed citizenship.

Documenting and Encouraging Civic Activity

12 Months Duration

$119,990

To increase access to information, the media outlet will livestream politically significant events, including political prisoners’ court proceedings, and collaborate with other media for broad dissemination.

increasing Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$99,984

To defend human rights, the organization will provide legal aid, train lawyers in litigation, conduct field research, and engage media to raise awareness.

Promoting Access to internet Resources

12 Months Duration

$165,700

To improve understanding of internet access, the organization will develop technical tools to monitor access to information freedom of expression online and analyze digital freedoms.

Developing Approaches to Civic Education in Repressive Contexts

12 Months Duration

$79,470

To support civic education, the organization will develop a curriculum on human rights and democratic values and strengthen a network of pro-democracy educators across various regions.

Protecting Citizens’ Rights in Wartime

12 Months Duration

$65,780

To defend the right to conscientious objection, the organization will offer legal and psychological support and educate citizens on their rights.

Building Democracy Activist Networks

12 Months Duration

$247,110

To bolster international support for the country’s democratic development, the organization will facilitate networking trips and public events that unite prodemocracy leaders, advocate for political prisoners, and present a forward-looking vision of the country’s future.

Defending Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$99,948

To ensure legal accountability for egregious human rights violations, the organization will provide free legal assistance to victims, track and analyze relevant data, and raise awareness through media outreach and reporting to international human rights bodies.

Supporting Student Media

12 Months Duration

$191,241

To engage young people and university students in the political process, the organization will publish articles and explainers on educational rights and responsibilities, connect students nationwide, and help them develop as student journalists and leaders.

improving the Quality and Sustainability of Regional Media

12 Months Duration

$100,110

To increase access to independent journalism and promote self-organization, the organization will report on local political, economic, and everyday issues, while expanding its audience and building commercial support.

Strengthening Capacity for Civic Leaders

12 Months Duration

$49,984

To enhance the resilience and effectiveness of civic leaders working under mounting repression, the organization will provide tailored training on civic organizing, personal and informational security, and risk analysis.

Capacity Building for Emerging Civic Leaders

12 Months Duration

$94,745

To support civic leaders committed to democratic values and build pro-democracy networks, the organization will run a training program to identify and prepare emerging leaders and strengthen their communication and outreach skills.

Combating impunity and Systemic violence

12 Months Duration

$275,000

To combat the prevalence of state violence, the organization will investigate human rights abuses, provide free legal aid to victims, raise public awareness through research and media outreach, and advocate for systemic reforms to reduce impunity.

improving Audience Research

12 Months Duration

$251,581

To enhance a major civic group’s understanding of their audience, the organization will operate nine social media channels to solicit feedback, identify audience priorities, and test message reception through content analysis

Countering Censorship with Technological Tools

12 Months Duration

$174,600

To promote public access to independent online resources, the organization will enhance its app to help users bypass government censorship and conduct a public outreach campaign on anti-censorship technology.

Promoting Political Dialogue Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$82,535

To foster civic engagement among youth, the organization will promote open political discussion by hosting events that encourage debate on national and local issues from politically diverse perspectives.

Enhancing the Resilience of independent Media

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To support freedom of expression and counter Kremlin propaganda, the organization will produce news coverage, documentaries, and debates with democratic thought leaders as well as develop anti-censorship digital tools and expand audience reach.

Providing Access to an Uncensored internet

12 Months Duration

$142,700

To foster freedom of information and ensure access to the global Internet, the organization will develop, promote, and distribute VPN technology to circumvent censorship, and partner with censored independent media to expand VPN tool distribution.

Promoting Judicial Accountability

12 Months Duration

$90,015

To raise public understanding of the judiciary and support for the rule of law, the organization will monitor trials, train volunteer observers, and publish analysis and findings across online platforms.

Advancing Local Rights and Exposing Corruption

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To defend the rights of local communities and promote accountability in Arctic policymaking, the organization will publish investigations on state corruption and environmental harm, and host workshops with media partners to raise awareness of community rights in the Russian Far North.

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$275,015

To provide public access to independent news, the organization will publish original investigative pieces on social and political issues, political repression, judicial abuses, and the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine across multiple online platforms.

Building Local Communities Online

12 Months Duration

$124,964

To foster civic engagement through locally focused online platforms, the organization will operate forums where engaged citizens can discuss local events and participate in openly political dialogue reflecting politically diverse viewpoints.

Promoting Democratic Reforms and Civil Society Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$84,300

To promote accountability for wartime human rights violations, the organization will convene experts and civic leaders to advocate for political prisoners and deportation victims and host a conference to develop collaborative approaches and a postconflict accountability agenda.

Supporting investigative Journalism and Analysis

12 Months Duration

$230,240

To increase access to fact-based reporting on Russia’s war in Ukraine and advance a democratic reform agenda, the organization will provide regular reporting and analysis of the war’s impact on both countries and contribute to public discussions on democratic reform by developing reform proposals for Russia’s military system.

Enhancing Public Understanding of Socio-Political issues

12 Months Duration

$249,969

To foster freedom of information through independent public opinion research, the organization will conduct polling and sociological studies to inform public discourse and support outreach by democratic groups on key political and social issues.

Protecting Democracy Advocates

12 Months Duration

$300,000

To provide comprehensive support to democrats at risk and strengthen the democratic movement, the organization will facilitate visa support, assist with emergency and legal aid, pursue strategic advocacy to bolster protection mechanisms, and share best practices to foster sustainability.

Defending Freedom of Association

12 Months Duration

$109,210

To support and strengthen the labor movement, the organization will provide legal assistance to workers, monitor labor rights violations, publish research and analysis, and hold roundtables and trainings to build the capacity of civic leaders to defend labor rights.

Protecting Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To defend human rights, the organization will document government abuses, provide legal consultations and representation to victims, and publish online media content to raise awareness of human rights standards and violations.

Promoting Civic Activism

12 Months Duration

$48,255

To enhance access to information and empower local communities, the organization will train activists and citizens to advocate for their constitutional rights and report on local news to strengthen civic participation and grassroots initiatives.

Defending internet Freedom

12 Months Duration

$255,300

To defend human rights online, the organization will raise awareness of censorship and surveillance, conduct advocacy and litigation, and publish monitoring and analysis on internet freedom.

Supporting Regional independent Media

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To expand access to uncensored local news, the organization will support an independent internet outlet serving a major city, publishing original analysis on political and social issues.

Defending Human Rights of a Persecuted Minority

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To protect a persecuted minority group, the organization will provide legal aid and emergency assistance, monitor abuses and torture, and advocate internationally on victims’ behalf.

Enhancing independent Journalism and Anti-Censorship

Capacity in Exile

24 Months Duration

$302,254

To support exiled media and independent information, the organization will publish original reporting and convene professionals to strengthen digital tools against censorship.

Promoting Civic Activism

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To increase transparency and critical thinking, the organization will report on corruption and activism in underserved regions and collaborate with local activists to produce and distribute print media.

Supporting an Open Data Platform for independent Analysts

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To preserve data on Russian society and reveal wartime impacts, the organization will build an open database and publish data-driven journalism on the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Resilient Tech-enabled Fundraising for Civil Society and Media

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To improve the sustainability of civil society and media, the organization will train nonprofits on digital fundraising and security tools and provide tailored support for safe online fundraising.

Supporting investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$149,998

To increase the availability of investigative journalism, the organization will publish independent reporting and editorials on political and social topics and mentor earlycareer journalists.

Supporting Political Prisoners

12 Months Duration

$49,639

To support political prisoners and their families, the organization will provide humanitarian aid, raise awareness through media campaigns, and advocate internationally on prisoners’ behalf.

Preserving Regional Media

12 Months Duration

$166,792

To sustain regional media networks providing uncensored information, the organization will support local media teams publishing social and political reporting across a range of digital platforms.

improving the Strategy and Resilience of Civic initiatives

10 Months Duration

$101,010

To strengthen civic activism, the organization will host strategic retreats pairing civic initiatives with mentors to improve operations, planning, and international connections.

Promoting a Pluralistic Society through Civic initiatives

12 Months Duration

$61,676

To strengthen regional initiatives and awareness of various communities’ histories, the organization will publish multimedia content on history and rights and provide small grants to civic initiatives.

Defending Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To facilitate justice and reveal repression, the organization will provide legal defense for a targeted minority, monitor rights violations, and publish reports on hate crimes and restrictive laws.

Defending the Rights of Young People

12 Months Duration

$112,005

To facilitate access to justice for youth, the organization will support lawyers to document rights violations, publish educational videos on legal rights, and provide free legal aid to victims.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Citizen Participation

12 Months Duration

$62,000

To enhance local civil society capacity and youth activism, the organization will train journalists and bloggers, run a mini-grants competition, and support grassroots civic initiatives nationwide.

Supporting Local Activism and Human Rights Defense

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To strengthen civil society resilience under repression, the organization will provide small grants, emergency support, and networking opportunities to local rights defenders and journalists.

Supporting Regional Media

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To promote civic engagement and democratic values, the organization will publish independent news on Ukraine, provide legal aid, and coordinate civic initiatives for political prisoners and refugees.

Promoting Electoral Transparency

12 Months Duration

$87,990

To promote electoral transparency and accountability, the organization will develop innovative video and statistical monitoring methods, present findings to civic leaders, and conduct election observation missions.

Supporting victims of State Repression

12 Months Duration

$94,965

To support political prisoners and their families, the organization will advocate before national and international bodies, raise awareness of repression cases, and provide material and legal aid.

Protecting Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$131,997

To combat state violence and promote accountability, the organization will provide legal aid to victims, raise awareness of their cases, and produce multimedia content exposing systemic abuses.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Supporting Pro-democracy Engagement and Resolve

12 Months Duration

$600,000

To strengthen pro-democracy messaging and citizen engagement ahead of the 2026 elections, the Institute will support civil society organizations and activists in developing research-based content addressing public concerns and work with a trusted civic network to implement outreach that connects citizens to local democratic initiatives.

UZBEKiSTAN

Promoting Human Rights and Strengthening Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$99,450

To raise awareness of human and labor rights abuses, the organization will monitor forced labor in the cotton and silk sectors, report violations, and support emerging organizations and civic initiatives within its network of labor and human rights monitors.

Supporting investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To advance anti-corruption journalism, the organization will train new journalists, produce investigative reports, and invest in video formats for broader impact.

Developing Local independent Media

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To inform public discourse on key social and political topics, the organization will produce documentaries, podcasts, and videos on quality of life issues, highlighting how government policies affect daily life and engaging citizens who rarely participate in political life.

Promoting Human Rights and Strengthening Civil Society

24 Months Duration

$180,000

To raise awareness of human and labor rights abuses, the organization will monitor and report on forced labor and repression and support emerging civic initiatives from its volunteer network.

CENTRAL ASiA REGiONAL

Strengthening Human Rights Defense

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To support the development of human rights defenders and civic leaders, the organization will hold public events for youth, conduct training programs for young lawyers and activists, and provide a legal clinic and internships to build skills in human rights cases.

Promoting Access to information

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To provide timely and accurate information on human rights developments, the organization will maintain a network of correspondents reporting on domestic conditions, publish breaking news and analysis in multiple languages, and use advocacy campaigns to involve international rights bodies in promoting freedom of movement.

Fostering Civic Engagement in Rural Areas

12 Months Duration

$65,100

To foster community advocacy in rural areas, the organization will train youth activists and support local engagement on non-confrontational issues to build a future cohort of politically active citizens.

Providing Access to independent News

12 Months Duration

$81,200

To provide access to independent news and analysis on Turkmenistan, the organization will publish daily content in Russian and English focused on the regime’s kleptocracy and human rights abuses and conduct targeted international advocacy.

Combating Eurasian Kleptocracy

12 Months Duration

$231,500

To hold Central Asian kleptocrats accountable, the organization will research kleptocratic systems, compile civil society reports on rights violations, publish findings, and share information with the international human rights and policy communities.

Promoting Human Rights

13 Months Duration

$275,000

To support human rights defenders and civil society activists, the organization will provide emergency assistance, award small grants to rural groups, and advocate for civil society protection at the international level.

Fostering Freedom of information

12 Months Duration

$165,000

To provide access to independent information on domestic and world politics, the organization will produce news and analysis for Tajik- and Russian-speaking audiences, covering politics, economics, and current affairs.

Strengthening the Capacity of Human Rights Lawyers

12 Months Duration

$61,700

To promote fundamental freedoms and enhance access to justice, the organization will strengthen the skills and human rights knowledge of young lawyers by connecting them with experienced mentors, providing targeted training, and involving them in pro bono legal consultations and prison monitoring for human rights violations.

Strengthening independent Media Through Consulting and Mentorship

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To enhance the professional and strategic capacity of independent media, the organization will provide mentorship, training, and consultations to outlets across the region to improve content quality, stability, and financial sustainability.

Strengthening Civic Activism and Defending Civil Rights

12 Months Duration

$361,347

To support civic groups and protect human rights defenders, the organization will provide small grants, mentorship, and emergency assistance to activists and journalists facing retribution to strengthen their capacity and resilience.

EURASiA REGiONAL

Mentoring Media for Enhanced Sustainability

12 Months Duration

$149,040

To improve the professional, strategic, and administrative capacity of media organizations in the region, the organization will provide in-depth, continuous mentorship and training to six local media outlets.

Supporting a Campaign to End Forced Labor

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To raise awareness of forced labor practices in agricultural sectors of Central Asia, the organization will work with civil society to address labor rights abuses, coordinate a public campaign, maintain discussions with government officials on reforms, coordinate civil society efforts, and educate international policymakers about regional human rights.

Promoting Public Policy Debates

12 Months Duration

$69,414

To invigorate policy thinking among Eurasian countries seeking deeper Western integration, the organization will cultivate a network of scholars who will meet to discuss democratic security issues and produce publications promoting reforms that foster improved Western integration.

Countering Digital Repression

12 Months Duration

$295,683

To combat internet fragmentation and build resilience to shutdowns, the organization will host a conference series featuring experts from across sectors to explore challenges and responses to global and localized internet shutdowns.

Amplifying Eurasian voices in European Security

9 Months Duration

$36,012

To amplify pro-democracy voices from Eurasian civil society in foreign and security policy discussions, the organization will support independent leaders’ participation in a prominent European security conference and foster cross-regional networks of policy experts.

Promoting Freedom of Religion

13 Months Duration

$123,500

To promote freedom of religion, the organization will monitor and report on violations of religious freedom in the region, publish news and research updates, and serve as an information resource for governments, international bodies, and human rights advocates.

Strengthening and Protecting Civil Society

13 Months Duration

$705,000

To respond to threats to civil society and reinforce local activism, the organization will provide emergency, short, and long-term aid to at-risk human rights defenders and democratic actors allowing them to continue their work.

Supporting Activists at Risk

12 Months Duration

$215,000

To support at-risk human rights activists, the organization will offer emergency relocation, respite, and rehabilitation services, including medical, psychological, networking, and professional development support to sustain regional advocacy networks.

investigating and Exposing Kleptocratic Supply Chains

12 Months Duration

$199,126

To help civil society reveal kleptocratic supply chains and their democratic impact, the organization will provide tailored support to three groups to investigate and publicize illicit energy sector practices, including tool development, research, and publications.

Protecting Labor Rights and Promoting Labor Activism

12 Months Duration

$163,000

To strengthen labor rights, the organization will support activists in Central Asia through training, network building, strategic planning, and advocacy in international bodies, and will mentor activists to develop labor rights initiatives in their own local contexts.

Mapping Networks of Corruption

10 Months Duration

$244,990

To detect and disrupt kleptocratic financial flows in Eurasia and Eastern Europe, the organization will update its database of regional government officials, build profiles of their networks and overseas assets, and collaborate with partners to apply sanctions and anti-money laundering tools against illicit financial activity.

Protecting Democracy Advocates at Risk

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To support human rights defenders, activists, and journalists under threat and build civil society resilience amid political repression, the organization will provide emergency assistance, legal, medical, and psychosocial support, and share best practices with peer human rights organizations.

Strengthening the Sustainability and Exile Media

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To provide emergency support for Eurasian journalists and human rights defenders, the organization will deliver comprehensive assistance to at-risk activists, maintain a co-working space for exiled professionals, and organize trainings and events to promote protection and resilience.

Bolstering Data Journalism

15 Months Duration

$91,656

To develop a network of trained data professionals to incorporate sophisticated data analysis and visualization techniques into independent reporting and evidence-based advocacy, the organization will hold a series of trainings, seminars, and practicums, including an in-residence fellowship, for journalists and civil society activists working in the region.

Strengthening Resilience to Chinese Authoritarian influence

12 Months Duration

$180,000

To counter authoritarian influence and expand access to information on Chinese involvement, the organization will convene stakeholders to strengthen regional cooperation, share research and policy recommendations, and provide legal assistance at the domestic level.

Providing Legal Assistance

12 Months Duration

$160,427

To provide legal assistance for activists and journalists under repression, the organization will employ regional lawyers to deliver legal aid, pursue international cases, and train human rights attorneys.

Supporting Cross-Border Journalistic Cooperation

12 Months Duration

$249,453

To expand access to information and promote regional connectivity, the organization will produce weekly news and opinion pieces and partner with media outlets in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to translate and republish cross-border reporting.

Preserving Memory of Soviet Repression

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To raise awareness of Soviet repression and challenge state historical narratives, the organization will research Gulag sites, produce a documentary film, and host exhibits and educational events highlighting historical crimes.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Advancing Economic Freedom and Resilience

17 Months Duration

$1,690,000

To strengthen economic freedom and resilience across the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, the Center will provide capacity support,

mentorship, and international exchanges for business membership organizations and award small grants to help associations advocate for reforms.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Supporting Eurasian Democratic Actors through Strategic Action

13 Months Duration

$2,500,000

To strengthen the ability of democracy actors to effectively and strategically communicate with the public, the Institute will assist party, government, and civil society partners in Eurasia to design and implement strategic communication plans that utilize insights from political narrative analysis and public opinion research.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Developing Worker Rights Approaches to Countering Kleptocracy

12 Months Duration

$310,000

To strengthen the capacity of independent trade unions, worker rights defenders, and civil society partners to counter kleptocratic networks in Europe and Central Asia, the Center will provide legal aid, promote whistleblower protections, conduct strategic research, and build coalitions between unions and civil society.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Protecting Fundamental Labor Rights in Closing Space

11 Months Duration

$515,500

To strengthen unions’ capacity to defend democratic space by protecting core worker rights, including freedom of association, and conducting policy advocacy around quality public services, the Center will support sectoral unions through seminars, research, informational campaigns, and legal assistance to enhance their democratic resilience amid growing restrictions on civil society.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Workers and Unions as Defenders of Democracy

10 Months Duration

$684,123

To strengthen the capacity of unions and workers in the South Caucasus to build effective workplace democracy, the Center will train unions from multiple sectors on membership outreach, collective bargaining, and issue-based campaigns, and equip workers to educate their colleagues about labor rights and the role of unions in democracy.

EUROPE

ALBANiA

Promoting Fair and Transparent Electoral Processes

12 Months Duration

$13,000

To strengthen civic oversight of political processes, the organization will analyze legislation, political party financing, and public institutions ahead of the 2025 parliamentary election, monitor public officials’ activities, publicize findings, and report irregularities to relevant institutions.

Promoting the Accountability of Public Officials

12 Months Duration

$42,000

To promote accountability of elected officials, the organization will train media and civic representatives to monitor and analyze elected officials’ statements, track local government actions in ten municipalities, publish findings, and present recommendations to relevant officials.

Promoting Accountability and Transparency Through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$42,000

To bolster investigative reporting, the organization will produce in-depth investigations, provide mentorship in investigative reporting, data journalism, and data visualization, and expand its database of judges’ and prosecutors’ assets to investigate and report potential abuses of power.

Fostering the Accountability of Public Officials

12 Months Duration

$36,000

To foster government accountability and amplify youth voices in policy, the organization will train young policy analysts to monitor youth-related policies, produce reports, and advocate with officials, legislators, experts, and civil society to promote recommendations for improving transparency and accountability

Promoting Freedom of Expression and Protections for Journalists

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To raise awareness about freedom of expression and protect journalists and civil society, the organization will train journalists and leaders on their rights, provide legal aid through an online platform and mobile app, and advocate for legislative changes.

Combating Corruption of Public Spending in the Health Sector

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote transparency and accountability, the organization will monitor healthcare funds, prepare recommendations, advocate for investigations on public spending, maintain an online reporting platform, and collaborate with civil society and journalists.

Promoting Citizen Participation and Raising Awareness of Corruption

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote active citizen engagement and foster public dialogue on corruption, the organization will use multimedia to involve citizens in local decision-making, raise awareness of institutional corruption, foster democratic norms on voting and participation, increase political literacy, and share videos on free and fair elections ahead of the 2025 parliamentary election.

Fostering Political Participation of Ethnic Minorities

18 Months Duration

$36,000

To promote active citizenship and political participation of the marginalized Roma community, the organization will train community representatives, facilitate meetings with candidates, run voting simulations and educational workshops on rights and processes, and provide voter participation recommendations to public institutions.

Combating a Culture of impunity Through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To uncover corruption in the construction industry and enhance government accountability, the organization will create an online database of construction projects, analyze findings, and collaborate with journalists to produce investigative stories on potential corruption.

Promoting Transparency in Decision-Making and Active Citizen Engagement

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To enhance citizen engagement in democratic processes and promote transparency in public decision-making, the organization will empower citizens around the 2025 election, develop a nonpartisan educational online platform, conduct youth workshops on electoral processes, and organize public forums with candidates.

Promoting Transparency in Public Spending

12 Months Duration

$46,000

To promote transparency in public spending, the organization will maintain and expand a user-friendly platform visualizing tenders and procurements by government institutions, highlighting nontransparent practices, especially ahead of elections.

Promoting Accountability of Elected Officials

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote the transparency and accountability of elected officials, the organization will maintain a nonpartisan database of unvetted officeholders, issue monitoring reports, advocate for thorough investigations and proper vetting, and assist political parties in embedding integrity and good governance.

Promoting Anticorruption Mechanisms

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To produce impactful investigative reporting on corruption, the media organization will publish in-depth articles based on whistleblower disclosures, mentor journalists on investigative methods, whistleblower rights, and advanced digital and data skills, and operate a secure open-source submission system for sharing information on abuses of power, corruption, and retaliation.

BELARUS

Promoting Political Awareness and Youth Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$119,000

To strengthen public understanding of political processes and civic engagement among youth, the organization will produce videos and articles on reforms with experts and organize online and in-person events.

Supporting Access to independent Reporting and Analysis

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To enhance citizens’ understanding of key political and socio-economic developments and ensure access to independent reporting, the organization will publish multimedia content on major domestic, regional, and international events and developments.

Defending Human Rights and Assisting victims of Repression

12 Months Duration

$190,000

To monitor human rights violations and support victims of political prosecutions, the organization will document human rights abuses, raise awareness, offer legal aid to political prisoners, and track court cases.

Promoting Accountability through investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To raise international awareness of regime abuses, the organization will conduct journalistic investigations, publish findings online, and collaborate with media, rights groups, and policymakers for broader impact.

Strengthening Youth Participation in Civic initiatives

24 Months Duration

$78,000

To strengthen youth engagement in civil society, the organization will conduct leadership trainings, consultations, information campaigns, and a civic initiative competition, and promote activities through digital platforms and media.

Strengthening the Digital Security and Resilience of Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To enhance digital and operational security for civil society, media, and rights groups, the organization will deliver digital safety trainings, consultations, online resources, and conduct in-depth organizational security assessments.

Strengthening Regional Civil Society and Citizen-Led initiatives

12 Months Duration

$17,000

To build regional civil society capacity and foster participation, the organization will host trainings, events, and consultations, and provide digital, logistical, and psychosocial support to local activists.

Fostering Citizen Engagement to Address Community issues

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To build citizens’ capacity to engage and mobilize communities on local issues, the organization will educate residents on available mechanisms, publish information on social media, and support civic leaders in maintaining an online presence.

Strengthening Citizen Participation in the Regions

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To promote civic engagement, the organization will work with young citizens to identify and discuss local issues, organize trainings for civic activists, mentor local leaders, assist in promoting participation, and expand its alumni network.

Strengthening Public Access to independent Reporting and Analysis

24 Months Duration

$160,000

To enable access to independent information, the organization will produce news and analysis on political and socio-economic topics, conduct investigative reporting, and adapt content into multimedia formats for greater accessibility on social media platforms.

Supporting independent Regional Media

12 Months Duration

$77,000

To sustain regional media and expand access to independent information, the organization will operate multiple outlets publishing local reporting and engage readers through active social media interaction.

Strengthening Online Civic Engagement for Democracy Activists

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To develop digital tools that promote democratic values, the organization will create an online platform for citizen collaboration, facilitate public dialogue, and connect democracy activists through digital networking.

Pursuing Accountability for War-Related Crimes

12 Months Duration

$149,000

To promote justice and accountability for war-related crimes, the organization will collect and analyze evidence of aggression, share findings with international institutions, raise public awareness, and advocate for legal redress.

Bolstering the Capacity and Outreach of an independent Media Outlet

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To foster freedom of expression and access to information, the organization will publish reporting and analysis on national and regional politics and engage younger audiences through social media platforms.

Strengthening Citizen Participation

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To build the capacity of civil society and facilitate citizen engagement, the organization will train and mentor active citizens in self-governance and participation, publish original research, host civic events, and support new local initiatives.

Advocating for Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To protect and support independent media and free expression, the organization will monitor and report press freedom violations, publish findings through reports and newsletters, and share data with the global advocacy community.

Strengthening an independent Digital Publication

12 Months Duration

$84,000

To enhance public access to independent information, the organization will produce multimedia content in Russian and Belarusian on political developments and disseminate it through social media to reach new audiences.

Fostering Justice and Accountability for Gross Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$180,000

To promote accountability for the regime’s human rights abuses through international legal mechanisms, the organization will assist investigations, advocate before European governments, international courts, and intergovernmental bodies, and coordinate joint civil society advocacy.

Promoting Awareness of Corruption and Sanction Evasion

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To enhance the responsiveness of decision makers and increase international pressure on the regime, the organization will produce and publish multimedia investigative materials on public-interest topics and share them with media partners and policymakers.

Preserving and Developing Civic Activism in the Regions

12 Months Duration

$36,768

To support civil society at the regional level, the organization will host networking and civic education events to sustain initiatives and solidarity and provide legal support and consultations to citizens seeking redress.

Fostering Citizen Participation and Deliberation of Democratic Reforms

12 Months Duration

$300,000

To strengthen citizen participation and promote democratic reforms, the organization will conduct online and offline campaigns and events, foster public debate, engage allies, and coordinate advocacy.

Supporting independent investigative Reporting and Analysis

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To promote a greater understanding of complex public-interest issues, the organization will publish materials on political and economic developments affecting the country and region across its website and social media channels.

Fostering Citizen Participation and Strengthening Civic initiatives

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To strengthen civil society and grassroots initiatives, the organization will organize study trips and trainings on project implementation, promote peer exchange among activists, and administer a small-grants program for civic projects.

Supporting independent Media in Exile

12 Months Duration

$99,000

To support the sustainability of exiled media professionals, the organization will deliver capacity building, networking, and logistical resources, offer a co-working and convening space, provide audience research and psychosocial support, and facilitate collaboration.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Supporting the Democratic Forces

18 Months Duration

$300,000

To build the capacity of the pro-democracy movement, the Institute will train political actors to communicate with constituents, develop coherent strategies, and conduct outreach campaigns, with a focus on fostering youth participation.

BOSNiA AND HERZEGOviNA

Promoting Youth Engagement

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote youth civic engagement and debate on key issues, the association’s youth center will conduct civic education activities to foster expression and participation, implement a get-out-the-vote campaign ahead of local elections, and run a public education campaign on current political events.

Fostering Objective Reporting on War Crimes Trials

5 Months Duration

$10,000

To advance transitional justice and the rule of law, the organization will monitor war crimes trials, produce daily coverage of domestic cases and past abuses, monitor the implementation of war crimes proceedings, and inform the public about the role of objective media during conflict.

Promoting Youth Engagement Ahead of Elections

12 Months Duration

$56,000

To foster civic engagement and strengthen youth participation ahead of elections, the organization will run civic education workshops, convene public events on youth roles in democratization, produce audio and video programs, and implement a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaign.

Promoting Elected Officials’ Accountability

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To promote financial transparency and political accountability, the organization will produce and distribute investigative articles and multimedia content on elected officials’ wealth, alleged abuse of power, and public spending

Promoting Accountability Through New Technology and Media

12 Months Duration

$107,000

To strengthen political accountability ahead of local and general elections, the organization will maintain a web platform comparing political statements with policies, monitor local government performance, and host an annual conference to showcase innovative accountability initiatives.

Promoting Public Debate and Accountability Through Online Media

12 Months Duration

$46,000

To promote democratic values and public debate, the group’s news portal will provide an independent forum for discussions on government performance, analyzing campaign messages, monitoring officials, and demanding accountability.

Promoting Accountability of Elected Officials and the Use of Technology in Election Monitoring

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote transparency and fairness in local elections, the watchdog will evaluate political campaigns, monitor party and public institution financing, publish findings, establish a network of monitors, and leverage a mobile app to enhance citizen engagement in election oversight.

Promoting Reconciliation Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To encourage creative approaches to transitional justice and reconciliation among youth, the organization will train young people to document local stories, provide mentorship with media professionals, and implement a multi-ethnic youth school.

Fostering Civic Engagement Through Online Media

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To raise awareness of local government performance and foster citizen engagement, the organization will produce news and analysis, offer a nonpartisan platform for civic dialogue, and collaborate with local coalitions to promote initiatives and facilitate dialogue with authorities.

Promoting Youth Engagement and Reconciliation

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote youth engagement in conflict resolution, the organization will hold workshops on transitional justice, raise awareness about recent past in the Prijedor region, lead commemorative events, and monitor the local assembly’s work on human rights.

Advancing Transitional Justice Through Memorialization

12 Months Duration

$34,000

To advance transitional justice and reconciliation, the organization will expand its network of advocates, promote memorialization policies, document Srebrenica genocide survivors’ experiences, and support peace movements to combat genocide denial.

Promoting Women’s Participation in Local Decision-Making

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen the political capacity of women’s associations and promote greater participation of women in local decision-making, the organization will provide civic education, political leadership training, and support advocacy campaigns in neglected or divided municipalities.

Promoting innovative Approaches to Reconciliation

12 Months Duration

$155,000

To foster innovative approaches to promoting inter-ethnic understanding and reconciliation among youth, the organization will create a multimedia archive of personal stories from the 1992-95 war, educate students, and present exhibitions nationwide.

Fostering Tolerance and Pluralism Through Legal Mechanisms

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen protection mechanisms against hate speech and hate crimes, the organization will enhance the capacities of prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement, train journalists and students on hate speech issues, and foster broader discussions on the matter.

Promoting Citizen Participation in Local Government

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote local government accountability and transparency, the organization will strengthen communication between councils, officials, media, and citizens, facilitate networking and training on civic participation, and advocate for increased civic engagement.

Promoting Accountability through Online Media

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To encourage public debate on social, political, and economic challenges, the organization will maintain a web platform for independent news and discussion, track politicians’ performance, and investigate alleged corruption cases

Advancing Democratic values and Active Citizenship Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$37,000

To foster active citizenship and empower youth leaders, the organization will train participants on democratic topics, civic engagement, human rights, and critical thinking, while building skills through research projects, campaigns, group work, and a debate tournament on democracy-related issues.

Challenging a Culture of impunity for War Criminals

12 Months Duration

$88,000

To raise awareness of 1990s war crimes and hold perpetrators accountable, the organization and its Banja Luka partner will gather evidence, publish a comprehensive database of prosecuted individuals, and use it to advocate against the acceptance of perpetrators in political life.

Advancing Transitional Justice for War victims

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To advance war victims’ rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the organization will propose legal amendments, promote restorative justice mechanisms, and expand outreach and advocacy through cooperation with like-minded initiatives.

Strengthening independent Local Media

12 Months Duration

$28,000

To inform citizens in southeastern Herzegovina, the organization will operate a web platform providing independent news, socio-political analysis, and investigative reporting on corruption, and serve as a community discussion forum.

Promoting Active Citizenship Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote youth civic activism in northeast Bosnia, the organization will continue its youth academy, support local governance initiatives, facilitate dialogues with public officials, and monitor municipal council sessions for accountability.

Promoting Civic Education through Media

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To expand civil society outreach and engagement, the organization will produce episodes of a TV series showcasing civic initiatives and discussions by civic leaders on key issues ahead of the 2026 elections.

Enhancing Political Accountability through Online Media

12 Months Duration

$72,000

To strengthen media freedom and public debate on political accountability, the organization will operate an investigative journalism platform and forum, inform citizens about public officials’ responsibilities, and monitor elected performance.

Fostering Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster civic engagement and debate pressing political issues, the organization will train civic leaders on nonpartisan engagement, conduct public outreach campaigns highlighting local issues, and foster public debate using politically engaged performances, satire, and social media, and run a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaign ahead of general elections.

Encouraging Youth Participation in Political Processes

15 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote youth participation in democracy, the organization will connect youth with institutions and candidates, conduct political education, and organize nonpartisan voter outreach and mobilization efforts.

Promoting Civic Dialogue in Closing Spaces

12 Months Duration

$47,000

To promote public dialogue on political issues, the organization and its civil society coalition will educate citizens on key topics, strengthen partner organizations, and provide legal assistance to human rights defenders.

Providing Objective Reporting on War Crimes Trials

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advance transitional justice and the rule of law, a network of journalists will monitor trials in war crimes chambers, provide daily online coverage on cases and past abuses, and track implementation of the national war crimes strategy.

Fostering Public Debate On Local issues

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen media freedom and foster public debate, the organization will operate an independent web platform informing citizens on political developments, monitoring officials’ performance, educating voters, publishing anti-corruption investigations, and reporting local issues.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Resilience to Political Capture

12 Months Duration

$650,000

To foster legislative resilience and institutional reform, the Institute will support lawmakers from politically diverse backgrounds to identify governance risks and develop cross-party legislative solutions that promote accountability and democratic progress.

KOSOvO

Promoting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$73,000

To promote access to independent information on Kosovo’s political and social developments, as well as the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, the project will support a media portal offering analysis, investigative reporting, and news.

Fostering Civic Oversight of Local Government

10 Months Duration

$41,000

To promote civic oversight of local government institutions, the organization will coordinate a partner network to advance transparency and accountability reforms, work with executive institutions to address legal hurdles, and develop local council guidelines and a national database.

Encouraging Reconciliation Through New Approaches to Transitional Justice

12 Months Duration

$58,000

To promote reconciliation among youth, the organization will bring together human rights defenders and socially engaged artists to discuss peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and transitional justice, and produce plays to engage audiences in open dialogue.

Promoting Government Transparency Through Media

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote transparency and accountability, the organization will develop an online platform to map institutional openness and highlight areas for improvement using accessible data visualizations.

Promoting Critical Thinking and Active Citizenship Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$38,000

To promote civic engagement and multi-ethnic cohesion among youth, the organization will create a non-formal education curriculum on civic activism, establish clubs in rural areas, facilitate political debates, and engage public officials and experts on youth and democracy issues.

Fostering Youth Participation in Political Processes

12 Months Duration

$42,000

To promote youth civic engagement and political participation, the organization will build young leaders’ capacity to run for local office, establish youth cooperation hubs, launch an online debate platform, and host an annual conference for newly elected local councilors to enhance their skills in addressing citizen concerns.

Fostering Transitional Justice, Dialogue, and Historical Understanding

12 Months Duration

$105,000

To raise awareness of historical facts from past conflicts and encourage dialogue, the organization will educate citizens and youth on transitional justice through public events and a summer school, while training judicial officials, analyzing war crimes trials, and advocating for transparency in transitional justice

Promoting the Rule of Law and Accountability of Judicial institutions

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote transparency and accountability in the judicial system and the implementation of the National Strategy on the Rule of Law, the organization will monitor public institutions, publish reports, convene judicial representatives to discuss findings, and produce television shows on the rule of law.

Strengthening interethnic Cohesion and independent Local Ethnic Minority Media

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote independent reporting and interethnic collaboration, the organization will produce investigative and analytical stories on key social, economic, and political developments impacting various communities, distribute content, and offer training to partner media outlets

Strengthening Youth Civic Participation in Political Processes

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen youth civic engagement in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, the organization will train and mentor a multiethnic group of researchers, produce policy briefs, engage experts and youth in scenario forecasting, publish research, and organize an annual conference and events.

Fostering Constructive Public Debate and Social Cohesion Through Media

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster public debate on key political, economic, and social issues, the organization’s online platform will host discussions by experts, civic leaders, and intellectuals, promoting practical solutions and democratic values.

Supporting independent Ethnic Minority Media and interethnic Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster independent reporting and interethnic dialogue, the organization will support a platform publishing daily news and video interviews that present peoplecentered perspectives on the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and challenge stereotypes.

Fostering Political Dialogue on interethnic and Social Cohesion

11 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster multiparty dialogue and champion political leadership on inter-ethnic cooperation, the organization will conduct surveys and focus groups, convene dialogues and workshops among communities, engage youth and ethnic minorities, and advocate for national and local policies based on findings.

Fostering interethnic Cooperation and Civic Engagement Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$58,000

To promote interethnic dialogue in the Mitrovica region, the organization will bring together ethnically diverse youth for civic education and advocacy activities, and will share personal stories on digital platforms to foster empathy and reduce polarization.

Fostering Ethnic Minority Civic Engagement and Participation

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster constructive engagement of Kosovo’s Serb minority in civic and political processes, the organization will build the capacity of young leaders and community

representatives through skills development and community organizing experience to address local needs and advocate for change.

Enhancing Participation in Decision-Making Processes

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster Kosovo Serb engagement in political processes and facilitate public dialogue, the organization will monitor policies affecting Kosovo Serbs, publish research, conduct advocacy to advance policy recommendations, and engage civil society, journalists, and community leaders to promote interaction with institutions in Prishtina and Belgrade.

Promoting interethnic Cooperation Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote interethnic youth collaboration, the organization will expand a regional youth forum across five municipalities, train over one hundred youth in communication, advocacy, and conflict resolution, implement advocacy initiatives, organize study visits, and build capacity in the Mitrovica region.

Supporting Media Pluralism

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To foster freedom of expression and media pluralism, the organization will support ethnic minority broadcasters through roundtables, trainings, and cooperation, advocate alignment of media policy with international standards, and press for implementation of the legal framework.

Supporting Objective Reporting by Ethnic Minority Media

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To strengthen independent media and provide objective information to ethnic minority communities, the local radio and television station will broadcast a daily news program with field reports, citizen and official interviews, and expert analysis on Kosovo-Serbia relations and ethnic minority rights.

MOLDOvA

Fostering the Adoption and implementation of Key Reforms

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen democratic processes, the think tank will monitor reform efforts in key policy sectors, produce expert analyses, and share policy recommendations with government institutions.

Promoting Human Rights Protections in the Regions

12 Months Duration

$98,500

To strengthen human rights protections, the organization will provide legal assistance and strategic litigation, engage in developing and monitoring national policies, and promote its work through media, events, and publications.

Bolstering Civic Participation in Monitoring Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To empower civic oversight of local governance and encourage discourse on political matters, the organization will expand its online portals for citizen engagement, provide resources on legal entities, facilitate public voting on key issues, and analyze parliamentary and other legislative sessions.

Promoting Efficient Use of Open Data for Transparent Governance

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote access to information and transparent governance, the organization will conduct research, develop policy recommendations on the newly enacted access to information law, and monitor its implementation while training civil society on open data monitoring.

Fostering Judicial Transparency Through Digital Tools

12 Months Duration

$54,000

To strengthen judicial accountability and transparency, the organization will maintain an updated database of judges and prosecutors, publish a monthly news brief, and collaborate with investigative media on corruption cases within the judiciary.

Promoting Accountability and Transparency in Public Procurement

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster accountability and transparency of government spending, the organization will monitor public procurement cases, scrutinize the National Agency for Settling Complaints, hold roundtables on public procurement reforming, and expand its public procurement portal.

Educating voters Ahead of the Constitutional Referendum

5 Months Duration

$50,000

To educate voters and counter Kremlin propaganda ahead of a constitutional referendum, the organization will launch a school for micro-influencers and conduct a nonpartisan voter education campaign supporting the country’s pro-democratic trajectory.

Enhancing Electoral Transparency Through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To inform and engage citizens during elections, the organization will publish nonpartisan investigative reports on election processes and candidates and produce videos to analyze anti-democratic narratives.

Strengthening independent Russian-Language Reporting

12 Months Duration

$79,000

To support independent reporting and promote public discussions on political developments, the organization will maintain its Russian-language website and social media, produce news, and expand its content in other languages.

Ensuring Accountability Through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$71,000

To monitor government accountability and anti-corruption efforts, the organization will track reforms, investigate alleged corruption, and share reports and publications.

Advancing Democratic Reforms Through independent Media

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen public understanding of democratic reforms among the Russianspeaking population, the organization will produce a weekly Russian-language analytical talk show featuring political analysis, interviews, and debates.

Educating Transnistrian voters ahead of Parliamentary Elections

12 Months Duration

$81,000

To raise awareness among Transnistrian voters, the media group will produce nonpartisan voter education content, inform residents on party positions regarding the conflict, and monitor post-election progress on conflict resolution.

Fostering investigative Journalism and Nurturing the New Generation of investigative Reporters

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote investigative journalism and support media development, the organization will train and mentor young journalists to produce video investigations on corruption and publish interviews with key public figures.

Strengthening independent Media

12 Months Duration

$53,000

To foster access to independent Russian-language news, the organization will expand coverage through weekly talk shows on political reforms, economic development, local governance, the war in Ukraine, and distribute content via its website and social media.

Supporting independent Russian Language Media

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To enhance access to independent reporting and strengthen independent media, the organization will produce news, articles, and videos on topics such as corruption, the economy, reforms, EU integration, human rights, and developments in southern regions.

Supporting independent Regional Media Reporting

12 Months Duration

$63,000

To enhance access to independent news in the northern regions, the organization will expand its news portal with daily coverage of political and socio-economic developments, promote accountability among elected officials, and monitor ongoing reforms.

Nurturing a New Generation of Political and Civil Society Leaders

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen youth leadership in politics and civil society, the organization will run workshops, trainings, and mentorship programs to build communication and advocacy skills and empower participants to lead initiatives.

Strengthening the Capacity of National and Regional Media

12 Months Duration

$66,000

To support strategic development of independent media, the organization will mentor national and regional outlets on sustainable growth, facilitate exchanges and internships, and strengthen a network of media leaders.

Fostering Civic Engagement in Gagauzia

12 Months Duration

$36,000

To strengthen youth participation in local democratic processes, the organization, in collaboration with another group, will conduct trainings and civic education events, organize visits to institutions and CSOs, support youth-led initiatives, and distribute informational materials.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Building Public Engagement Through Elections

11 Months Duration

$600,000

To strengthen political parties’ capacity ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections, the Institute will train party leaders, candidates, and campaign teams on candidate identification, messaging, and voter mobilization, and support nonpartisan Get Out the Vote campaigns and regional conferences in support of free and fair elections.

MONTENEGRO

Promoting Accountability through Online Media

10 Months Duration

$35,000

To promote financial transparency and accountability of political leaders on strategic investments, the organization will publish investigative articles, launch a podcast on abuses of power and corruption, and share findings with media, civil society, and government agencies.

Strengthening the Capacity of investigative Media

12 Months Duration

$19,000

To strengthen investigative media capacity and promote financial transparency, the organization will publish analyses on underreported financial risks, collaborate with local media and civil society to distribute and republish its findings, and enhance capacity through training and strategic planning.

Fostering Public Dialogue on Transitional Justice

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To foster public dialogue on transitional justice, the organization will host lectures, seminars, and training for university students and youth political party members,

promoting awareness of the 1990s wars and bolstering youth engagement in reconciliation.

Strengthening Judiciary and Electoral Reform Processes

12 Months Duration

$89,000

To strengthen electoral integrity and judicial reform, the organization will monitor elections and reform progress, publish analyses, and advocate with officials and civil society while observing electoral bodies and polling stations.

Fostering Public Debate and improving the Quality of Public Discourse in the Legislature

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To promote political accountability and policy dialogue, the organization will monitor parliamentary work, identify transparency gaps, and advocate for policy improvements through engagement with MPs and public officials.

Advancing the Process of Transitional Justice

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To advance transitional justice, the organization will monitor war crimes trials, analyze war crimes strategy implementation, conduct youth-focused public education, and offer legal aid to victims.

Promoting Transparent and Accountable Public Spending

12 Months Duration

$97,000

To strengthen oversight of political and institutional financing, the organization will investigate and report on misuse of public spending around elections, raise awareness of corrupt practices, advocate for regulatory reforms, and increase citizen awareness of cases of misappropriation of public funds.

Fostering Multiparty Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To enhance citizen participation and reduce polarization, the organization will implement an engagement methodology to promote citizen-centered governance and foster cross-party political dialogue.

NORTH MACEDONiA

Promoting Accountability Through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To expand the quality, reach, and impact of reporting on transparency and accountability in local governance, the organization will foster public debate and further develop its network of local reporters to produce high-quality analytical and investigative coverage of political events and their impact on local communities.

Promoting Accountability Through independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To support independent and investigative media, the organization will work with journalists, especially women and youth, on news stories, investigative analyses, and video documentaries related to good governance and corruption, and host its annual media festival with public discussions.

Strengthening Media Literacy Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen media awareness among youth, the organization will train youth and teachers in analytical approaches to political developments and the media landscape, featuring educational videos, training, and a board game tournament.

Promoting Youth Engagement in Accountability of Public institutions

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen youth engagement in promoting transparency in higher education, the organization will train students to identify and combat corruption, produce a university transparency report, and host a national student forum to advocate for student rights and accountability.

Promoting Objective Reporting in Ethnic Minority Language

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To provide reliable independent information to ethnic minority communities, the organization will produce reports, analyses, and expert interviews on democratic reforms, rule of law, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts.

Promoting Accountability Through independent Reporting

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To support independent reporting and enhance public official accountability, the organization will produce a semiweekly television program with analyses and investigative stories for the public broadcaster and promote it on its website and social media.

Fostering Local Youth Activism and Leadership

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To foster youth civic engagement at the local level, the organization will run a leadership program for youth outside the capital, support community initiatives, and advocate for youth engagement in local decision-making.

Fostering Public Participation in Constructive Political Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster political pluralism and meaningful citizen engagement, the think tank will organize public discussions, a deliberative polling program, and advocacy with parliamentarians on the country’s democratic future.

Combating Corruption in Healthcare Public Procurement

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote transparency in healthcare spending, the organization will investigate public fund use, publicize potential corruption, and advocate policy reforms to relevant state institutions and the public.

Promoting Citizen Engagement in Local Government Decision-making

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To encourage citizen participation and innovative local governance, the civic-tech group will enhance its AI-powered platform, expand to ten municipalities, provide digital literacy training, and host a forum on data-driven policymaking.

Fostering a Culture of Accountability, Dialogue, and integrity in Politics

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To bridge political polarization and promote integrity, the organization will analyze political party records, produce reports, and convene discussions to foster multiparty dialogue and accountability.

Promoting Youth Engagement

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote youth civic engagement and dialogue in multi-ethnic communities, the organization will train high school students in advocacy, digital campaigning, leadership, and participation, mentor them in implementing campaigns on human rights and conflict resolution and support their role as agents of social change in areas facing inter-ethnic strife.

Encouraging Civic Engagement in Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To encourage civic engagement in local governance, the organization will support community groups to advocate during local elections, operate a media platform, and promote citizen input on local issues.

Empowering Citizen Engagement and Participation on Accountability

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To strengthen citizen oversight and promote accountability of public institutions, the organization will combat healthcare clientelism and corruption through research and

monitoring, advocate legislative reforms, coordinate an activist network, and maintain an online transparency platform.

Fostering Debate on Accountability and Anti-Corruption

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To broaden understanding of institutional accountability and improve anti-corruption policy responses, the organization will monitor strategies and debates, produce policy memos and advocacy campaigns, train party members, and mobilize citizens through public awareness efforts.

Fostering Good Governance and Public Administration Reforms

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote good governance and public debate on institutional accountability, the organization will monitor public administration reforms and practices, produce reports, and organize advocacy events with ministries, civil society, media, parliamentary committees, and political parties.

Fostering investigative Journalism and Public Debate

12 Months Duration

$68,000

To support investigative reporting, the media outlet will produce and distribute solutions-oriented content highlighting cross-cutting social, political, and economic challenges that cut across ethnic, political, and socio-economic divides.

SERBiA

Promoting Civic Engagement in Local Communities

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To foster active citizenship and build the capacity of grassroots initiatives, the association will provide trainings in communication, advocacy, and program development, host socio-political events, and offer event space and technical assistance for civic dialogue.

Strengthening independent Local Media

12 Months Duration

$107,000

To strengthen independent reporting and foster greater interaction between citizens and local media, the organization will enhance its online portal with nonpartisan multimedia content, distribute subgrants for investigative stories and provide bilingual news for Serbian and Albanian-speaking audiences.

Fostering Public Debate and independent Reporting

12 Months Duration

$57,000

To foster public dialogue on reforms in Serbia and promote fiscal transparency and accountability, the organization will initiate discussions on political issues, produce policy recommendations, and conduct investigations into the economic impact of rule of law issues.

Strengthening Civic Participation in Eastern Serbia

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote active citizenship and civic participation, the organization will strengthen its network of civic leaders and initiatives, provide capacity-building trainings, and launch outreach events to promote democracy and civic engagement across the region.

Challenging a Culture of impunity for Past Atrocities

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To raise awareness of 1990s war crimes and contribute to reconciliation, the organization will research and gather evidence on perpetrators, using reports, an interactive website, and digital narratives for outreach, while urging state and international institutions to pursue criminal proceedings.

Fostering Youth Civic Engagement in Promoting Tolerance

12 Months Duration

$49,000

To foster active citizenship and enable young leaders to promote tolerance and pluralism, the organization will develop students’ civic and leadership skills, create an educational network of students, educators, and cultural workers, and organize

activities where participants design and implement advocacy initiatives in their communities

Promoting Creative Approaches to Public Dialogue and Historical Understanding

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To foster creative approaches to public dialogue, historical understanding, and reconciliation, the organization will produce exhibits on antiwar and civic movements in the 1990s, host discussions, create educational resources, and organize traveling exhibitions.

Encouraging Critical Thinking and Open Debate

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To foster public discussion and provide credible analysis on socio-political and economic challenges, the organization will produce original content, translate articles from leading global media, and host expert commentary on its website.

Strengthening independent Media and interethnic Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$52,000

To strengthen independent media and foster inter-ethnic dialogue on democratization, the organization will maintain its media as nonpartisan bilingual platforms for independent news, while expanding its content.

Promoting Transparency in Government infrastructure Projects

12 Months Duration

$43,000

To promote government transparency and accountability, the organization will expand its interactive database on infrastructure project management, produce investigative multimedia stories on illegal construction and money laundering, and share its findings

Promoting Youth Engagement in Political Processes

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote civic participation and public debate ahead of elections in Vojvodina, the organization will run a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaign for young voters, organize public debates, expand multimedia projects on 1990s human rights abuses, and increase outreach through events.

Strengthening the Capacity of Local Media

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen independent local and regional media, the organization will offer free legal aid, tailored consultations, and training for journalists and editorial boards, organize roundtable discussions on emerging challenges, conduct research on media freedom, and advocate for improved regulatory framework.

Supporting Youth Engagement in Eastern Serbia

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote youth civic engagement, the organization will strengthen civic education through school parliament elections, support youth advocacy on key issues, and facilitate community projects and campaigns to foster democratic values and good governance.

Fostering Public Debate on Key issues Affecting Democracy

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster public debate on the state of democracy, the organization will produce analytical articles, host discussions on key issues, and share weekly summaries and social media updates, focusing on challenges to democratization.

Promoting Tolerance Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To promote tolerance among youth in southern Serbia, the organization and partners will host workshops, religious site visits, and community events with Serb and Albanian youth on interethnic dialogue and human rights.

Fostering Youth Engagement

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote youth engagement in Vojvodina, the youth center will facilitate public dialogue, organize educational activities on democracy, and equip youth to engage with local officials.

Strengthening Civil Society Response to Democratic Backsliding

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To counter democratic backsliding, the think tank will convene citizen assemblies with experts and community leaders to address local democracy issues and recommend policies.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Citizen Participation in Political Processes

3 Months Duration

$38,000

To foster civic participation and strengthen accountability in local elections, the organization will conduct a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaign, host local debates, train election observers, and carry out a media campaign to protect voting rights and prevent electoral manipulation.

Promoting investigative Reporting and Media Freedoms

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote transparency and institutional accountability, the organization will apply rigorous journalistic standards to analyze and publish data-driven stories on political mismanagement, corruption, and current affairs, and promote findings through engaging multimedia formats and platforms.

Strengthening the integrity and Transparency of institutional Policy Making

12 Months Duration

$92,000

To reinforce public trust in democratic institutions and improve decision-making, the organization will track reform processes through a policy monitoring framework, analyze developments, and conduct extensive policy dialogues to devise solutions to reinstate accountable and transparent institutional decision-making.

Promoting Public Dialogue and Engagement Among Younger Generations

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote dialogue, historical understanding, and reconciliation, the youth-led organization will educate youth on the 1990s conflict, commemorate Srebrenica, and foster civic engagement and democracy activism.

Strengthening Civic Participation in Democratic Processes

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To improve access to information and participation in local politics, the organization will engage youth and citizens through discussions, outreach, and media production that foster institutional dialogue.

Promoting independent innovative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To facilitate constructive dialogue through independent media and innovative journalism, the media organization will produce engaging content, educate voters on electoral rights, spark public debate on societal and political issues, and train and mentor journalists.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability in infrastructural Development

12 Months Duration

$61,000

To foster public interest and strengthen transparency in infrastructure projects, the organization will apply its monitoring methodology, run information campaigns to raise awareness, and advocate for public-interest protections and greater accountability.

Promoting Political Accountability and Electoral Reform

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen the integrity of the local electoral process and promote democratic participation, the organization will train youth leaders, activists, and journalists on democracy and elections, mentor local initiatives, track electoral processes, and monitor fulfillment of promises.

Promoting Accountability and Civic Participation in Local Decision-Making

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote civic participation in local decision-making, the organization will map citizen needs and participation levels, organize educational public events to increase oversight of local administrations, and highlight avenues for accountable and transparent engagement.

Promoting Professional Digital Journalism

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote professional journalism and strengthen local media outlets, the organization will run a digital journalism school and internships combining e-learning, workshops, and mentorships, report on media trends, and award eight subgrants to enhance outreach and engagement.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Political Parties to Advance Responsiveness to Citizens

12 Months Duration

$650,000

To enable policymakers to engage citizens, the Institute will support political parties on utilizing data to respond to citizens’ priorities at the municipal level.

UKRAiNE

Promoting Citizen Engagement and Public Awareness

15 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote democratic norms and citizen engagement, the organization will produce and broadcast a weekly satirical news program on political, social, and war-related developments to inform and mobilize Ukrainians.

Expanding Access to independent Reporting

3 Months Duration

$30,000

To promote access to information and independent news, the organization will produce daily reporting for its television broadcast in Ukraine, create unique multilingual video news and analytical programs, and distribute content through social media channels.

Promoting Government Accountability and Citizen Oversight

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To promote government accountability and transparency in public procurement, the organization will monitor procurement decisions and major infrastructure projects, report violations to law enforcement, and publicize findings through media and social platforms.

Promoting Accountability Through investigative Media

Reporting in the volyn Region

12 Months Duration

$78,000

To foster investigative reporting, the organization will publish multimedia investigations and articles on political and social developments in Volyn, create content for citizen oversight of public institutions, and use social media to expand its reader community.

Ensuring Access to Local independent News

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To facilitate access to local independent news and information, the organization will provide operational support to local radio stations, primarily in de-occupied and frontline regions, offering expert guidance on improving operations and outreach

Empowering Youth Engagement in Civic Activism and Reconstruction Activities

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To strengthen active citizenship among youth, the organization will lead volunteer activities, organize educational events on war-affected community reconstruction, engage local representatives in project design, and offer project management training for youth councils.

Fostering Government Accountability and Public Awareness of Economic issues

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To enhance citizen understanding of reforms and foster government accountability, the organization will produce weekly media content explaining the impact of policies on economic issues such as taxation, state budget allocations, and public services in an accessible format.

Building the Capacity and Resilience of Regional initiatives

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To enhance the resilience of local civil society during the war, the organization will support civil society organizations and leaders through training, a small grants competition, educational content, and a retreat focused on addressing operational challenges.

Strengthening Civil Society’s Capacity to Promote Social Cohesion

12 Months Duration

$119,000

To sustain and expand a network of psychosocial rehabilitation centers, the organization will train and mentor civic initiatives in facilitating self-help support groups for veterans, their families, and internally displaced people.

Documenting Alleged War Crimes and Promoting Justice and Accountability

12 Months Duration

$128,250

To document and promote accountability for alleged war crimes, the organization will conduct field missions to gather evidence, investigate and report on Russian war crimes, and coordinate documentation efforts with law enforcement agencies.

improving independent Analytical Coverage of Reforms Towards Euro-Atlantic integration

12 Months Duration

$118,000

To enhance media coverage of the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration and facilitate public dialogue on reforms, the organization will produce news and analysis and serve as an expert platform offering content in both Ukrainian and English.

Strengthening Access to independent Reporting via Radio and Online Broadcasting

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To foster democratic discourse and ensure access to information during the war, the organization will produce independent news on political and war developments for FM and online radio broadcast.

Cultivating a New Generation of Journalists

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To enhance the professional capacity of novice journalists and media professionals and bolster the independent media community, the organization will hold mentorship and training programs focused on developing skills and improving both practical and theoretical knowledge.

Fostering Responsive Governance in Local Reconstruction Efforts

12 Months Duration

$69,000

To enhance local government accountability and transparency in wartime, the organization will monitor reconstruction projects and public spending, produce analytical reports and media content, and publicize findings to boost public awareness and advocacy efforts.

Fostering Public Oversight of Judicial Reform

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To ensure civic participation and public oversight of judicial reform, the organization will monitor the judge selection process, oversee qualification assessments, review financial statements, analyze performance, and share findings with the public, filing legal complaints when alleged misconduct or corruption is found.

Promoting Awareness of Corruption Through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster accountability and advance regional investigative journalism, the organization will investigate alleged abuses of power, corruption, and war crimes, sharing findings through original content, while training independent media on investigative tools and approaches.

Strengthening Human Rights Protection for War-impacted Civilians

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To advance civilian protection and promote accountability for war crimes, the organization will monitor human rights violations in occupied territories, prepare policy briefs on political and socio-economic trends, provide legal counseling to war-impacted civilians, share analysis with accountability institutions, and engage in legislative advocacy and awareness raising.

Fostering independent Reporting and Building Social Cohesion in Eastern Ukraine

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To promote independent reporting and grassroots activism, the organization will produce news reports on the Kharkiv region, publish materials, expand its press club audience, and engage the community members in local activism.

Fostering independent Reporting in War-Affected Southern Ukraine

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To ensure access to independent reporting and strengthen regional media capacity, the organization will produce news on regional and occupied-territory developments, publish via its website and social media, and expand its audience with video stories and podcasts.

Strengthening Access to independent information

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote access to independent information, the organization will produce multimedia content on reforms and civil society, highlight civic engagement efforts, and host events to engage readers and community leaders.

Promoting Transparent and Accountable Land Management Under Martial Law

12 Months Duration

$42,000

To bolster community-based solutions and enhance legislative frameworks for transparent land management during the war, the organization will monitor wartime legislation, investigate land misuse, provide capacity-building consultations, and lead advocacy efforts through media partnerships.

Promoting Cross-Regional Democratic Solidarity

6 Months Duration

$75,000

To foster dialogue and build pro-democracy alliances, the organization will organize journalist field visits, stakeholder meetings, media partnerships, and workshops on democratic resilience and human rights.

Supporting Truth-Seeking and Pursuing Justice

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote justice for human rights violations and freedom of expression during war, the organization will collect evidence, update an online memorial, organize events, and arrange journalist visits for dialogue on war crimes and accountability.

Promoting Accountability and Protecting Human Rights Under Occupation

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To enhance legal assistance for citizens in occupied areas and strengthen responses to human rights violations, the organization will monitor abuses, provide free legal aid, publish analytical reports, and advocate for policy changes.

Advancing Social Cohesion Through Digital Storytelling

13 Months Duration

$120,000

To promote social cohesion and educate on the consequences of polarization, the organization will produce documentaries and articles that tell war-related community stories, offering analysis and policy dialogue on reducing polarization.

Enhancing Access to information and independent Reporting in Eastern Ukraine

24 Months Duration

$208,000

To raise awareness in war-affected regions, the organization will publish online news and engage the public in content production guided by professional journalists.

Strengthening Media Resilience and Advancing CrossSector Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To build regional media resilience and promote cross-sectoral dialogue, the organization will continue emergency support, operate a physical hub for war-affected outlets, host a media conference, and launch dialogues on public communication.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability in the Defense Sector

12 Months Duration

$172,000

To monitor anti-corruption reforms in the defense sector, the organization will provide legal and institutional support to the Civic Anti-Corruption Council, conduct expert research, and publish annual briefs to promote accountability and mitigate risks.

Strengthening Civil Society’s Capacity and impact in Northwest Ukraine

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen grassroots civic initiatives and cross-sectoral cooperation, the organization will hold workshops and mentorship programs, culminating in a final event showcasing collaborative community projects.

Fostering Cross-Sectoral Engagement in Grassroots Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To build civil society capacity for civic engagement, the organization will provide grassroots activists with training in project and communication skills, and support community-driven initiatives through mentorship.

Empowering Civil Society Leadership in Community Recovery and Development

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To empower civil society leaders in addressing war-related challenges, the organization will enhance leadership in communication and advocacy, focusing on transparent governance and collaboration with media.

Strengthening Civic Activism and Democratic Participation Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen youth civic engagement, the organization will support new youth groups with training, mentoring, and small grants for local projects, while engaging alumni in networking and skills development.

Promoting Accountability and Justice Through investigative Reporting

24 Months Duration

$250,000

To reveal corruption and promote justice, the organization will conduct investigations, produce video content, raise awareness through analytical publications, and pursue legal accountability using social media platforms.

Strengthening Regional Media and investigative Reporting in War-Affected Areas

24 Months Duration

$120,000

To support regional investigative reporting in war-affected areas, the media outlet will produce daily news and investigations on local governance and spending, while building a civic network to advocate for political responsiveness.

Building Public Understanding of Socio-Political issues

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To bolster public understanding of socio-political issues and editorial standards, the organization will publish expert interviews and analytical articles, using social media to promote verified information and public discourse.

Fostering Public Sector Accountability through investigative Journalism

24 Months Duration

$170,000

To strengthen independent media’s role in governance accountability, the organization will investigate corruption in reconstruction, land distribution, public funds, and war-related violations using open data and multimedia reporting.

Strengthening Oversight of Public Funds for Recovery initiatives

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To ensure transparent public fund use, the organization will monitor reconstruction commissions, analyze procurement, and report violations to regulators and law enforcement.

Strengthening the Resilience of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen the resilience, capacity, and sustainability of civil society organizations, the group will offer mental health workshops, retreats, and consultations to help staff manage trauma, stress, and burnout to continue to operate during war and reconstruction.

Empowering veteran Communities for Political and Social Engagement

12 Months Duration

$72,000

To build the capacity of veteran groups, the organization will mentor and fund veteran initiatives to strengthen their participation in democratic and community life.

Fostering Transparency in Reconstruction Efforts Across Southern Regions

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To support transparent reconstruction governance, the media outlet will produce investigative content on public spending and local developments to identify corruption and promote oversight.

Advancing Participatory Democracy in Local Communities

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To increase institutional resilience of civil society and local governments in small communities, the organization will provide tailored training and mentoring, share campaign updates online, and present best practices in a policy brief and conference.

Bolstering independent Regional Media in War-Affected Northern Regions

13 Months Duration

$54,000

To enhance public access to independent media, the outlet will cover key war-related and political developments through video news and on-the-ground reporting, while building its operational sustainability.

increasing Access to independent Radio Reporting

24 Months Duration

$250,000

To strengthen access to independent reporting and build the capacity of an independent radio station, the organization will report on local developments, broadcast via FM radio transmitters and online, and maintain a website publishing news and local stories.

Supporting independent Reporting and Regional Media Research

24 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote independent news and information on regional developments, the organization will produce and publish reports and analysis on the situation in the occupied territories and the war in eastern Ukraine, expand its audience, and strengthen its sustainability.

Providing Legal Support to victims of Political Persecution

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To protect the rights of politically persecuted individuals and ensure access to justice, the organization will provide legal consultations, draft legal documents, monitor court hearings, work with volunteers to verify reports and gather testimonies on human rights violations, and share findings with media and institutions to raise awareness.

Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Electoral Processes

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote electoral integrity and ethical political engagement in post-war elections, the nonpartisan organization will convene a training program for public sector professionals, civil society, and political parties on tools to uphold integrity and address war-related electoral challenges.

Fostering Transparency, Accountability, and Justice Through Open Data

12 Months Duration

$118,000

To promote financial transparency and access to open data, the organization will develop and promote an AI-based tool to support anti-corruption investigations and collaborate with law enforcement, journalists, and global networks for its effective use.

Strengthening the Wartime Capacity of Local Civil Society Organizations

18 Months Duration

$83,000

To develop the capacity of local civil society organizations and volunteer initiatives, the organization will work with local organizations to train activists on management, sustainability, external communications, and networking.

Providing First-Hand Reporting from the Frontlines and Liberated Territories

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To ensure access to independent war reporting, the organization will produce multimedia coverage from combat zones, distribute content in Ukrainian and English, and collaborate with international media.

Fostering Democratic values and Community through independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen civic communities and access to independent reporting, the organization will publish multimedia content, host events on democratic resilience, and connect engaged citizens across regions.

Strengthening the Capacity of Local Media and Public Access to information

12 Months Duration

$82,000

To bolster regional independent media and freedom of expression, the organization will train journalists, issue a wartime resource guide, and support local content production.

Enhancing Civic Oversight of Political Finance

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To enhance transparency in politics, the organization will establish a civic oversight network to monitor political finance, reveal misuse of resources, and raise awareness through events and media outreach.

Supporting independent Journalism in War-Affected Areas

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To ensure access to credible news in war-affected areas, the organization will report on frontline developments, civilian needs, and corruption cases while strengthening media capacity and sustainability.

Promoting Financial integrity and Accountability

12 Months Duration

$145,000

To promote financial integrity and strengthen expertise in combating financial crime, the organization will conduct workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program on illicit finance and related career development.

Expanding Access to independent Media in Donbas

24 Months Duration

$150,000

To support independent media in frontline and occupied territories, the organization will assist displaced outlets with content production, sustainability, and dissemination of credible reporting.

Promoting integrity and Accountability in the Public Sector

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To promote transparency and reduce corruption, the organization will monitor legislation and high-level cases, investigate corruption risks, and conduct public and international advocacy campaigns.

increasing Regional Awareness of Local Governance in Central Ukraine

12 Months Duration

$67,000

To strengthen regional media capacity and civic participation, the organization will produce local reporting, host community events, grow its audience, and enhance operational sustainability.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Supporting Nascent Activism

24 Months Duration

$244,000

To strengthen civic engagement and grassroots initiatives, the organization will train internally displaced people and local residents, support project implementation, and promote community participation.

Strengthening independent Local Reporting

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen independent media in the Kirovohrad region, the organization will produce multimedia reporting on local issues, expand its audience, and improve operational sustainability through online engagement.

Building veterans’ Capacity for Civic and Community Engagement

12 Months Duration

$134,000

To promote veterans’ civic participation and rights, the organization will create a veteran journalist network, produce multimedia content, offer training and legal aid, and maintain an online resource center.

Building Capacity of War-impacted Local Communities

12 Months Duration

$77,000

To strengthen local community resilience, the organization will conduct training programs for civil society and local officials, support small grants, and build crossborder partnerships with Polish counterparts.

Bolstering Local Reporting in Eastern Ukraine

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote independent journalism and strengthen a news outlet’s capacity, the organization will publish multimedia investigations and reports from eastern Ukraine and expand its reach through online platforms.

Promoting Judicial Accountability and Transparency

14 Months Duration

$130,000

To strengthen civic oversight of judicial reform, the organization will monitor policy implementation, develop recommendations to improve access to justice and integrity, and engage government and international stakeholders.

Fostering Leadership and Sustainability in Regional Media

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To advance media leadership and sustainability, the organization will mentor regional outlets on strategic development and provide networking and educational opportunities for media professionals.

Promoting Government Accountability and Citizen Oversight

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote government accountability and transparency in public procurement, the organization will monitor procurement decisions and major infrastructure projects, report violations to law enforcement, and publicize findings through media and social platforms.

Promoting information Exchange and Networking for Civic Activists

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To enhance civil society organizations’ capacity and civic engagement, the organization will maintain an online knowledge hub with news and analysis, facilitate networking among activists, and provide NGO management consultations.

Strengthening Reporting on Judicial Accountability and Facilitating Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote judicial accountability and access to justice for war crime victims, the organization will produce analytic journalism on trials and investigations, document war crime cases, and advocate for judicial and law enforcement reforms.

Fostering Reforms and Good Governance Related to veterans’ Rights

12 Months Duration

$118,000

To promote civilian oversight and improve governance on veterans’ issues, the organization will identify systemic challenges, propose policy solutions, advocate with institutions, and provide legal assistance and information to veterans and their families.

Supporting independent Reporting in War-impacted Communities

18 Months Duration

$74,911

To ensure independent war reporting and strengthen accountability, the organization will publish multimedia investigations on political, social, and security developments, monitor local authorities, and share tailored content through digital platforms.

Supporting independent Media and Regional Reporting

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen independent media reporting and develop emerging journalists, the organization will produce analytical reports on politics and reforms, mentor young reporters, support video production, and offer internships for students.

Strengthening Civic Oversight and Legislative Accountability

9 Months Duration

$95,000

To enhance legislative transparency and accountability, the organization will develop an analysis-based website tracking lawmakers’ actions, run advocacy campaigns with civil society partners, submit draft legislation, and produce media content to foster public dialogue on decision-making.

Strengthening the Capacity of Regional Media and Sustaining Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To strengthen regional independent media and civic participation, the organization will expand multimedia coverage of key issues, train journalists, support investigative reporting, and enhance organizational sustainability.

Bolstering independent Media and Sustaining Civic Engagement in Northeast Ukraine

12 Months Duration

$105,000

To ensure access to independent reporting and support civic engagement, the organization will publish multimedia news across digital platforms, collaborate with local communities and businesses, host civic events, and implement strategic improvements to strengthen organizational capacity.

Enhancing Data-Driven Reporting to Bolster Civic Oversight in Northeast Ukraine

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen independent reporting and civic oversight of local government, the organization will expand data-driven investigations into corruption, procurement, and misuse of funds in northeast Ukraine and publish findings on war recovery and financial integrity.

Enhancing investigative Reporting on Regional Governance

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To enhance oversight of local government and strengthen independent media in central Ukraine, the organization will produce investigative and analytical content on governance and civic life, expand its subscriber base, and foster audience engagement.

Supporting Regional investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen local investigative journalism and promote public official accountability in the Rivne region, the organization will publish investigations and videos on alleged corruption, file claims with law enforcement, monitor proceedings and responses, and expand outreach capacity.

Empowering Local Communities to implement AntiCorruption Policies

12 Months Duration

$47,000

To advance anti-corruption policy implementation, the organization will research local corruption issues, consult with community stakeholders to create anti-corruption plans, train officials and civic leaders, and collaborate with media to raise public awareness and solutions.

Supporting independent video Journalism

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To expand independent video reporting and access to information, the organization will produce daily analytical and investigative videos featuring commentary and interviews on key political developments.

Supporting Cross-Border investigative Reporting

4 Months Duration

$58,000

To foster accountability for war-related crimes and corruption, the organization will collaborate with Ukrainian journalists to produce cross-border, multi-media investigations on war-related corruption, sanctions evasion, and illicit financial networks, and will disseminate findings through its online platforms and media partnerships in Ukraine and Poland.

Promoting Human Rights Coalition Building

18 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen the coalition of human rights defenders and foster global civil society solidarity, the organization will coordinate coalition activities, produce policy papers, convene meetings and side events, and provide consultations to decision-makers on human rights and security cooperation.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Supporting Democratic Elections

14 Months Duration

$1,300,000

To strengthen political parties and local government capacity for election administration, the Institute will engage party leaders and conduct polling to identify citizen priorities ahead of anticipated elections, enhancing party responsiveness, informing candidate recruitment and voter turnout efforts, and strengthening election planning amid wartime or post-war conditions.

NATIONAL

DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Critical Democratic institutions

12 Months Duration

$1,149,450

To strengthen the capacity of democratic institutions and promote responsiveness among elected officials and political parties, the Institute will provide technical assistance to strengthen constituency outreach and communications.

EUROPE REGiONAL

improving Access to information

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To improve public access to information, the organization will conduct public opinion polls and research, produce comprehensive reports on access to information policies, and share them with relevant governmental bodies, experts, and the public.

Promoting Accountability of Elected Officials

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote the transparency and accountability of the newly elected parliament, the organization will monitor the performance of MPs, and gather, analyze, and publicize parliamentary data, while also disseminating nonpartisan voter education materials about the new electoral processes and candidates ahead of all future elections.

Strengthening independent Digital Media

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen independent digital media, the organization will expand Englishlanguage reporting on key issues, host workshops for regional media cooperation, and maintain a portal and website to share materials.

Fostering Democratic values in Central Europe

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To foster regional dialogue that promotes and defends core democratic values, the organization will produce reports on democratic resilience, create multilingual media content, publish in key outlets, and strengthen its network of pro-democratic opinion leaders through regular events.

increasing Civil Society’s Resilience and Strengthen Cross Border Learning

12 Months Duration

$44,250

To strengthen civil resilience and cross-border learning, the organization will bolster civil society networks, provide peer-to-peer mentorship and connections for civic leaders.

increasing Media Awareness

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To enhance seniors’ understanding of the digital information environment, the organization will assess literacy skills, adapt teaching methodologies, develop educational materials, and conduct workshops.

Exposing Chinese Authoritarian influence

12 Months Duration

$190,000

To monitor and respond to Chinese influence, the organization will partner locally to analyze and report on regional policies, conduct awareness and advocacy campaigns for foreign policy adjustments, and strengthen its broader regional network and platform.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Strengthening Eastern European Economic Resilience

12 Months Duration

$1,499,998

To strengthen economic and democratic resilience in Ukraine and Moldova, the Center will train business associations on global trade and economic risks, connect local leaders with peers and private sector counterparts from democratic countries, and promote market-oriented reform through transparent business advocacy.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Building a Rapid and Effective Response to Threats to Freedom of Association

12 Months Duration

$350,000

To strengthen the ability of independent trade unions, labor rights advocates, and civil society allies to defend freedom of association amid democratic backsliding in Europe and Eurasia, the Center will convene a cross-regional alliance to develop legal and campaign strategies and coordinate rapid, effective responses to attacks on trade unions and their partners.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Maintaining Support for independent Trade Unions and Workers’ Rights

12 Months Duration

$356,991

To promote worker engagement in Ukraine’s reconstruction and support exiled labor rights groups in the region, the Center will provide vocational training and rights education for Ukrainian workers to strengthen their role in reconstruction, and assist exiled groups to strengthen outreach and support for activists in restrictive environments.

SOUTHEAST EUROPE REGiONAL

Fostering Enhanced Media Standards

12 Months Duration

$124,000

To promote media standards and ensure access to independent news, the organization will collaborate with regional watchdogs and investigative groups in Serbia and Montenegro to analyze media trends and publish the findings on a shared regional online platform with country-specific versions.

Fostering improved institutional Transparency

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote transparency and accountability in legislative bodies, the organization will analyze legislatures, support watchdog groups in the region, and maintain platforms to help civic groups monitor parliamentary sessions and officials, advocating for legislative changes.

Fostering a New Generation of Advocates for Transitional Justice and Reconciliation

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advance transitional justice and historical understanding, the organization will host educational events on 1990s war crimes, foster public debate, and offer workshops and internships.

Fostering Regional Cooperation in Journalism

12 Months Duration

$27,000

To counteract the abuse of emerging technologies that threaten democratic processes, the organization will collaborate with watchdog groups to reveal AIgenerated political manipulation, equip partners to investigate technological threats,

and advocate for responsible standards in journalism to address this issue.

Advancing the Process of Transitional Justice and Regional Reconciliation

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To advance transitional justice and promote understanding of 1990s war crimes, the organization will collaborate on a compendium of war victims in former Yugoslavia, organize regional presentations, and advocate for victims’ rights.

Promoting Constructive Dialogue Through Online Media

12 Months Duration

$141,000

To facilitate public discourse on key political, social, and economic challenges hindering regional democratization and reconciliation, the organization will collaborate with regional partners to produce a radio talk show, podcasts, and commentary on its web platform and online media.

Leveraging Technology to Promote institutional Accountability and Transparency

12 Months Duration

$72,500

To promote government transparency, the organization will collaborate with Southeast European watchdogs to create a regional online database, conduct monitoring, and organize a regional conference.

Fostering Tolerance and Understanding Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To foster tolerance among youth and promote constructive dialogue with policymakers, the organization will produce a weekly television series encouraging youth in deeply divided communities to challenge stereotypes and extremist narratives.

Fostering Cross-Border Cooperation Between Ethnic Minority Online Media

8 Months Duration

$89,605

To promote cross-border collaboration among independent online media and highlight ethnic minority rights, the Croatia-based portal and its Bosnian partner will co-produce and exchange articles on key political and social developments to spur debate and awareness.

Promoting Political Accountability Through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$72,000

To promote the transparency and accountability of public officials, the organization will expand its nonpartisan database of political leaders’ assets, while media partners produce investigative articles documenting potential misuse of power.

Strengthening Regional Mechanisms for Combating Corruption and impunity

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To combat regional corruption and impunity, the Banja Luka-based watchdog and partners will support whistleblowers, operate reporting channels, offer legal aid, and advocate for legislative improvements.

Fostering Cross-border Dialogue and Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To foster cross border civic dialogue in Southeast Europe, the Belgrade and Kosovobased organizations will run a regional fellowship and advocacy program including exchanges, research, and joint advocacy actions.

Countering Chinese influence in Southeast Europe

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To monitor and respond to Chinese influence in Southeast Europe, the North Macedonia-based organization will work with partners in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia to support a regional network of organizations conducting research and advancing evidence-based policy interventions on countering foreign authoritarian influence.

Fostering Public Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote peacebuilding and cross-border cooperation between Serbia and Kosovo, the organization will support artists, conduct media and outreach campaigns, convene debates, and host a cultural festival on reconciliation

Combating Corruption through Cross-Border investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$145,000

To promote innovative approaches to exposing transnational corruption in Southeast Europe, the North Macedonia-based organization and partners will convene a crossborder journalism team, test mobile newsrooms engaging citizens, and produce documentaries, podcasts, and investigative articles.

Monitoring Advanced Technologies and Strengthening Civil Society Response

12 Months Duration

$158,000

To raise awareness of advanced technologies’ impact on human rights and strengthen civil society’s response, the organization will research and monitor regional digital footprints, train and fellowship CSOs, provide incident response support, and build its own expertise.

Promoting Cross Border independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$234,000

To strengthen independent digital media outlets and their regional collaboration, the organization will support editorial, organizational, and financial development, mentor partners on audience engagement and operations, and facilitate a regional exchange network for content production.

Fostering Crossborder Media Cooperation and Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$73,500

To foster cross-border media cooperation and interethnic dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, the organization will co-produce a broadcast news and discussion program featuring prominent figures offering alternative perspectives on normalization and transitional justice.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Building Enduring Political Parties

12 Months Duration

$2,000,000

To help rebuild public trust in democratic institutions, the Institute will support Southeastern European political parties in developing citizen-responsive reform agendas through regional collaboration, hands-on planning, and public opinion research.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Promoting Democratic Governance

12 Months Duration

$1,200,000

To promote government transparency and accountability in the Western Balkans, the Institute will convene regional parliamentary exchanges and provide in-country support to strengthen lawmaking and oversight capacity by facilitating peer learning and promoting adherence to institutional integrity and accountability standards.

SOLIDARITY

CENTER (SC)

Defending Freedom of Association

18 Months Duration

$851,860

To strengthen the capacity of workers and trade unions in Albania and Kosovo to defend freedom of association, the Center will train and support unions in membership building and constituency development to enhance worker representation in union decision-making.

GLOBAL

GLOBAL

Protecting Civil Society Access to a Free internet and Digital Rights

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To enhance access to secure digital tools and strengthen a global community of contributors to localize digital resources for a range of contexts, the organization will expand the translation of open-source digital tools and the production of technical glossaries, and will train activists to use localized tools and foster exchanges among volunteers, the civic technology community, and grassroots organizations.

Advancing Human Rights Practices in the Private Sector

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote respect for human rights in the private sector and raise awareness of the impact of business practices on human rights, the organization will support civil society efforts to advocate for human rights protection and strengthen private sector accountability, encouraging dialogue among all stakeholders.

Promoting Human Rights-Based Approaches to internet Governance

4 Months Duration

$34,775

To promote democratic values and human rights online, the organization will mentor advocates to engage in international internet governance bodies, foster expert networks, collaborate with local partners to develop rights-based approaches in the technology sector, and support civil society participation at a key internet freedom convening.

Promoting Citizen Participation in Policymaking

12 Months Duration

$178,000

To enhance the capacity of democratic reformers to advocate for citizen participation, the organization will lead a global consortium to develop resources and a learning program, and work with a pilot cohort to implement strategies for embedding citizen participation in democratic governance.

Promoting Accountability and Ensuring High Journalistic Standards

12 Months Duration

$136,676

To promote accountability and improve the accuracy and reliability of news and information, the organization will coordinate a cross-regional network to exchange best practices on verification, update a code of principles, and foster knowledge sharing among participants.

Nurturing a Global Network of Democracy Defenders

12 Months Duration

$270,000

To strengthen an alliance of pro-democracy leaders and activists from autocratic countries, the organization will support a community of democracy advocates from over sixty countries by providing training on democracy movement building and developing joint advocacy platforms to amplify activists’ voices on key human rights and democracy issues.

Strengthening Participatory Democracy

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To promote best practices in participatory and deliberative governance, the organization will support collaboration between civil society and local governments in the Global South to engage women, youth, and displaced people, while mentoring and building the capacity of civil society groups in Africa, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Latin America.

Fostering a Global Network of Collaborative Governance innovators

12 Months Duration

$165,000

To advance collaborative models of democratic governance at the subnational level, the organization will engage civil society groups, social entrepreneurs, and local government officials from Latin America, Africa, and Asia to co-design and implement

participatory governance initiatives, fostering shared decision-making, cooperation, and accountability, while supporting learning through a global community of practice.

Protecting Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$180,000

To strengthen collaboration for the protection of human rights defenders, the organization will expand a network of cities across Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, and Latin America that offer temporary relocation, convene strategic planning consultations, support peer exchange to address global challenges, and conduct field visits to grow the network in underserved regions.

Building Capacity and Collaboration to Combat Foreign Authoritarian influence

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To enhance the capacity of organizations in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Eurasia, and Latin America, the organization will strengthen partners’ ability to collaboratively detect, monitor, and reveal foreign authoritarian information operations, promoting a more coordinated and efficient cross-regional response to emerging foreign authoritarian interference campaigns.

Bolstering Legislative Support for Human Rights and Democratic Norms

12 Months Duration

$465,000

To foster global support for democratic norms, the organization will expand a multiregional network of parliamentarians, liaise with civic actors, and convene events to inform international policy dialogue and advocate for a coordinated response to China’s efforts to undermine human rights, democratic systems, and the international rules-based order.

Consolidating Deliberative Democracy Practices in the Global South

12 Months Duration

$190,000

To strengthen democratic governance, the organization will support a network of democracy practitioners to develop and assess innovative deliberative democracy methodologies, focusing on citizen participation, adaptation to Global South contexts, and the integration of civil society in the design of deliberative mechanisms.

Fostering Dialogue on international Religious Freedom

9 Months Duration

$110,000

To promote freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, the organization will convene regional events and a cross-regional summit to foster dialogue on authoritarian repression and challenges to religious freedom, bringing together participants from Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa.

Fostering Collaboration and Solidarity Among Journalists

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To strengthen a collaborative investigative journalism network, the organization will provide a secure platform for at-risk journalists, expand efforts to deter violence against journalists, offer emergency responses, and enhance digital security, while engaging journalists under threat in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Strengthening Transnational Collaboration in Responding to Modern Kleptocracy

12 Months Duration

$370,000

To promote accountability and counter kleptocracy, the organization will develop an expert network across multiple regions to assess sanctions implementation, inform dialogue on systemic gaps in responding to Russian illicit finance, and lead workshops on strengthening policy responses related to sanctions, financial systems, and authoritarian powers.

Amplifying Global South voices for internet Freedom and Privacy Online

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To promote privacy rights and raise awareness of the human rights implications of emerging digital technologies, the organization will strengthen a coalition of civil society groups in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to enhance advocacy efforts

defending human rights in a data-driven digital age, while also building members’ capacity to engage in technical and policy discussions on legal frameworks that may undermine human rights and democratic principles.

Bolstering investigative Journalists’ Technological Capacities

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To strengthen the capacity of journalists in the Global South to conduct collaborative, data-driven investigations, the organization will upgrade its data management platform, enabling partners to analyze and share information more effectively, and it will provide training on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support complex investigations.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Policies to Protect Press Freedom

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To advance the implementation of legal judgments protecting press freedom in the Global South, the organization will identify positive judgements with the potential to drive structural reform on freedom of expression and work with local partners to develop advocacy strategies and engagement with governments, international bodies, and civil society.

Strengthening a Network to Advance Freedom of Expression and Protect Artists at Risk

12 Months Duration

$225,000

To strengthen support for at-risk democracy advocates and promote freedom of expression by expanding collaboration between the international arts community, the broader human rights movement, and threatened artists. The organization will manage a global hub of organizations working on freedom of expression to provide a platform for systematic coordination of support for at-risk artists. The organization will cultivate networks in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa to track regional trends and challenges and ensure responsive support.

investigating Kleptocracy by Enhancing Journalists’ Skills and Fostering Collaboration

12 Months Duration

$140,000

To build investigative capacity and foster collaboration among journalists to raise awareness of kleptocratic practices, the organization will train reporters and editors on how to investigate public asset expropriation and collaborate with its network to report on illicit finance, grand corruption, and money laundering.

Providing a Global Platform to Foster Democratic Solidarity

12 Months Duration

$154,000

To strengthen cross-regional cooperation in promoting democratic norms, the organization will convene its annual conference for pro-democracy activists, academics, and policymakers to discuss key democratic challenges, and support the International Coalition for Democratic Renewal as a platform for continued collaboration.

Raising Awareness of Authoritarian Challenges to Democratic Norms

12 Months Duration

$275,000

To improve understanding of foreign authoritarian influence, the organization will research authoritarian overseas investments and multilateral engagement, assess implications on democratic norms, and strengthen civic actors’ capacity to develop evidence-based advocacy strategies to respond to the challenges.

Strengthening Protection for Democracy Advocates at Risk

12 Months Duration

$315,000

To promote safer working environments for human rights defenders, the organization will support a network of hub cities in North and sub-Saharan Africa for temporary relocation of at-risk human rights defenders, coordinate case referrals, hold workshops and events, and facilitate learning with the global protection community.

Strengthening Awareness of Authoritarian influence and information Manipulation

12 Months Duration

$740,000

To deepen awareness of foreign authoritarian information manipulation and foster cross-regional collaboration for democratic resilience, the organization will develop a global expert community, research foreign technological influence strategies, and facilitate the creation of digital tools to identify and defend against authoritarian influence.

Promoting Deliberative Processes to Strengthen Democratic Governance

12 Months Duration

$165,000

To enhance democracy advocates’ ability to promote participatory and deliberative models of citizen engagement in the Global South, the organization will foster a community of activists from Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia to exchange knowledge, pilot innovations, and institutionalize democratic practices that expand citizen participation in decision-making.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Countering Authoritarian influence and Control of Critical Minerals

24 Months Duration

$3,300,000

To strengthen democratic alliances and bolster economic resilience against authoritarian influence in emerging markets, the Center will reveal authoritarian control over critical mineral supply chains by building coalitions, highlighting investment risks, and promoting democratic, market-based alternatives that protect economic freedom, enhance resilience, and support fair global competition.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Ensuring Systemic Anti-Corruption in Aid, Peace Processes, And Economic Recovery

6 Months Duration

$1,100,000

To support democratic institutions in conflict-affected regions, the Center will promote corruption mitigation strategies in the humanitarian aid sector and enhance entrepreneurs’ capacity to implement anti-corruption strategies that foster economic opportunity.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Fostering Public-Private Dialogue on Economic Security

24 Months Duration

$2,554,627

To strengthen democratic unity on economic security policy, the Center will facilitate public-private dialogue and multi-stakeholder initiatives across Asia, Europe, and Latin America to develop frameworks that mitigate security and governance risks from authoritarian influence and will organize international convenings, publications, and briefings to advance collaborative approaches to economic security.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Strengthening Democratic Defenses Against Corrosive Capital

4 Months Duration

$474,133

To equip young democracies to resist authoritarian influence, the Center will strengthen partners’ capacity to identify governance gaps, reinforce democratic institutions, and promote transparency and democratic values through collaboration with like-minded advocates and the private sector to reduce risks related to corrosive capital.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Strengthening Private Sector Support for Political Engagement

12 Months Duration

$950,645

To address challenges to women’s political participation, the Center will partner with business associations to strengthen women’s participation in free markets and

international trade, organize trainings and strategic consultations, develop resources, and support business associations in post-conflict and conflict settings to assess the business sector’s role in advancing economic recovery and peace.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Building Democratic Resilience to Foreign Authoritarian influence

18 Months Duration

$2,650,000

To counter authoritarian influence by China and Russia, the Institute will help partners develop policies to mitigate their interference in the political and economic sectors and build the capacity of citizen groups, journalists, activists, and political parties to recognize and counter malign influence.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Center for insights in Survey Research

12 Months Duration

$440,000

To facilitate public opinion research conducted in accordance with methodological best practices that yield credible, reliable, and actionable data to inform programming across all regions, the Institute will strengthen in-house capacity to provide hands-on guidance and oversight throughout the research life cycle.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Combating Kleptocracy through Local Empowerment and Accountability Reforms

12 Months Duration

$650,000

To disrupt authoritarian states’ systematic capture of critical supply chains, the Institute will strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations and policymakers to identify, reveal, and counter kleptocratic networks that undermine democratic governance, equipping anti-corruption activists, investigative journalists, and reformminded officials to build regional coalitions advocating for transparency reforms in critical sectors.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Rapid Response Assessments for Free and Fair Elections

14 Months Duration

$730,000

To support free and fair elections and promote electoral transparency, the Institute will conduct international rapid response election assessments, coupled with research on political finance, and disseminate findings through reports and various fora.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Women’s Democracy Network

12 Months Duration

$1,000,000

To support political participation and address violence against women in politics, the Institute will strengthen regional networks and country chapters, support locally led initiatives addressing the root causes of instability, advance responsive policies, and assist those working to protect fundamental liberties.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Resources and Networks to Meet Global

Needs

16 Months Duration

$4,400,000

To strengthen responses to global threats to democracy, the Institute will create training resources, deliver rapid technical assistance, and collaborate with international networks to uphold electoral standards, promote democratic reform, counter authoritarian influence, and facilitate cross-border learning.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Building Resilience Against Repression of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

11 Months Duration

$899,500

To build democratic resilience against authoritarian influences and the suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms, the Center will support partners to deepen understanding of these threats, raise awareness of their impacts, and take action to address the challenges.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strategic Communications to Advance Worker Rights and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$616,516

To help unions communicate more effectively in support of worker rights and democratic participation, the Center will train union leaders and organizers to use media, digital tools, and storytelling to raise awareness, inform public discourse, and engage policymakers and other stakeholders.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening international Democratic Representation for Digital Platform Workers

12 Months Duration

$300,000

To strengthen democratic participation and human rights in the digital age, the Center will engage unions focused on digital platform workers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to build coalitions, strengthen organizing capacity, and advocate for and participate in international policy discussions for labor rights protections.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Representation and Worker Agency of informal Economy Workers

12 Months Duration

$834,943

To improve union representation of workers in the informal economy, the Center will develop capacity-building tools for workers and unions, including manuals, toolkits, factsheets, and guides, and conduct trainings to support integration of informal workers into unions and strengthen their participation in union campaigns and collective bargaining.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Transnational App-Based Workers Cooperation to Combat Lack of Accountability in the App Economy

16 Months Duration

$620,000

To strengthen the role of app-based workers in advancing labor rights in regulatory frameworks and within platform companies, the Center will implement education, organizing, and advocacy initiatives across Africa, the Americas, and South Asia, connecting workers transnationally to lead joint advocacy initiatives.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening the Rule of Law for Workers

11 Months Duration

$1,387,860

To strengthen the rule of law for workers, the Center will conduct legal research to promote labor law reform, engage domestic and international legal mechanisms and forums, and create learning and networking opportunities for worker rights lawyers at the global, regional, and local levels.

LATiN AMERiCA & THE CARiBBEAN

BOLiviA

Promoting Transparency and Participation in Democratic Processes

12 Months Duration

$149,908

To strengthen citizen oversight and participation, the organization will lead a civil society platform to monitor legislative sessions, the national census, and nomination processes, provide voter information in smaller communities, and train 600 citizens to observe both rounds of the national elections.

Strengthening Citizen Participation

12 Months Duration

$94,826

To promote citizen participation in elections and strengthen democratic leadership, the organization will develop a citizen-driven agenda focusing on five priority issues during electoral campaigns and provide training to government officials and emerging leaders in public administration, citizen participation, and the identified priority issues.

Ensuring Access to information During Elections

12 Months Duration

$84,706

The organization will promote accurate, evidence-based reporting around national and local elections through journalist training, media monitoring, and news coverage. It will also support six solutions-based journalism projects to highlight constructive responses to democratic challenges.

Promoting Youth Participation in Elections

12 Months Duration

$63,374

To promote youth participation in upcoming elections, the organization will provide trainings and opportunities for youth advocacy at the community level, offer mentorship to build youth journalistic capacity that culminate in mixed media investigations and a youth-led radio program.

Strengthening Women and Youth voices in Decision-Making

12 Months Duration

$65,304

To promote the effective political participation of women and young people in the upcoming elections and enable youth leaders to strategically advocate for their causes, the organization will offer trainings on public administration and political representation, and work with women’s groups to insert their causes into the public debate during the elections.

Providing independent News during Electoral Periods

12 Months Duration

$58,699

To amplify public understanding during elections, the organization will deliver realtime news, candidate interviews, and expert panels, highlight civil society democratic initiatives, and equip citizens with the knowledge needed for informed electoral participation.

Strengthening Reporting on Corruption and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$76,520

To reveal corruption and human rights violations in extractive industries, the organization will strengthen journalists’ legal and thematic expertise through training, with a focus on impactful investigations and collaboration with civil society to raise awareness, advance accountability, and support access to justice in affected regions.

Advancing Citizen Participation and Oversight in Local Governance

18 Months Duration

$103,604

To strengthen citizen participation and oversight at the local level, the organization will train youth and civil society groups in policy and budget-making, foster dialogue around subnational elections, and promote citizen-generated proposals in regional planning.

Understanding Foreign Authoritarian influence in Latin America

12 Months Duration

$83,704

To inform public debate on foreign authoritarian influence in Bolivia’s democracy, the organization will research targeted institutions, actors, and sectors, share findings with policymakers, and engage civil society and academia on risks to democracy in Latin America.

BRAZiL

Enhancing Democratic Participation Through Electoral Law Reform

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To improve the legal framework for elections, the organization will provide technical expertise, facilitate expert dialogues, and support civic education to align electoral systems with international standards and enhance democratic participation.

Defending Human Rights and Democracy Activists

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To strengthen the rule of law and protect civil society, the organization will litigate emblematic human rights cases and train grassroots groups to counter civic space restrictions, harassment, and threats to fundamental rights.

Fostering a Democratic Public Security Agenda and Debate

12 Months Duration

$84,115

To enhance accountability and promote legislative commitment to evidence-based security policies, the organization will deepen public understanding of police and military institutions, their relevance in a democracy, and advocate for reform.

Upholding the Pact for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$130,700

To defend democratic institutions and processes, the organization will engage citizens, institutions, and civil society in supporting democratic values and fair elections by coordinating with key stakeholders across different sectors and implementing advocacy initiatives and campaigns.

Fostering Citizen Rights

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To advocate for women’s political rights, the organization will expand a network of women leaders and activists, engage policymakers to hold political parties accountable, and promote legislative reforms to improve equal access to political processes.

improving Transparency, Accountability, and Public Governance

12 Months Duration

$60,130

To promote stronger legal and institutional instruments for transparency, integrity, and accountability in public resource governance, the organization will produce research, support investigative journalism, raise awareness, and engage in advocacy and strategic litigation to address transparency issues in parliamentary allocations.

COLOMBiA

Promoting the Political Participation of Women

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To promote women’s participation in politics and prevent violence against women leaders, the organization will enhance political parties’ capacity to support female candidates and address and prevent political violence within their ranks while tracking incidents and monitoring the implementation of legislation and policies designed to protect women in politics.

Analyzing Democratic Risks and Scenarios for 2026

14 Months Duration

$50,000

To assess and raise awareness about emerging threats to democracy, the organization will produce evidence-based reports on democratic backsliding, share

forward-looking analyses with decision-makers, and foster public debate through expert and media outreach.

Promoting Multistakeholder Advocacy Networks

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To bolster the effectiveness of political advocacy conducted by grassroots organizations focused on conflict mitigation and peace, the organization will support local advocacy initiatives, help implement advocacy roadmaps, engage multiple stakeholders, and develop tailored communication strategies targeting decision makers such as congress, government officials, and media outlets.

Exposing State Capture and Political Corruption

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To uncover instances of state capture at the subnational level, the organization will raise awareness on political actors’ connections to criminal networks, equip civil society leaders with skills to document and report these connections, provide evidence to investigative bodies, and contribute to the analysis of links between political and criminal networks in three countries.

Raising Awareness of Electoral Fraud and irregularities

12 Months Duration

$143,641

To strengthen institutional capacity to investigate and sanction electoral crimes ahead of the 2026 elections, the organization will train public officials to detect and address violations and analyze data to identify risks and forecast potential electionrelated violence.

Enhancing Electoral Accountability through Journalism

12 Months Duration

$80,070

To promote transparency and informed voting ahead of the 2026 elections, the organization will develop a nonpartisan search engine visualizing candidates’ connections and engage citizens-especially youth-in contributing tips to support investigative reporting on candidates and electoral processes.

Monitoring Rule of Law Through a Color-Coded System

12 Months Duration

$60,903

To safeguard democratic institutions and the rule of law ahead of the 2026 elections, the organization will monitor laws, policies, and campaigns to identify threats and share findings with stakeholders through a color-coded alert system.

CUBA

Promoting Greater Access to Justice and Legal Education

2 Months Duration

$22,812

To advance legal accountability and expand access to justice for victims of arbitrary state action, the organization will provide legal analysis, cover public events, and offer legal education and free consultations through its multimedia platform.

Organizing Self-Employed Workers

12 Months Duration

$82,044

To strengthen the skills of self-employed workers and bolster their independence from the government, the organization will support local civic centers that provide training in leadership, community organizing, and civic campaigning.

Shedding Light on Prison Conditions

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To promote visibility of human rights conditions in prisons and advocate for reform, the organization will document prison conditions through first-hand testimonies and interviews with the families of political prisoners, complete a report on the conditions of detained minors, publish media and monthly reports, and submit findings to human rights bodies.

Documenting and Advocating for Respect for Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$300,000

To document human rights abuses and support victims of repression, the organization will train relatives of political prisoners, provide legal aid, publish findings, and collaborate with international actors to raise awareness and demand accountability.

Raising Awareness of Threats to Journalists and Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$175,506

To raise international awareness about violations of freedom of expression and strengthen support for journalists, the organization will monitor rights violations, publish analytical reports for international advocacy, train journalists and activists to document violations, support exiled journalists, and promote collaboration with Latin American peers.

Fostering Dialogue Between Cuban Democracy Advocates and Latin American intellectuals

12 Months Duration

$128,905

To promote greater dialogue between Cuban democracy advocates and Latin American intellectuals and raise regional awareness of the situation in Cuba, the organization will gather independent information, publish academic research, present findings at regional conferences, and provide a platform for Cuban democracy advocates to engage with regional peers on contemporary issues.

Advancing Free Expression Through independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$357,400

To promote freedom of information, the organization will operate a digital media outlet publishing articles, opinion pieces, podcasts, and videos on key social, political, and economic developments, emphasizing civic space expansion and peaceful solutions to national crises.

Monitoring Authoritarian impact on At-Risk Populations

12 Months Duration

$309,030

To strengthen democratic accountability and protect civic space, the organization will document how authoritarian policies affect the elderly and food-insecure populations, and support civil society, media, and caregivers with research, advocacy, and training to advance rights-based solutions and challenge authoritarian narratives in regional and academic spaces.

Raising Awareness about Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$191,609

To bring international attention to the human rights situation and promote access to justice, the organization will collect data, analyze violation trends, publicly denounce abuses to hold the regime accountable, and support local projects that foster civic values and empowerment

Promoting Civic Education to Support Economic independence

12 Months Duration

$159,570

To foster civic engagement and empower citizens, the organization will hold dialogue sessions on community issues and provide training to support economic independence and community service.

Promoting Civic Awareness and Advocacy

24 Months Duration

$74,950

To promote civic accountability in underserved neighborhoods, the organization will document local conditions, advocate for citizens’ rights, engage in human rights mechanisms, and host workshops and forums on systemic rights restrictions.

Promoting Debate and Reflection for a Democratic Opening

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To foster informed dialogue on the country’s future, the organization will produce civic analysis on the economic, social, and political situation and use it to lead interactive public sessions.

Promoting Access to independent News and Analysis

12 Months Duration

$99,600

To expand access to independent news and analysis and counter state censorship, the organization will publish daily reporting and opinion pieces, and train young journalists in investigative, reporting, and writing skills.

Exposing Cuba’s Sharp Power in Latin America

12 Months Duration

$82,000

To raise awareness of Cuba’s malign influence across Latin America, the organization will monitor the regime’s activities in academic and civil society spaces, publish analyses on authoritarian collaboration, and build a coalition of Cuban and Latin American scholars.

Fostering independent Thinking and Protecting Cultural Rights

12 Months Duration

$201,000

To foster independent thinking and defend cultural rights, the organization will document censorship, raise international awareness, provide access to censored materials, and promote free cultural expression and writing.

Promoting independent Thought and Critical Discussion

12 Months Duration

$154,700

To provide a platform for independent voices, the organization will publish news, analysis, books, and podcasts on social and cultural issues, showcase Cuban artists and intellectuals at regional events, and host public forums to promote exchange.

Promoting Civic Education through independent Cultural Expression

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote democratic values, independent thought, and cultural expression, the organization will produce books, podcasts, and workshops on citizenship and democracy, and feature creative works that encourage dialogue and engagement with civic ideas.

Challenging Censorship and Promoting Grassroots Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$650,000

To promote access to uncensored information and strengthen pro-democracy civic engagement, the organization will broadcast educational radio programs with independent news and analysis and train activists to design civic initiatives supporting political prisoners and challenging repression.

Promoting Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$79,000

To promote freedom of expression and association and raise awareness of Cuban reality, the organization will support and mentor independent cultural initiatives and connect independent creators and civic actors with regional peers to highlight critical and independent voices on the island.

Monitoring Labor Rights and Promoting Freedom of Association

12 Months Duration

$230,699

To raise awareness of labor rights violations and support independent labor organizing, the organization will document abuses, publish economic analyses, assess policy impacts on workers, and advocate at the International Labor Organization for regime accountability.

Promoting Greater Access to Justice and Legal Education

12 Months Duration

$154,548

To advance legal accountability and expand access to justice for victims of arbitrary state action, the organization will provide legal analysis, cover public events, and offer legal education and free consultations through its multimedia platform.

Promoting Human Rights Accountability and Tracking Community-Level Conflicts

12 Months Duration

$155,000

To foster accountability for human rights violations and strengthen peaceful conflict resolution, the organization will document and reveal perpetrators, operate an observatory tracking civic grievances, and train community leaders in nonviolent resolution methods.

Countering Censorship Against Journalists, intellectuals, and Rights Advocates

12 Months Duration

$184,000

To counter censorship and repression of journalistic freedom, the organization will publish two online magazines featuring uncensored work by independent writers, artists, and advocates, and operate a monitoring initiative documenting violence against women and raising public awareness through reporting and outreach.

Countering Censorship

12 Months Duration

$175,000

To defend freedom of expression, the organization will mobilize global creative communities through campaigns, mentorship, training, and fellowships for exiled activists, fostering cultural discourse and resilience against censorship.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Challenging Economic Narratives and Authoritarian Discourse

15 Months Duration

$751,943

To equip democratic actors with reliable knowledge and tools to promote economic freedoms, the Center will provide independent economic data and analysis, increase transparency, and challenge the state’s narrative by exposing regime failures and presenting credible, democratic alternatives.

ECUADOR

improving Democratic Governance and Citizen Participation in Quito

13 Months Duration

$68,312

To promote citizen engagement in local policymaking, the organization will equip civil society groups with data to advocate for community-focused policies and support initiatives addressing organized crime in urban low-income areas.

Exposing China’s influence

12 Months Duration

$76,679

To foster increased public awareness at the national and regional levels on China’s role in influencing the country’s democratic institutions, the organization will publish monthly investigative pieces that shed light on questionable public contract agreements between the government and Chinese corporations while providing domestic actors with actionable information to support prosecution efforts and regulatory reforms.

Utilizing Open Data to increase Transparency

12 Months Duration

$85,402

To strengthen the right to public information at both the national and local levels, the organization will strengthen civil society and media groups’ ability to utilize open data for citizen oversight and build the capacity of staff at three public institutions to publish data of public interest.

Promoting Conflict Resolution and Human Rights Amid increased Militarization

12 Months Duration

$62,843

To preempt cycles of violence and repression linked to civic protest, the organization will provide trainings and host exchanges between civil society activists and the national police while monitoring human rights violations by security forces and litigating cases of such violations at the international level.

Promoting Judicial independence in Defense of Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$130,960

To promote judicial independence and protect anti-corruption actors, the organization will monitor threats, pursue strategic human rights litigation, train justice personnel on safety measures, and advocate institutional reforms to strengthen protection mechanisms.

Strengthening Journalism During Electoral and Political volatility

12 Months Duration

$61,939

To promote independent journalism on issues of transparency and human rights during electoral periods, the organization will conduct in-depth investigative reporting for public consumption while training young journalists in storytelling and photojournalism techniques for human rights investigations.

Monitoring Restrictions to Civil Society and Media

12 Months Duration

$94,338

To reveal restrictions on civil society and press freedom, the organization will pilot an AI-powered monitoring system and interactive dashboard to track legal, administrative, and digital threats, and collaborate with journalists and activists to co-create resilience strategies against government interference.

Bolstering investigative Journalism to Tackle Organized Crime

12 Months Duration

$95,625

To support journalists investigating organized crime’s impact on governance and justice in Ecuador, the organization will document attacks on the press, train investigative journalists, and fund in-depth reports that raise public awareness and inform policy reform.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Rapid Response Election Technical Assessment

12 Months Duration

$400,000

To reinforce free and fair elections in the Western Hemisphere, the Institute will conduct a technical assessment of Ecuador’s presidential elections run-off, deploying analysts and a technical team to observe election day voting and producing a report with findings and recommendations on the election’s conduct for Ecuadorian and U.S. stakeholders.

EL SALvADOR

Strengthening Grassroots Advocacy for Public Service

Accountability

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To strengthen government accountability and public service delivery, the organization will support local consumer rights associations to present service complaints and advocate for legislative and policy solutions.

Preparing a Generation of New Leadership to Respond to Citizens’ Needs

12 Months Duration

$59,798

To strengthen a new generation of civic leaders, the organization will train emerging leaders on civic participation and support their engagement in working groups addressing pressing community issues.

Defending Human Rights in Rural Communities

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To defend human rights and promote a culture of respect in rural communities, the organization will facilitate workshops, forums, and develop radio programs to educate those communities on democratic values, while advocating for human rights nationally and regionally.

Supporting investigative Journalism on Public interest issues

12 Months Duration

$60,756

To foster the ability of civil society and citizens to hold government accountable, the organization will produce investigative reports on corruption, dismantling of democratic institutions, and human rights violations while creating complementary multimedia content for its social media platforms to broaden public awareness.

Expanding Digital Journalism for Human Rights and Democracy

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen the focus on human rights and democratic values across digital platforms, the organization will produce content in various formats, including text, videos, podcasts, and interactive digital pieces, while strengthening its regional and global alliances.

Strengthening Business voices to Defend Democracy

12 Months Duration

$64,485

To strengthen the private sector’s ability to advocate for democratic public policies, the organization will bolster the democratic values of small-business leaders and students, strengthen links within the private sector, and empower them to advocate for policies that address citizens’ needs.

Monitoring and Disseminating Data on institutional Practices of Transparency

12 Months Duration

$59,992

To raise awareness about practices impacting government transparency and democracy, the organization will collect data on government institutions and political party financing, produce reports on performance, transparency, and electoral financing, and share them with media, civil society, and inter-governmental bodies.

Strengthening Community Dialogue and Youth Engagement

24 Months Duration

$148,000

To promote dialogue and civic engagement among members of underserved communities, the organization will support civil society organizations-particularly youth-in strengthening advocacy skills and operate a collaborative space for dialogue among victims of human rights violations.

GUATEMALA

Preventing Corruption at the Sub-National Level

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote transparency, accountability, and prevent corruption, the organization will establish a network of anti-corruption advocates, train them to monitor public resources, and support the network in acting as an early warning system, and, in cases of suspected corruption, engage government representatives to address the problem.

Supporting independent Media to Support Democracy and Citizen Participation

12 Months Duration

$74,985

To strengthen transparency and public accountability, the organization will produce a digital media platform reporting on salient issues and their impact on citizens’ lives, including non-democratic efforts to control the judiciary and health and education policies, while emphasizing audience collaboration in their reporting.

Strengthening Regional Electoral Authorities Through Dialogue with Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen free and fair electoral processes, the organization will foster dialogue and collaboration between civil society and regional electoral authorities, facilitate workshops for regional electoral bodies to assess system weaknesses, and jointly produce a manual to train local electoral officials on best practices.

improving the Judiciary Selection Process

12 Months Duration

$74,771

To improve the accountability and transparency of selection process for judicial officials, the organization will work to increase participation of legal professionals and

civil society in judicial selection processes, while building a network of civic partners promoting ethics and transparency in the judiciary.

Enhancing Transparency and Participation in Local Governments

12 Months Duration

$49,051

To promote political participation and strengthen transparency in municipal governments, the organization will train indigenous leaders and municipal staff on the right to information, participation in local government, open government principles, and digital tools to increase access to public information.

Journalists Holding Municipal Governments Accountable

12 Months Duration

$119,000

To strengthen citizens’ ability to hold municipal governments accountable, the organization will use its established network of reporters to monitor municipal spending, and train citizens to hold municipalities accountable.

Fostering Democratic Youth Leadership

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To enhance youth leadership in Eastern Guatemala, the organization will train young people in democratic principles through workshops, community events, and dialogues, preparing promising participants to run for office or take on public roles in upcoming elections.

Exposing impunity Through investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To strengthen citizens’ awareness of democratic threats, the organization will publish investigative reports on corruption, power structures, and rule of law erosion, using its network of sources to reveal issues concealed by powerful actors.

Advancing Judicial independence Through Monitoring and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$87,153

To strengthen judicial independence and safeguard legal professionals and human rights defenders, the organization will monitor judicial appointments, engage international mechanisms, coordinate with civil society coalitions, and lead a public awareness campaign on judicial transparency.

Strengthening Leadership Skills

12 Months Duration

$50,040

To broaden women’s political participation and civic leadership, the organization will expand its governance and leadership training program for participants from diverse ethnic, linguistic and regional communities to enhance their capacity to defend political rights.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Promoting Responsive Governance

18 Months Duration

$1,348,385

To advance key democratic reforms in Guatemala, the Institute will provide legislators with nonpartisan information, methodologies, and technical assistance to identify policy priorities, build issue-based alliances, engage in dialogue with civil society, and draft reform legislation.

Promoting a Culture of Dialogue and Consensus Building

12 Months Duration

$82,300

To promote a culture of dialogue and consensus building, the organization will consolidate a network facilitating conversations among politically diverse actors on nationally significant issues while convening participants from all societal levels and training citizens in dialogue and mediation practices to peacefully resolve local issues and incorporate community concerns into national discussions.

Strengthening Political Party Accountability and Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$175,127

To improve political parties’ transparency and responsiveness to citizens, the organization will build a nationwide party network ahead of elections, helping them craft coherent platforms while working with civil society organizations and journalists to develop democratic oversight strategies.

improving Human Rights and Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To reduce impunity and excessive pre-trial detention while improving the rule of law, the organization will investigate atrocities through field surveys, victim focus groups, and justice institution monitoring, and use these findings as a basis for international advocacy to advance human rights and rule of law reforms.

Supporting Public Discussions on Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$21,873

To support public discussions on human rights and encourage responsive policy development, the organization will produce investigations and multimedia in partnership with international media while organizing public debates where politicians, experts, and activists address human rights topics and questions proposed by citizens.

Promoting Civic Education Among Displaced Communities

12 Months Duration

$95,700

To promote rights protection and political participation of displaced people, the organization will document and analyze conditions in displacement camps, monitor vigilante justice, and provide training and legal support to help citizens protect their civil rights.

HONDURAS

Fostering Dialogue and Consensus Among Emerging Leaders

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To enhance dialogue and consensus among emerging leaders, the organization will train youth leaders from across the political spectrum in policy development, advocacy, and political negotiation, equipping them to act as change agents within their organizations, promoting dialogue and collaboration, and supporting them in collectively developing policy proposals to present to decision-makers to foster meaningful discussions and negotiations.

Promoting Government Transparency and independent Electoral institutions

12 Months Duration

$92,084

To advance government transparency and fair elections, the organization will strengthen legislative efforts to repeal impunity pacts and promote pro-transparency laws while documenting electoral violence and assessing electoral institutions’ performance during primaries and general elections.

Promoting investigative Journalism for Accountability

12 Months Duration

$81,692

To hold government institutions accountable, the organization will publish daily news and monthly investigations exposing corruption and abuse, with a focus on educating citizens and scrutinizing electoral institutions ahead of the 2025 elections.

Defending information Rights and Fighting Corruption

12 Months Duration

$86,000

To advance government accountability and defend freedom of information, the organization will publish a series investigating organized crime and its political connections, analyze electoral data, and operate an observatory that monitors online threats against journalists.

Protecting Journalists During the Electoral Process

12 Months Duration

$69,179

To safeguard freedom of the press and promote journalist safety, the organization will support a national journalist network to identify threats, advocate for stronger protections, and document violations during the electoral process.

Uncovering Corruption and Challenging impunity

12 Months Duration

$71,045

To increase public understanding of corruption and state impunity, the organization will investigate corruption networks and human rights abuses, highlight their impact on democracy, and report on the 2025 elections with a focus on actors undermining electoral integrity.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Promoting Democratic Electoral Processes

14 Months Duration

$625,000

To promote a democratic and transparent electoral process, the Institute will assess the pre-election environment and provide recommendations to strengthen the process.

MEXiCO

Strengthening State-level Anti-Corruption Systems

14 Months Duration

$70,000

To foster transparency and accountability within the National Anti-Corruption System, the organization will expand a national observatory, train local civil society organizations on transparency laws, and build advocacy coalitions across all states.

Fostering Transparency and Accountability of Anticorruption institutions

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To foster transparency in local anti-corruption systems, the organization will conduct capacity-building trainings for civil society, journalists, and citizen participation committees to strengthen advocacy for local accountability mechanisms.

Fostering Civilian Control of the Military

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To raise awareness of the human rights costs of militarization, the organization will enhance legislative and governmental oversight capacity, conduct campaigns and learning sessions, and foster public support for civilian control of the military.

Fostering Transparency and independence of the Judiciary

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To foster judicial autonomy and transparency, the organization will produce policy recommendations to strengthen the independence and accountability of the judiciary, advocate for their adoption, and raise awareness among decision-makers and electoral candidates over the next year.

Raising Awareness About the Risks to Democracy from Militarization

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To raise awareness among civil society, journalists, and the public about the impact of militarization on democracy, the organization will document the transfer of civilian duties, budgets, and powers to security forces and explain the risks this poses to democratic and civilian institutions.

Fostering Transparency in Public Spending

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To foster transparency and accountability in public spending and combat corruption and impunity at the federal and state levels, the organization will compile and roll out a database analyzing multiple data sources to identify irregularities and corruption patterns in public contracting and spending and raise awareness to build public support against corruption.

Documenting the impact of Organized Crime on Political Processes

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To document and raise awareness among decision-makers about the impact of organized crime on political and electoral processes, the organization will map

electoral violence, analyze how organized crime exerts political control, and share strategic policy recommendations with political authorities to address the issue.

Documenting and Raising Awareness of Corruption

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To document and raise awareness about grand corruption and impunity, the organization will consolidate its observatory to centralize inputs from media monitoring, civil society organizations, bar associations, and public defenders to identify, document, and analyze high-level corruption, and lead advocacy campaigns to foster the prosecution of emblematic cases.

Promoting Citizen Participation and Oversight

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To promote civil society engagement in democratic reform, the organization will connect legislators with civil society organizations to advance a pro-democracy agenda and support meaningful civil society participation in legislative processes.

Defending Judicial independence and the Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$70,045

To monitor judicial reform and its impact on the rule of law, the organization will evaluate practices that undermine judicial independence, advocate for international standards in judicial nominations, and coordinate a civil society coalition dedicated to protecting the judiciary.

Strengthening Citizen Oversight of Public institutions

12 Months Duration

$110,077

To enhance citizen involvement in democratic reform and judicial election oversight, the organization will mobilize a coalition to monitor legal changes and advocate for transparency and constitutional integrity in policymaking.

Fostering Civilian Control on the Military

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To raise awareness of the human rights costs of militarization, the organization will enhance legislative and governmental oversight capacity, conduct campaigns and learning sessions, and foster public support for civilian control of the military.

Fostering Access to information

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To uphold the right to public information, the organization will assess legal and operational changes to transparency systems, strengthen civil society’s technical capacity to request information, and engage federal authorities to ensure compliance with access laws.

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Consolidating Democratic Representation of Workers to Strengthen the implementation of institutional Labor Reforms

12 Months Duration

$954,314

To strengthen democracy and social protections in Mexico, the Center will assist workers in organizing independent unions and advocating on such topics as fair wages, social security, job stability, and greater transparency in labor relations, with a focus on informal and export-sector workers.

NiCARAGUA

Empowering Youth Through Access to information and Digital Media

5 Months Duration

$32,900

To promote freedom of information among youth, the organization will operate a digital media platform and report and analyze key democratic, corruption, and development issues affecting local communities.

Supporting victims of Repression

12 Months Duration

$70,891

To strengthen a network of psychologists supporting victims of political repression, the organization will train them to lead therapy sessions for survivors of torture and repression, foster community resilience, and equip civil society organizations with project management and organizational development skills.

Promoting Citizen Participation

12 Months Duration

$54,166

To promote citizen participation and strengthen the social fabric of communities, the organization will partner with activist networks to identify opportunities for collaboration, support independent community initiatives, and encourage critical thinking and public dialogue through writing and a communications campaign focused on citizen concerns and democratic values.

Documenting and Raising visibility of Cases of Torture

12 Months Duration

$63,617

To document and reveal cases of torture, sexual violence, and other human rights violations while supporting victims, the organization will help survivors document their cases, provide psychosocial support, systematically monitor and report new abuses, and advocate for justice before international bodies and decision-makers.

Defending At-Risk Communities Through Human Rights Documentation and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To protect the rights of populations at risk of political repression, the organization will train human rights defenders and community leaders to document violations using new technologies, produce reports for international bodies, and provide legal support to victims.

Promoting Greater Civic Engagement and Democratic values Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$92,000

To promote civic engagement and foster democratic values, the organization will organize debates and civic activities to engage youth on human rights and democracy, solicit and publish articles from youth to promote freedom of expression, and incorporate social media to amplify democratic values.

Strengthening independent Media

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To promote greater access to information free from censorship, the organization will provide daily coverage of political and economic developments through its website and social media platforms while growing its video channel and newsletter to engage new audiences.

Expanding Access to information and Strengthening Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$105,936

To expand access to information and promote freedom of expression, the organization will provide daily news coverage on political, social, economic, and human rights developments across various online platforms, strengthen strategic alliances, and foster direct audience engagement through a newsletter.

Empowering Youth for Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To strengthen the capacity of youth excluded from political processes, the organization will train a network of young leaders on land rights and citizenship, produce a report on the challenges they face, and develop podcasts on cultural identity and related issues to raise awareness of youth concerns.

improving Accountability and Justice for victims of Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To advocate for greater accountability for communities facing human rights violations, the organization will strengthen its advocacy strategy through research on international financial institutions, engagement with political actors in Latin America, and a communications campaign to raise global awareness.

Promoting Strategic Thinking about a Democratic Transition

12 Months Duration

$84,960

To promote strategic analysis of current trends and challenges to a democratic transition, the organization will produce specialized reports and a monthly publication, disseminate findings through social media, and organize forums and workshops with civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders to develop proposals for a successful transition.

Supporting Pro-Democracy Leaders

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To strengthen the strategic vision and organizing skills of pro-democracy leaders, the organization will provide workshops on civic participation, communication, and advocacy, and supporting participants to launch their own initiatives.

Strengthening Youth Democratic Leadership

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To build the capacity of youth organizations defending human rights, the organization will empower youth and student groups to organize events that rebuild the social fabric and strengthen their ability to protect human rights, improve their digital communication skills, and conduct a workshop for pro-democracy youth networks working across the region.

Supporting Resilient Journalism to Overcome Censorship

12 Months Duration

$144,957

To provide Nicaraguans in and outside the country with access to information, the organization will support three media outlets to produce digital campaigns, weekly interviews, informative audiovisual pieces, and satirical segments on current events.

Legal Advocacy and Public Awareness Raising on Behalf of Political Prisoners

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To advocate for the release of political prisoners, the organization will engage in legal mechanisms through UN and OAS bodies, coordinate advocacy trips with families, and maintain a dedicated webpage with case updates and progress reports.

Building Local Democratic Leadership

12 Months Duration

$81,920

To foster local unity and democratic participation, the organization will train local leaders in civic engagement and community organizing to counter authoritarianism, strengthen community ties, and promote and promote participatory governance.

Strengthening Access to independent information

12 Months Duration

$80,325

To promote freedom of information and access to independent reporting, the organization will provide daily coverage of political and economic developments via digital platforms and share expertise on censorship avoidance with the journalistic community.

Strengthening a Network of Local Leaders to Advance Democracy

12 Months Duration

$94,179

To promote mutual understanding between local and exiled leaders and strengthen the democratic opposition’s capacity to emerge as a viable political alternative, the organization will convene dialogues among various actors, conduct capacitybuilding workshops for grassroots leaders, and collect and share data from citizen consultations through reports and presentations.

Safeguarding Freedom of Religion through Documentation and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$62,744

To promote international awareness and foster accountability for violations of freedom of religion or belief, the organization will train human rights defenders to document abuses and produce reports and briefings highlighting violations against faith-based communities.

Promoting Youth Leadership and Civic Participation

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen youth capacity in critical thinking, human rights, and democratic governance, the organization will train and mentor activists to lead local civic initiatives, assume leadership roles, and join a national network of community-based activists.

Advancing independent Media and Plural information

Access

12 Months Duration

$99,265

To advance freedom of information and independent journalism, the organization will operate two digital media platforms producing investigative multimedia coverage on major public issues and preserving historical memory of the country’s sociopolitical crisis.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Democratic Political and Social Movements

12 Months Duration

$625,000

To strengthen the capacity of democratic political and social movements in Nicaragua and abroad, the Institute will provide technical assistance on digital security and strategic planning to help these actors develop organizational structures and strategies to operate in closed contexts.

PARAGUAY

Fostering informed Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To promote accessible, independent, and verified information among youth and strengthen journalists’, communicators’, and activists’ ability to identify and respond to manipulated content, the organization will host an innovation lab to share editorial tools and methodologies with civic actors in Paraguay, expanding its impact through collaboration and mentoring.

Promoting Youth Civic Participation and Oversight of Public Expenditures

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To empower youth in anti-corruption efforts and promote transparency in public education sector infrastructure funds, the organization will provide training and tools to empower youth to monitor government expenditures impacting their communities.

Fighting Corruption and Protecting Civic Space

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To empower citizens to demand judicial accountability and transparency, the organization will defend civic space, train journalists and civil society groups in corruption investigations, and advocate against restrictive legislation.

Promoting Transparency in the Digital Sphere and Electoral Participation

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote transparency and civic engagement during elections, the organization will train public officials on responsible use of digital technologies, provide policy guidance to protect voter rights, and raise awareness about nonpartisan digital tools to enhance citizen participation.

Strengthening a New Generation of Political Leaders

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To foster a new generation of democratic leaders and increase citizen participation at the municipal level, the organization will train young community and political leaders, support newly elected officials, promote involvement in local policymaking, and implement a multimedia civic education campaign for youth.

Promoting Evidence-Based Public Policies

18 Months Duration

$110,000

To strengthen the capacity of elected officials and civic actors to identify national priorities and co-develop citizen-centered policies, the organization will conduct research, consultations, and strategic communications as part of a national dialogue to produce and share actionable proposals informing debate ahead of the 2026 and 2028 elections.

PERU

Promoting Democratic Reforms in Political Parties

4 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen political party capacity and representation, the organization will promote reforms through workshops and support implementation of laws regulating party finance, primaries, and participatory representation.

Supporting Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To foster broader political participation, the organization will support indigenous coalitions from the Andes and Amazon in developing political and policy agendas and provide leadership and advocacy training to increase youth representation in civic and political spaces.

Fostering Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To foster leadership in student and indigenous community groups and increase their participation in democratic dialogues, the organization will conduct capacity-building workshops, facilitate collaborations, and support their engagement in multisectoral dialogues with civil society and political actors.

Consolidating a National Youth Platform of Democratic Activists

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To strengthen political participation of youth, the organization will hold forums to establish a nationwide youth network of civil society and political actors, support the election of national and regional coordinators, conduct trainings, develop advocacy strategies with legislative candidates, and organize a debate for youth to directly question presidential candidates.

identifying Threats to and Defending Peruvian Democracy

12 Months Duration

$90,003

To promote critical analysis of challenges to democratic norms, the organization will produce multimedia content investigating corruption, elections, and institutional instability, support a network of correspondents to highlight regional concerns, and foster collaboration among media groups to defend press freedom.

Countering State Capture and Closing Civic Space

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen civil society coordination in defending democratic institutions, the organization will collaborate with partners to engage legal mechanisms against state capture and restrictions on civic space, develop campaigns to educate citizens on the impact of state capture, and document actions undermining judicial and electoral independence and fundamental freedoms.

improving the Quality of Elections

18 Months Duration

$130,558

To foster free and fair elections through citizen oversight, the organization will train regional coordinators and mobilize a national network of observers to monitor the 2026 elections and evaluate elected officials’ transparency and performance during their first year in office.

Promoting Regional voices through independent Media

12 Months Duration

$89,439

To strengthen local independent media’s capacity for high-quality electoral coverage, the organization will train and support a media alliance across 16 provinces to enhance investigative reporting, improve editorial coordination, and enable crosspublication of multimedia content ahead of the 2026 elections.

Strengthening independent Journalism During Elections

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To expand citizen access to independent electoral coverage and foster civic dialogue on journalism’s role, the organization will produce investigative and audiovisual content on threats to civic space during the 2026 elections and convene public forums promoting debate and citizen engagement.

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Trade Unions

12 Months Duration

$705,029

To foster stronger and more representative trade unions to advocate for worker rights and decent working conditions, the Center will support partners in the areas of strategic research, organizing and collective bargaining, advocacy, and social dialogue.

vENEZUELA

Monitoring Prison Conditions and Justice

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To monitor prison conditions and raise awareness of abuses, the organization will conduct visits to detention facilities, document violations, produce recommendations, and inform international human rights bodies and domestic audiences.

Strengthening a New Democratic Coalition

2 Months Duration

$42,600

To foster democratic consensus, the organization will convene political and civil society leaders in meetings and working groups to coordinate and propose strategies for addressing national policy challenges.

Promoting Oversight of Local Political Processes

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote civic oversight of local governance and elections, the organization will train community leaders through workshops on political processes and electoral observation and mobilize citizens to demand accountability.

Advancing Accountability for Human Rights violations

6 Months Duration

$124,218

To foster accountability for human rights violations, the organization will provide legal support to victims, document crimes against humanity, and present findings through public events and reports to international bodies.

Documenting Human Rights violations

10 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote justice for victims of serious human rights violations, the organization will support international investigations by submitting verified testimonies, case files, and legal evidence, and educate civil society and media on international justice processes.

Documenting Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To raise awareness of rights violations, the organization will support a network of engaged citizens to monitor and document abuses at the community level, build public awareness, and share findings with national and international platforms.

Promoting High-Quality Electoral Coverage and Combating the Regime’s Narratives

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote informed voting and strengthen citizens’ capacity to identify the regime’s narratives surrounding the upcoming elections, the organization will carry out a training program to help journalists carry out comprehensive media electoral coverage.

Mobilizing Regional Actors for National Elections

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To strengthen regional political and civil society networks, the organization will train grassroots leaders in leadership, strategic communication, and electoral participation, and build connections with national actors.

Fostering the Political Participation of the Diaspora

12 Months Duration

$73,676

To strengthen diaspora participation in political processes, the organization will lead a network of youth activists, organizing workshops, forums, and campaigns to advocate for mechanisms that enhance diaspora involvement in elections and promote democratic values.

Promoting Access to information

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To foster access to information and electoral coverage, the organization will provide news, conduct investigations, expand its reach, focus on electoral coverage to inform citizens of their political rights, and adapt information for offline dissemination to low-income communities.

Strengthening Youth Leadership and Engagement

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen the leadership and political skills of emerging youth leaders and foster activism for free and fair elections, the organization will conduct a training program to build civic leadership and community organizing abilities, while expanding its network of leaders aiming to run in the 2025 subnational elections.

Supporting a Citizen Network Defending the Right to vote

12 Months Duration

$75,535

To consolidate a national activist network for democratic initiatives, the organization will coordinate community assemblies, train activists in collaboration with democratic partners, and support election monitoring and voter rights protection.

Fostering Accountability for Human Rights violations and Crimes Against Humanity

12 Months Duration

$72,550

To foster accountability for crimes against humanity and strengthen the resilience of civil society actors, the organization will work with victims to document violations, engage human rights mechanisms, conduct workshops on human rights norms, and provide psycho-social support for victims, activists, and civil society actors.

Fostering Democratic Leadership Development

12 Months Duration

$165,000

To develop democratic leadership, the organization will support activists with legal and psychosocial support, training, mentorship, and professional development, while building alliances with domestic and international democratic actors.

Raising Awareness of Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To strengthen the protection of human rights defenders, the organization will monitor and document violations, publish reports, advocate internationally, and empower civil society members to identify and mitigate security risks.

Countering Authoritarian Narratives

12 Months Duration

$61,000

To document and raise awareness of authoritarian narratives, the organization will investigate and report on such narratives while supporting media organizations to empower citizens in recognizing and responding to information distortion campaigns.

Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Access to information

12 Months Duration

$100,018

To increase awareness of freedom of expression violations, the organization will update a database, support a network of journalists to monitor violations, and provide training, while also hosting a national competition to highlight outstanding investigative journalism.

Building Partnerships for international Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To foster greater coordination between the international community and democratic actors, the organization will convene civil society and humanitarian partners to develop joint advocacy strategies and organize events to sustain international attention on the country’s democratic and human rights challenges.

Protecting the Right to Peaceful Assembly

12 Months Duration

$69,900

To document and raise awareness on infringements against the right to peacefully assemble, the organization will monitor and report abuses, develop periodic reports, and disseminate updates through media and human rights bodies to advocate for increased accountability.

Fostering Democracy Through Research and Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$89,000

To increase dialogue and mutual understanding among political and civil society actors in support of democracy, the organization will publish a bi-monthly journal, host forums, produce an annual study on democratic development, and train youth activists and leaders in peaceful activism.

Enhancing Political Mobilization

12 Months Duration

$916,915

To support democratic political leaders advancing reform, the organization will strengthen their security, implement communications and mobilization strategies, assist with relocation when necessary, and share information on regime-linked crimes with decision-makers.

Strengthening Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To provide support to at-risk civil society, the organization will build resilience and capacity among human rights defenders, leaders, and organizations through psychosocial support networks.

Strengthening Democratic Activism Amongst Labor Unions

12 Months Duration

$61,494

To promote democratic renewal in trade unions, the organization will support union elections, train emerging leaders in rights and leadership, and collaborate with civil society to raise awareness of labor rights violations.

Strengthening Human Rights Organizations in Central and Western States

12 Months Duration

$56,500

To strengthen local human rights defenders, the organization will train civil society and citizen associations in documentation, advocacy, and security, and disseminate reports to national and international audiences.

Challenging Censorship and Promoting Open Access to information

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To defend freedom of expression and access to information, the organization will support a national network of news teams producing daily reports and crisis coverage, and create programs on political, economic, and social issues.

Protecting Judicial independence Through Analysis and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To document judicial independence, the organization will analyze Supreme Court actions through reports and publications and share findings with human rights bodies and domestic stakeholders.

Supporting Human Rights Defenders Amid Post-Electoral Repression

12 Months Duration

$150,549

To enhance human rights activist security and ensure operational continuity, the organization will conduct online and in-person trainings on risk and crisis management and provide emergency legal aid and relocation support.

Empowering Citizens to Defend and Mobilize for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote civic engagement in support of democracy and human rights, the organization will document abuses, conduct public awareness campaigns, and use digital tools, and international outreach to mobilize citizens domestically and abroad.

Promoting Rule of Law and Human Rights Protections in Remote Regions

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To raise international awareness of the underreported crisis in remote regions, the organization will document criminal activity and human rights violations, highlighting their impact on local communities.

Promoting independent Reporting on the Political and Socio-Economic Crises

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To deepen public understanding of political and socio-economic crises through storytelling, the organization will train journalists to report on political repression and produce audiovisual content highlighting the human cost of authoritarianism.

Documenting Human Rights violations and Advancing international Accountability

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen international accountability for human rights abuses, the organization will consolidate case files for human rights bodies, coordinate with legal institutions, and sustain international awareness of serious abuse cases.

Strengthening a Democratic Leadership Platform

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To build consensus among political and civil society leaders, the organization will strengthen a broad civic platform to facilitate discussions, coordinate joint responses to democratic challenges, and promote civic participation toward a peaceful democratic transition.

Fostering Accountability for Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To increase international accountability for human rights abuses by senior regime officials, the organization will document violations, provide legal support to victims, and share findings to support investigations and accountability efforts.

Promoting Access to information in Low income Communities

12 Months Duration

$90,683

To expand access to independent reporting in communities with limited connectivity, the organization will disseminate news using creative, accessible formats and train university students in alternative media practices through direct community engagement.

Strengthening Youth Leadership Through Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen youth civic engagement and leadership, the organization will expand a decentralized national platform that brings together youth from diverse political backgrounds for skills-based workshops and collaborative planning to develop a national civic agenda and advance pro-democracy advocacy.

Raising Awareness of Human Rights Justice Efforts

12 Months Duration

$64,952

To strengthen civil society’s engagement with international justice mechanisms and raise awareness of ongoing human rights investigations, the organization will train civic actors on justice procedures, facilitate participation, and conduct outreach to the international community.

Fostering Grassroots Political and Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To foster political convergence and reduce polarization among grassroots sectors and political movements, the organization will conduct workshops on democratic values and governance and convene cross-sector dialogues that strengthen democratization strategies and amplify grassroots participation.

Fostering Youth Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To strengthen youth activists’ capacity to lead democratic initiatives safely and advance nonviolent leadership, the organization will train and coordinate youth networks and support renewed youth activism to amplify democratic demands nationally and internationally.

Revitalizing Student Organizing for Democratic Change

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To revitalize the student movement as a space for civic action and democratic change, the organization will launch a renewed student-led initiative focused on youth aspirations and university autonomy, providing training in nonviolent activism, advocacy, and democratic representation.

Confronting Censorship through independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$80,480

To deepen understanding of the country’s political and institutional crisis and counter its normalization, the organization will produce written, audiovisual, and podcast content that analyzes democratic backsliding and fosters informed debate among domestic and diaspora audiences.

Supporting Citizen Resistance to Authoritarian Consolidation

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To promote grassroots political action and confront authoritarian consolidation, the organization will research community political perceptions to inform democratic strategy, train grassroots leaders, and organize local initiatives to strengthen democratic resistance.

Defending Political Prisoners

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To promote and defend the human rights of political prisoners, including military personnel, the organization will provide legal aid, document and compile cases of violations, and analyze the armed forces’ role in political repression and in a future democratic transition.

Bolstering Capacities of Democracy Actors

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen the strategic capacities of pro-democracy actors under authoritarian conditions and foster regional coordination for democratic resilience, the organization will run a fellowship that conducts research, develops tools, provides tailored training, and convenes regional dialogues to generate strategies against authoritarianism.

Fostering Access to independent information

12 Months Duration

$82,704

To strengthen access to reliable information and promote informed dialogue, the organization will produce verified digital content on politics, human rights, and other key issues for youth and adult audiences, expanding its reach through digital marketing, partnerships, and interactive platforms that encourage civic engagement.

Promoting Freedom of Expression and independent Thought

12 Months Duration

$68,240

To foster freedom of expression and independent thought, the organization will publish books on critical political issues excluded from mainstream discourse and host open dialogues on authoritarian influence, electoral manipulation, and corruption.

Analyzing Democratic Risks and Foreign Alliances

6 Months Duration

$57,300

To analyze and monitor democracy and security risks linked to Venezuela’s cooperation with foreign state actors, the organization will research collaboration across key sectors and share findings with governments, analysts, and journalists through private and public channels.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Countering Authoritarianism Through Resiliency, Reform, and Transparency

17 Months Duration

$615,814

To strengthen the independent private sector’s resilience amid Venezuela’s economic collapse, the Center and partners will provide actionable solutions emphasizing free competition and democratic governance to counter harmful authoritarian policies.

CENTRAL AMERiCA REGiONAL

Supporting Judicial independence and integrity

6 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen judicial independence, the organization will provide judges with tools, peer support, and best practices through learning exchanges and reports, and build networks to uphold the rule of law and ensure fair justice systems in fragile democracies.

Understanding Chinese influence

12 Months Duration

$136,000

To promote understanding about Chinese government influence on democracy, the organization will monitor and report on the impact of Chinese investment on democratic development while disseminating findings to key stakeholders and training local journalists to strengthen their coverage of China-related issues.

Fostering Oversight of Government Spending

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To increase fiscal transparency and accountability, the organization will analyze government spending, report on associated anti-democratic practices and threats to democracy, and train civil society in budget monitoring and advocacy for transparent governance.

Strengthening independent Research and investigative

Reporting on Democracy

12 Months Duration

$155,000

To advance understanding of democratic backsliding and governance challenges in Central America, the organization will produce research and journalism and convene virtual forums with regional experts and stakeholders to examine authoritarian trends.

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Building and Strengthening Democratic Unions

12 Months Duration

$1,810,060

To strengthen the capacity of workers to organize trade unions, engage in social dialogue, and counter labor violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, the Center will support partners in key sectors to engage in collective bargaining, legal defense, and public policy advocacy.

LATiN AMERiCA & CARiBBEAN REGiONAL

Documenting Chinese investments

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To raise awareness about threats posed by Chinese state-owned enterprises’ regional activities to local and democratic institutions, the organization will research and document investments, collect and analyze data on projects, joint ventures,

subsidiaries, and labor practices, identify cross-border patterns of corruption and irregularities, and disseminate findings through a series of events.

Raising Awareness of Transnational Corruption

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To reveal domestic corruption and its international linkages, the organization will publish weekly investigative reports, explore creative information dissemination strategies to attract new readers, and strengthen syndication agreements with other media outlets to expand coverage.

Documenting and Denouncing Kleptocratic Practices

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To counter Venezuela’s kleptocratic reach in democratic countries, the organization will analyze and reveal the kleptocratic network’s reach and impact both domestically and internationally through published reports and public events.

Strengthening LAC’s Democratic voices in the Global Digital Policy Debates

12 Months Duration

$250,000

To strengthen human rights-focused advocacy in policy debates, the grantee will convene working sessions, produce informational materials, and participate in decision-making and global forums to advance Latin American perspectives on digital rights.

Enhancing international visibility of Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$52,250

To raise international awareness of worsening democratic and human rights conditions in Latin America, the organization will engage decision-makers in Europe and the Americas, highlight political prisoners, and lead campaigns demanding their release.

Countering State-Sponsored Digital Censorship

12 Months Duration

$126,578

To strengthen regional investigative capacity to identify and counter state-sponsored censorship and authoritarian digital influence, the organization will coordinate a civil society consortium for research, capacity-building, and advocacy for access to a transparent and equitable digital space.

Defending Democratic Space Through Local and Regional Action

18 Months Duration

$135,000

To strengthen civic actors in Central and South America to defend democratic space, the organization will analyze cases of democratic erosion and resilience and conduct trainings and regional convenings that foster cross-border dialogue and shared strategies.

Countering Russia’s Malign influence in Latin America

12 Months Duration

$172,000

To strengthen Latin American democrats’ capacity to counter Russia’s malign influence, the organization will complete research, support local partners engaging institutions, and develop advocacy strategies and workshops to advance regional democratic resilience.

Mobilizing a Network of Youth Leaders for Democracy

12 Months Duration

$175,005

To strengthen youth leaders mobilizing for democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, the organization will train young activists in democratic participation and digital activism and organize regional forums at major international events to amplify youth voices.

Advancing Democratic Religious Engagement in Latin America

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To strengthen the capacity of civil society and public institutions to engage faithbased actors in advancing democratic principles and inclusive public life, the

organization will train civic and faith leaders, convene national and regional dialogues, and advocate for pluralism and religious freedom through engagement with intergovernmental and public institutions across Latin America.

Promoting an interamerican Network of Journalists in Exile

12 Months Duration

$201,600

To support exiled Latin American journalists, the organization will expand its network of exiled media professionals, provide emergency and legal assistance, and place journalists in newsrooms to ensure continued professional engagement and safety.

improving Access to independent Electoral information

12 Months Duration

$160,374

To strengthen electoral ecosystems in Latin America, the organization will support media groups in election countries to monitor information spaces, address gaps, and collaborate with civil society and electoral bodies to produce independent election coverage.

Promoting Democratic Solidarity

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To strengthen regional advocacy for democracy and human rights, the organization will support a regional network to convene an annual conference, coordinate online forums, and promote solidarity initiatives linking pro-democracy activists across regions.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Fostering Leadership and Economic Opportunities

16 Months Duration

$560,294

To strengthen the participation of businesswomen and women business associations in the private sector in Latin America, the Center will implement entrepreneurship training grounded in democratic principles, promote regional collaboration, and connect organizations to enhance economic opportunity.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Leveraging Private Sector Organizations to Strengthen the Andean Region’s Democracies

12 Months Duration

$792,457

To support the private sector in strengthening democratic institutions in the Andean region, the Center and partners will develop policy recommendations, convene public-private dialogues, and design initiatives to promote transparency, reduce corruption, and expand market participation.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Advancing Prosperity in the Americas through Political Parties

12 Months Duration

$950,000

To advance pro-democracy and pro-market principles, the Institute will launch the Democratic Markets Initiative to map prevailing economic narratives, document reform success stories, and build the capacity of political parties and civic groups to strengthen democratic, market-oriented coalitions across the region.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Countering Transnational Threats to Democracy in Latin America

20 Months Duration

$900,000

To strengthen democracy and regional security, the Institute will support efforts to advance legislative and institutional reforms to counter transnational organized crime and corruption in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Panama by convening stakeholders and experts, facilitating information sharing, and conducting public awareness campaigns to address governance gaps exploited by illicit actors.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Combating Foreign Authoritarian influences

16 Months Duration

$1,424,025

To mitigate foreign authoritarian influence, the Institute will collaborate with legislative and civic actors to enhance understanding of the impacts of foreign influence and empower partners to strengthen unity in defense of core democratic principles.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Exposing Transnational Kleptocratic Networks in Authoritarian Contexts

12 Months Duration

$736,933

To strengthen advocacy against kleptocratic networks, the Institute will assist activists in authoritarian contexts to produce evidence-based assessments, facilitate cross-country learning, and pursue strategic advocacy to reveal and dismantle transnational kleptocratic structures.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Promoting Fundamental Labor Rights

11 Months Duration

$1,495,039

To advance trade union autonomy and worker rights in Venezuela and strengthen social dialogue, advocacy, and representation in Colombia, the Center will

support Venezuelan partners to monitor labor violations and strengthen union representation, and provide Colombian partners with technical and training support on worker rights frameworks and institutional responsiveness.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Promoting Respect for Worker Rights through Democratic Organizations

12 Months Duration

$571,429

To strengthen democratic worker organizations as defenders of rights, expand civic engagement, and promote access to justice in the Dominican Republic, as well as preserve the strength of Haitian trade unions during the political transition, the Center will support partners in key sectors to organize workers, bargain collectively, address labor violations, advocate reform, and uphold the rule of law.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Democratic Unions 11 Months Duration

$1,019,508

To strengthen worker organizations’ capacity to organize and advocate for labor rights in Brazil and Paraguay, the Center will support local partners with strategic planning, research, communication strategies, and public policy advocacy across key economic sectors.

MiDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRiCA

AFGHANiSTAN

Supporting Women-Led Media

5 Months Duration

$10,000

To strengthen informed public discourse and civic engagement, the organization will elevate women’s voices and provide independent news and analysis on women’s and human rights issues in Dari, Pashto, and English.

Protecting Women’s Political Rights

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen women’s civic engagement and protect their political rights, the organization will monitor the human and women’s rights situation across the country through its local network, produce monthly and quarterly reports, and hold homebased classes in two provinces to provide safe spaces for women to network and collaborate on women’s rights.

Strengthening independent Media and Women’s Political Rights

12 Months Duration

$42,000

To expand access to independent information and sustain women’s civic participation, the organization will provide women journalists a platform through its FM radio network to produce and broadcast news on women’s political issues and advocate for women’s rights and freedom of expression.

Preserving Freedom of Expression and Access to information

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To support freedom of expression and provide accurate, timely, and reliable information, the organization will produce and publish online news, investigative reports, and analytical pieces in Dari and Pashto, promote citizen journalists, and release regular monitoring reports on the repression of journalists and media.

Sustaining and Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$300,000

To expand the availability of news and strengthen the sustainability of independent media, the organization will deliver independent news and reports in Dari, Pashto, Uzbek, and English on democracy, human rights, and accountability, while livestreaming daily news in Dari and Pashto and hosting discussions to promote freedom of expression and information.

Documenting Human Rights Abuses

12 Months Duration

$39,912

To defend human rights and monitor violations of international humanitarian law, the organization will document, map, and report on cases of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, illegal detention, and human rights abuses of Afghan citizens, conduct a public perception, and advocate for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Promoting Democratic values and Civic Leadership

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen youth and women leaders and foster political pluralism, the organization will hold seminars at universities to promote democratic values, expand its network of women youth leaders for advocacy on women’s political rights, organize youth debates, and produce podcasts to promote pluralistic ideas and initiatives.

Empowering Women Through Research, Training, and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To strengthen women’s engagement in policy research and advocacy, the organization will publish an annual peer-reviewed public policy journal, train women students and professionals to develop policy briefs, and conduct bimonthly surveys to ensure women’s perspectives are reflected on national issues.

Maintaining Civic Space for Women Journalists

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To maintain professional journalism capacity among women in Afghanistan, the organization will maintain a news agency providing independent news and analysis on women’s political rights, human rights, and accountability, and host virtual seminars for women journalists on online journalism, investigative reporting, photojournalism, and media advocacy.

Promoting Democratic values and Principles

12 Months Duration

$50,500

To strengthen civic engagement in Herat province, the organization will conduct research projects on democratic values, provide leadership training for university students and civil society actors, and publish a daily news bulletin and monthly magazine focused on local affairs.

Strengthening Grassroots Women’s Political Rights Organizations

12 Months Duration

$94,000

To defend and strengthen women’s political rights, the organization will strengthen civil society groups by enhancing their capacity, facilitating collaboration, and supporting their participation in international forums while developing institutional capacity and risk mitigation plans.

Promoting Youth Leadership and Debate

12 Months Duration

$62,500

To promote critical thinking and strengthen leadership skills among university students, the organization will conduct leadership and advocacy trainings, organize online debate tournaments, and support youth in leading collective advocacy efforts for marginalized communities.

Expanding Access to information and Circumventing Censorship

12 Months Duration

$680,000

To promote free expression and expand access to information, the organization will operate an independent satellite TV channel delivering timely news and in-depth analysis on political, security, social, and economic developments in Afghanistan, and provide a platform for civil society to promote democratic ideas and human rights.

Disseminating Civic values on Local Radio

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To strengthen local independent media and promote democratic ideas and civic values, the organization will produce and broadcast civic programs on political, economic, and social affairs in Dari and Pashto via its FM radio news channel, and train reporters and university journalism students.

Promoting Freedom of Expression and Civic Engagement

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To protect and promote freedom of expression, the organization will support and mentor a network that advances democratic values, brings together independent creators and civic actors, leads workshops and networking events, and facilitates advocacy initiatives.

Supporting independent Multimedia

12 Months Duration

$33,500

To expand the reach of independent media for the Uzbek-speaking community in northern Afghanistan, the organization will maintain and enhance its multimedia platform, produce daily news reports and analyses on political, security, social, and economic developments in Uzbeki.

Strengthening Women’s Legal Capacity for Rights Defense

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To enhance the capacity of women legal professionals to defend their fundamental rights, the organization will provide legal training and mentorship to lawyers and law students in four provinces to strengthen their skills in advocacy, human rights, and effective communication.

Defending Women’s Rights

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To support women in defending their rights and facilitate access to justice, the organization will offer free legal aid and advice to women in Kabul, Baghlan, and Nangarhar provinces, and hold advocacy meetings to call for enforcement of legal protections granted to Afghan women under the current justice system.

Strengthening Dialogue and Coalition-Building among Women Leaders

12 Months Duration

$111,100

To facilitate coalition-building among women civic and political leaders, the organization will coordinate a platform for Afghan women to develop and implement strategies and advocacy campaigns to defend their civic participation.

Supporting independent Pashto-Language Media

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To expand the reach of independent media in southern Afghanistan, the organization will enhance its multimedia platform, produce daily Pashto-language news and analysis on political, security, social, and economic developments, and stream social and cultural programs promoting democratic ideas and civic values.

Building a Network of Democracy Advocates

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To strengthen a network of civic and political leaders in the diaspora, the organization will host conferences and workshops for civil society leaders, political figures, media personalities, and youth leaders to promote national dialogue and cooperation in defense of democratic values, civic space, and human rights.

Supporting Local Women Journalists

12 Months Duration

$43,500

To enhance the capacity of a women-led media organization to report on women’s rights in western Afghanistan, the organization will produce independent news in Dari and Pashto through its website and social media platforms.

Strengthening Youth Entrepreneurship

4 Months Duration

$20,000

To instill in youth an awareness of entrepreneurship, market economics, and democratic values, the organization will implement its entrepreneurship curriculum in high schools, train teachers in course delivery, organize business proposal competitions, and conduct a business start-up course for students.

Promoting Youth Agency and Public Debate

12 Months Duration

$90,000

To promote youth participation in public life and debate on a democratic vision, the organization will use its digital media platform to produce and publish talk shows engaging youth leaders on social and political issues affecting their communities.

Defending Women’s Rights

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote women’s fundamental rights and amplify their voices nationally and internationally, the organization will produce and share video messages on women’s conditions, advocate with international stakeholders, and host roundtable discussions with women civil society leaders on Afghanistan’s democratic future.

Supporting independent Local Media

12 Months Duration

$38,000

To promote freedom of expression and democratic values in northwestern Afghanistan, the organization will produce and broadcast programs on political, economic, and social affairs through its FM radio and train male and female reporters and journalism students.

ALGERiA

Advancing Human Rights and Transitional Justice

12 Months Duration

$181,000

To promote human rights and advocate for effective transitional justice, the organization will document enforced disappearances, lead advocacy efforts, maintain a research center on memory and human rights, and produce a weekly radio program on related topics.

Protecting Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To improve human rights defenders’ access to justice, the organization will engage lawyers to provide legal assistance, collect data, and lead advocacy efforts with national and international groups to raise awareness and support fair trials.

Defending Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote respect for human rights and seek accountability for abuses against civic activists, human rights defenders, and journalists, the organization will monitor and document human rights violations and advocate for adherence to human rights conventions.

Supporting Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen the capacity of civic activists and human rights defenders, the organization will assess challenges facing HRDs and provide training in digital security, protection strategies, and international and regional human rights reporting mechanisms.

EGYPT

Renewing Democratic Leadership

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To revitalize interest in democratic norms, values, institutions, and processes, the organization will compile an Arabic summary of texts on democracy, create infographics to highlight key points, hold seminars on democratic concepts, and host a training camp to engage young Egyptians in discussions on promoting democratic outcomes.

Documenting and Archiving Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen access to information on human rights violations, the organization will collect and archive government, independent, and public records on politically motivated abuses, disseminate analytical reports for civil society advocacy, and conduct a training on data collection and verification for other organizations.

Supporting Strategic Litigation to Promote Reform

12 Months Duration

$64,400

To enhance access to justice in human rights cases, the organization will strengthen a sub-national network of human rights lawyers, train them to target strategic cases, support their work locally and nationally, and produce an analytical study on their experiences and challenges.

Supporting a Platform for Democratic Discourse

12 Months Duration

$98,000

To strengthen access to information on corruption and approaches to combating it, the organization will support an independent digital platform for disseminating information on corruption, transparency, and democratic transitions, facilitate public debate, and sponsor a fellowship program to train young investigative journalists and place their work with independent outlets and think tanks in the MENA region.

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To support independent news that reflects citizens’ interests, the organization will mentor and train contributors, publish content from citizen and professional journalists, and create space for politically diverse voices in its reporting.

Supporting Forums for Emerging Policy Leaders

12 Months Duration

$146,300

To amplify the voices of thought leaders on democratic development and enhance grassroots advocacy on politically sensitive economic issues, the organization will mentor nonresident fellows in producing regional analysis in Arabic and English, support former political prisoners in resuming their pro-democracy efforts, and train journalists and civil society actors on using economic data in reporting and advocacy to improve coverage and advocacy on the political economy.

Promoting Human Rights Online

12 Months Duration

$41,200

To identify and advocate for reform opportunities supporting human rights online, the organization will maintain a legal database on relevant laws and constitutional guarantees, produce reports on human rights online, and provide legal briefs, memoranda, and guidance to lawyers, civil society organizations, and companies on advocacy and best practices.

Supporting Community Demands for Accountability

12 Months Duration

$47,000

To promote accountability for human rights abuses, the organization will publish regular reports and advocate for accountability through outreach to the public, civil society organizations, and multilateral agencies.

Building Networks, Consensus, and Action for Democratic Reforms

12 Months Duration

$94,300

To support civil society engagement in shaping a path toward democracy, the organization will convene online and in-person dialogue sessions with politically diverse Egyptian stakeholders, summarize and disseminate recommendations through its network, and seed promising initiatives that emerge from these discussions.

Supporting Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$103,400

To sustain independent civil society organizations, the organization will provide technical and financial support for institutional development and deliver training and consultations to help partners overcome administrative, operational, and legal challenges to enhance efficiency, capacity, and impact.

Promoting Access to information and independent Media

12 Months Duration

$46,200

To augment the independent media landscape and support an investigative media initiative, the organization will produce in-depth reports and news articles on political, economic, and social developments.

Empowering Workers to Exercise their Rights

12 Months Duration

$26,300

To bolster independent unions and promote collective rights in rural communities, the organization will provide technical and legal support for unionization, and build union capacities in collective action, bargaining, fundraising, and administrative management through trainings and labor rights reports.

informing the Public on Political Developments

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To enhance reporting and public understanding of political news, the organization will provide multimedia coverage of political affairs through its online outlet, including reporting on election law debates, public policy, political party and syndicate developments, and analysis by prominent individuals promoting civic participation and accountability.

Strengthening Youth Leadership and Political

Participation

12 Months Duration

$32,200

To strengthen civic and political participation among youth, the organization will provide high-achieving youth from Upper Egypt, the Delta, and North Egypt with advanced training in leadership, policy analysis, and campaign management.

Promoting Youth Leadership in Politics and Legislative Reform

12 Months Duration

$28,000

To strengthen a new generation of democratic political leaders and promote civic space expansion, the organization will train parliamentary staff on legislative reform processes and advocate for laws protecting freedom of expression, association, and assembly.

Building Political Party Capacities

12 Months Duration

$36,000

To strengthen political party structures and participation in political processes, the organization will train policy committee members from diverse political parties on ideology, human rights, international agreements, communication, and policy formulation to support post-election legislative reform.

Promoting Democratic Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To promote political pluralism and dialogue among religious and secular youth, the organization will convene roundtables and virtual discussions to build consensus on democratic principles and produce a joint document promoting cross-ideological cooperation.

Holding State Human Rights institutions Accountable

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To protect human rights and enhance oversight of detention centers and state human rights institutions, the organization will monitor and report on violations in new detention complexes and track the performance of national oversight and interagency human rights bodies.

Providing Legal Aid to Activists

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To strengthen access to justice and protect the rights to free expression, association, and assembly, the organization will operate a legal clinic to support those accused of expression-related crimes and targeted activists and provide legal consultations to emerging human rights organizations and initiatives.

Defending Political Prisoners

12 Months Duration

$67,000

To advocate for the rights of political prisoners, the organization will research healthcare conditions in prisons, file cases addressing medical negligence, and produce reports and social media content to raise public awareness.

Enhancing Participatory Democracy

12 Months Duration

$17,000

To strengthen local governance and participatory democracy, the organization will facilitate discussions among civic and political actors on participatory parliamentary structures, amplify local citizen demands to the national level, and publish an annual Local Democracy Report on civic freedom and representation.

Promoting Religious Minority Rights and Youth Participation

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To empower and strengthen youth and marginalized groups’ civic engagement, the organization will convene coordination meetings to set priorities and action plans and conduct theoretical and practical training workshops for young civic activists.

Strengthening Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To support youth activists advancing local governance reform, the organization will train youth on local administration, guide them in conducting advocacy campaigns on governance priorities, and embed lawyers from its network to provide pro-bono legal support.

Promoting Policy Debate and Solutions

12 Months Duration

$50,100

To provide economic policy recommendations from a classical liberalism perspective, the organization will establish a fellowship program for emerging Egyptian economic

and political analysts to research key policy concerns and develop policy papers offering context-based solutions.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Empowering Private Sector Stakeholders to Advance Market Reforms

12 Months Duration

$801,000

To support public-private dialogue on economic reform issues, the Center will continue its multi-stakeholder dialogue program, empower business groups at national and regional levels to engage in policy reform, and help develop the next generation of policymakers through partnerships with local business associations.

iRAN

Promoting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$92,100

To strengthen independent journalism and promote networking among media professionals, the organization will develop an online resource center, publish relevant news and updates, provide information on journalists’ rights to organize, and monitor and document violations against journalists.

Promoting Human Rights Education and Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To promote human rights and democracy education, the organization will monitor and document human rights violations, advocate with international organizations for accountability, and expand its human rights database and online documentation initiatives.

Monitoring Human Rights violations and Building Civic Activists’ Capacity

12 Months Duration

$103,500

To promote human rights and enhance communication security and information access for human rights activists, the organization will maintain a database, publish regular reports, distribute a monthly digital magazine on human rights violations, and provide virtual technical assistance on communication and online security to activists.

Monitoring Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$155,000

To strengthen awareness of the human rights situation and support human rights defenders, the organization will monitor, document, and report on violations, collaborate on investigations, and publish a quarterly magazine analyzing human rights laws and issues.

Promoting Accountability and Combating Corruption

12 Months Duration

$77,000

To promote political discourse and enhance accountability, transparency, and participation, the organization will verify government data, publish analytical briefs, produce thematic reports on good governance, and conduct leadership trainings for emerging activist leaders.

Promoting Accountability in Resource Management and investigating Corruption

12 Months Duration

$110,000

To promote accountability and transparency, the organization will raise awareness about corruption and dysfunctional policies exacerbating the country’s water challenges and offer solutions, working with media organizations to elevate the issue in public debate and advocate for greater accountability.

Strengthening independent Labor Unions

12 Months Duration

$101,000

To enhance workers’ knowledge of and advocacy for their legal rights, the organization will conduct a training program on labor laws, maintain an online platform for resources, and advocate with international human rights and labor organizations, while monitoring labor developments and producing a biannual report.

Advancing Policy Analysis, Debate, and Collective Actions on Democratization

12 Months Duration

$178,000

To foster collaboration between Iranian civil society and political activists on a democratic vision and raise awareness on civic rights within the legal community, the organization will facilitate debate on transition models from authoritarianism to democracy and publish and disseminate an electronic law journal

Empowering Frontline and Exiled Activists

12 Months Duration

$100,500

To support and strengthen emerging and frontline democracy advocates, the organization will build a secure, skilled network of recently exiled Iranian activists to support peers in Iran by delivering security training, safe activism tools, and emergency assistance.

Amplifying the voices of University Student Leaders

12 Months Duration

$170,000

To support Iranian student leaders through increased visibility and targeted advocacy, the organization will elevate the voices of university student leaders advocating for freedom and justice in Iran by expanding coverage of their democracy and human rights advocacy efforts.

Conducting Public Opinion Polling

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote evidence-based debate on democracy-related topics, the organization will survey and analyze public attitudes on social and political issues, network with like-minded civil society organizations, and stimulate discussion on democratic ideas, values, and norms.

Fostering internet Freedom and Digital Connectivity

12 Months Duration

$161,500

To promote internet access and the free flow of information, the organization will develop solutions to improve satellite internet accessibility for civic activists, provide ongoing security updates, and collaborate with local tech groups to enhance connectivity and protect internet users in repressive environments.

Promoting Human Rights Accountability

12 Months Duration

$245,000

To strengthen civil society’s capacity to promote human rights accountability and the rule of law, the organization will train and assist civic actors and lawyers to document and investigate rights violations, disseminate findings through multimedia publications, and conduct advocacy efforts.

Fostering Democratic Leadership and Collective Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To empower and foster collaboration between youth and labor activists, the organization will support joint advocacy campaigns through its trusted platforms and mentors and train citizen journalists in rights-based reporting to amplify grassroots efforts for justice and accountability.

Promoting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$420,000

To strengthen a new digital media platform providing news and analysis on social, security, economic, and political issues, the organization will produce videos, interviews, and talk shows to engage audiences on Iran’s democratic future.

Empowering Emerging Civil Society

18 Months Duration

$200,000

To strengthen the capacity and impact of emerging civil society organizations, the organization will provide tailored training, mentorship, technical support, and collaboration opportunities to help civic actors design and implement initiatives advancing democracy and human rights.

Advocating for Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$225,000

To promote human rights and democracy education and advocacy, the organization will monitor and document violations, publicly disseminate findings, and advocate

for accountability to international treaty obligations and for victims of human rights abuses.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Confronting Authoritarianism Through Expanding Economic Freedom

18 Months Duration

$1,500,000

To strengthen independent business and civic leadership advocating for economic accountability and transparency, the Center will support private sector leaders to build networks promoting fair market access, reveal corrupt practices restricting participation, and advance access to reliable information through safe, open internet access.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Youth Advocacy Networks for Democratic Change

12 Months Duration

$800,000

To strengthen leadership and advocacy among Iran’s future youth leaders, the organization will support youth-led networks to raise awareness of youth challenges and demands, expand public support for their priorities, and implement local advocacy initiatives.

iRAQ

Supporting investigative Reporting on issues of Public interest

12 Months Duration

$52,000

To support and strengthen an independent media organization, the organization will produce investigative reports on politics, economics, human rights, public health, governance, fiscal transparency, and freedom of speech, and expand reporting through video content on its website and social media.

Promoting information Accuracy

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote information accuracy in online media, the organization will publish content correcting inaccurate information related to political developments, and conduct workshops for journalists and volunteers on using open-source information and technological tools for verification.

Promoting Transparency in the Energy Sector

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To provide independent media coverage of the energy sector in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the organization will produce investigative and short-form reports using videos, infographics, and social media, develop a dedicated section on its website for energy sector reporting, and compile an annual report with key takeaways and recommendations.

Strengthening Women’s Legal Rights and Leadership

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote women’s legal rights and build leadership capacity, the organization will address legal inequalities faced by women, lead advocacy campaigns, host community forums on women’s rights, maintain its pro-bono legal clinic, and hold events to present findings from its campaigns and legal clinic.

Advancing Economic Reform and Transparency

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote economic reforms and transparency, the organization will train local economic researchers, publish reports on the local economy, conduct research and interviews, convene experts, and host economy-focused events at its annual forum, while sharing reports regularly with decision-makers and civil society leaders.

Enhancing the Capacity of Emerging Activists

12 Months Duration

$85,000

To enable youth to be community advocates on political and local issues, the organization will provide civic and leadership skills training, helping youth identify community needs and develop solutions, while conducting workshops and supporting their initiatives nationwide.

Providing independent Media in Southern iraq

12 Months Duration

$225,000

To strengthen a media organization and provide independent news for the citizens of southern Iraq, the organization will use its radio station, website, and social media platforms to produce daily news bulletins, talk shows, and programs focused on rule of law, good governance, and human rights.

Strengthening Women’s Leadership

12 Months Duration

$37,000

To enhance women’s political rights and participation in public life, the organization will train women leaders, strengthen their presence in government and private sectors, produce policy papers, and host workshops and roundtable discussions to advocate for women’s political rights.

Promoting the Principles of Fair Trial

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To strengthen judicial professionalism and integrity in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the organization will study the implementation of criminal court laws and judicial performance, develop a guidebook on court proceedings aligned with international standards, and advocate for its recommendations with relevant stakeholders.

Fostering Peaceful Discourse

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote tolerance and respect for religious freedom in traditional and online media, the organization will monitor, document, and publish reports on hate speech, focusing on targeted online campaigns against religious minorities like Yazidis and Assyrian Christians, while encouraging dialogue and implementing initiatives like training and policy discussions to discourage hate speech and promote peaceful discourse.

Supporting Press Freedom and Legal Support for Journalists

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To reinforce legal protections for journalists and defend press freedom, the organization will monitor and document violations, produce annual reports with recommendations, provide legal assistance, advocate for media law reforms, and develop a guide to support women journalists.

Promoting Accountability and Good Governance

12 Months Duration

$23,900

To strengthen citizens’ role and civil society’s ability to improve transparency and accountability, the organization will publish annual reports on the state of the health sector, organize advocacy meetings and a strategy conference, track the implementation of plans, and engage the media to widely disseminate its work and activities.

Monitoring Parliamentary Performance

12 Months Duration

$78,000

To enhance the transparency and accountability of the parliament, the organization will monitor parliament and its committees, prepare monthly and quarterly reports, hold press conferences and meetings to share findings, and publish an annual report to help voters and civil society understand the performance of members of parliament.

Enhancing Women’s Legal Protection

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To defend and protect women’s rights in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the organization will monitor institutions handling violence against women cases, publish an annual report, host roundtables, lead advocacy campaigns for law enforcement, and promote domestic violence law education in law schools.

Enhancing Accountability of the Kurdistan Region of iraq Parliament

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To increase transparency and public engagement with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s parliament, the organization will conduct a parliamentary monitoring program, track legislative activities and electoral promises, and publish reports for stakeholders in parliament, government, NGOs, and the media.

Promoting Accountability and independent Reporting

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen independent media, provide news, and report on corruption, the organization will launch an online news website providing independent coverage of regional and international news, government accountability, and the rule of law, along with publishing investigative reports, partnering with independent media groups, and mentoring young journalists.

Advocating for Budget Transparency

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To improve civil society’s role in budgetary processes, the organization will analyze the budget, produce annual reports, and lead advocacy meetings and dialogue sessions with local government officials, civil society groups, and community leaders.

Promoting Government Transparency and Accountability

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To enhance understanding and application of international anti-corruption standards and develop actionable recommendations to address implementation gaps, the organization will bring together experts and civil society groups to analyze anticorruption recommendations, propose measures to fight corruption, and produce reports and case studies on various sectors.

Supporting Women’s Political Empowerment and Participation

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen the role of women in public and political life in Basra province, the organization will establish a team of women to support, monitor, and evaluate the performance of female members of the Provincial Council, training the team to conduct surveys, listening sessions, and interviews to produce monthly monitoring reports, quarterly analytical reports, and recommendations to empower the women council members.

Monitoring Government Performance

12 Months Duration

$107,000

To promote governmental and legislative transparency and accountability, the organization will monitor parliamentary and cabinet activities, share data publicly, conduct online polls, and present citizens’ questions to decision-makers.

Promoting Transparency and Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To strengthen accountability and rule of law in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the organization will assess officials’ fulfillment of anti-corruption promises, form a monitoring team to document government policies, and produce a study on the transparency of the regional budget process.

Promoting Better Governance

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote government transparency and accountability through citizen monitoring, the organization will evaluate government performance and implementation of governance recommendations, hold dialogue sessions, publish an annual monitoring report, and organize an advocacy campaign.

Engaging Civil Society in Electoral Reform

6 Months Duration

$10,000

To promote a participatory electoral reform process in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the organization will collaborate with civil society groups and political parties to produce a comprehensive reform law, conduct a survey, draft legislation, and engage media and decision-makers in advocacy campaigns.

Supporting and Enhancing independent Media

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To strengthen an independent outlet to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, the organization will research, collect information, and publish investigative reports on budgetary transparency, oversight bodies, parliamentary functions, and public spending.

Promoting Accountability and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote human rights accountability and transitional justice principles, the organization will engage victims, community leaders, and other stakeholders through training workshops and dialogue sessions, gather feedback from activists and decision-makers, and produce a study with recommendations for institutional reforms.

Promoting voter Participation

16 Months Duration

$49,400

To increase voter registration, participation, and awareness of electoral processes among women and young voters, the organization will lead an outreach campaign using traditional media, digital content, and direct in-person engagement to reach a wide audience.

Strengthening Community-Driven Accountability

12 Months Duration

$32,000

To empower youth to participate in civic life and address local governance challenges, the organization will lead initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and dialogue sessions with citizens and government officials on local governance priorities.

Engaging Citizens through Alternative Media

12 Months Duration

$20,000

To promote civic participation through alternative media, the organization will lead citizen advocacy and awareness initiatives on democracy and freedoms in Iraq using documentaries and short video programs, and provide access to its in-house studio for media production by civil society organizations and community activists.

Enhancing Civic Engagement and Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To strengthen civic participation and understanding of civil liberties and human rights, the organization will train emerging activists in leadership, communications, human rights monitoring and documentation, and support trainee-led initiatives to promote civic and human rights and reveal rights violations.

Promoting Workers’ Rights

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote democratic reforms and freedom of association in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the organization will monitor labor law implementation, document workplace violations, and facilitate worker input on the draft Labor Union law.

Fostering Responsive Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen community participation in local decision-making and improve government responsiveness, the organization will host public forums connecting officials, civil society, and academics, publish annual governance performance reports, and conduct advocacy with legislators.

Strengthening Youth Political Leadership

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To increase the representation of marginalized communities in public administration, the organization will train and mentor youth in Nineveh in leadership, conflict resolution, and human rights to strengthen their engagement in political and community initiatives.

Promoting independent Local Media

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To strengthen independent media and promote freedom of expression, the organization will produce regular coverage of political, economic, cultural, and

educational developments and host a program on issues related to the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Strengthening Women’s Leadership

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To support women’s participation and leadership in civic and political life in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the organization will train and mentor emerging women political party members on policy development, negotiation skills, and advocacy for women’s rights.

Expanding Data-Driven investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To strengthen investigative journalism and promote freedom of information, accountability, and transparency, the organization will train and coach young journalists in data collection and analysis, storytelling techniques, and ethical data handling to produce data-driven investigative reports.

Empowering Citizens to Advance Transparency and Good Governance

12 Months Duration

$75,500

To promote transparency and good governance in Ninewa through citizen-driven advocacy, the organization will train local officials and civil society representatives on transparency requirements, service monitoring, and access to information, and hold dialogue sessions and public hearings to strengthen local governance.

Promoting Parliamentary Accountability

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To enhance accountability, transparency, and responsiveness of Iraqi parliament members, the organization will train civil society activists to monitor representatives’ performance and policy commitments, engage parliamentarians on reforms, organize community meetings, and lead advocacy campaigns promoting parliamentary accountability.

Supporting Community Radio and Human Rights Journalism

12 Months Duration

$49,000

To strengthen independent media reporting on accountability and human rights in Sulaymaniyah, the organization will produce community radio content on women’s rights, conduct a human rights reporting competition, and publish monthly reports on local government performance to promote accountability.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Promoting Political Competition

15 Months Duration

$1,100,000

To promote political pluralism, the Institute will identify, train, and mentor proreform women candidates ahead of Iraq’s 2025 parliamentary elections, providing guidance on the electoral system, campaign strategies, messaging, and resilience to technology-facilitated violence, while fostering mentorship linkages between former women parliamentarians and emerging women political leaders.

JORDAN

Enhancing Collective Efforts to Strengthen and Expand Civic Space

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen collective action that expands and protects civic space, the organization will coordinate member collaboration, enhance stakeholder cooperation, hold forums on rights-based issues, provide training and mentoring on financial sustainability, and lead a public awareness campaign on civil society’s role in protecting civic space.

Promoting Policy Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$31,000

To strengthen civil and social movements’ advocacy at the local level, the organization will train civil society organizations on advocacy skills, mentor them in discussions

with decision makers, publish research, and highlight challenges to promote freedom of association reforms.

Enhancing Parliamentary Oversight by Youth

12 Months Duration

$34,800

To enhance civic and political engagement on legislative issues, the organization will lead a parliamentary monitoring initiative to encourage youth participation in oversight beyond elections and produce social media content that invites commentary and public feedback on legislative performance.

Enhancing Citizen Engagement in Political Affairs

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To enhance citizen understanding of and engagement in political life, the organization will lead public discussions, broadcast a political affairs radio program, organize follow-on town hall meetings after cabinet visits, and facilitate public and parliamentary dialogue on political developments.

LEBANON

Energizing Civic Debate Through Media

12 Months Duration

$123,500

To strengthen an independent forum for dialogue and energize civic debate in southern Lebanon, the organization will publish twelve magazine issues in print and online, maintain daily news, editorials, and analysis on its website, and cover political, educational, and social issues in the region.

Enhancing Reporting on issues of Accountability

12 Months Duration

$76,000

To promote evidence-based journalism on accountability, the organization will produce a toolkit on the multi-stakeholder initiative to rebuild Beirut after the 2020 port explosion and launch three six-month fellowship cohorts for local journalists to use the toolkit in reporting on the rebuilding efforts.

Supporting a National Campaign for the Disappeared

12 Months Duration

$36,900

To promote national reconciliation and clarify the fate of the missing and disappeared, the organization will raise awareness through local roundtables, monitor and document gravesites, and update its database with additional research.

Challenging Censorship

12 Months Duration

$41,100

To advocate for freedom of expression and bridge political polarization, the organization will support youth in modeling and promoting free expression through public seminars, digital content fostering dialogue on personal freedoms, and advocacy with local stakeholders.

Strengthening independent and Democratic Trade Unions

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To stimulate democratic reforms in the trade union movement and support new free trade unions, the organization will conduct capacity-building trainings, support the development of democratic unions, and lead awareness sessions on trade union reform and expansion.

Promoting Youth Engagement with Elections

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To advance youth engagement with elections and elected bodies, the organization will train youth groups to monitor municipalities, develop advocacy skills, and monitor the pre-election campaign period to assess compliance with Lebanese law and international best practices.

Providing Emergency Journalist Assistance

6 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen independent media during its recovery, the organization will launch a media recovery initiative to support Lebanese outlets by replacing destroyed equipment, repairing offices, covering health insurance and medical expenses for journalists, and providing housing stipends for those displaced.

Supporting Economic Policy Leadership

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote economic reform policies aligned with a free market, the organization will hold a leadership academy to build knowledge of reform practices and policy advocacy skills, focusing on local challenges and solutions, with participants drawn from activists and influencers engaged in economic platform development.

Engaging Citizens to Promote Accountability over Public Land

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To hold government officials accountable for protecting public land, the organization will lead a coalition to advocate for open public access, raise public awareness, and engage in direct advocacy against illegal development and encroachment of public spaces.

LiBYA

Engaging Legal Mechanisms for the Defense and Protection of Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To enhance access to justice in human rights and civil liberties cases, the organization will provide pro-bono legal support, lead strategic litigation in Libyan courts, and raise awareness through videos, podcasts, and a legal magazine.

Enhancing Women’s Political Rights and Engagement in Public Life

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To enhance women’s civic and political participation, the organization will assess barriers to women’s political involvement, train women candidates on campaign skills and election laws, lead an awareness campaign for local elections, and convene stakeholders for roundtable discussions on increasing women’s political participation.

Strengthening independent Media

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote media professionalism in a conflict environment, the organization will conduct an awareness campaign on media-driven violence, enhance its digital research platform, produce podcasts, publish data on incitement and hate speech, and promote professional journalistic standards.

Promoting Accountability and Justice

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To raise awareness and advocate for justice and redress of human rights violations, the organization will train and mentor local civil society organizations in Libya to document and monitor abuses, produce a context-specific guide and monitoring reports, and use the findings to advocate adherence to international human rights standards and Libya’s commitments.

Promoting Youth Participation in Local Governance

12 Months Duration

$32,000

To enhance youth engagement in governance and policymaking, the organization will train young people to participate in municipal decision-making in Eastern Libya, convene stakeholder forums to develop governance recommendations, coordinate advocacy efforts, and support youth-led monitoring campaigns to ensure public services reflect citizens’ priorities.

MAURiTANiA

Combating Modern-Day Slavery

12 Months Duration

$63,000

To promote rule of law and raise awareness of the rights of marginalized groups, including women, the stateless, and current and former victims of slavery, the organization will conduct workshops on international and Mauritanian legal protections, train lawyers, officials, and civil society on human rights and accountability, and strengthen a network advocating for the rule of law.

Promoting Youth Community Engagement

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To engage youth and promote social cohesion among marginalized communities, the organization will conduct youth leadership workshops, support initiatives on dialogue and conflict prevention, advocate for youth engagement in local governance, and facilitate peer exchange visits to a neighboring country.

Empowering Local Women Leaders

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen the capacity of women leaders in local cooperatives, the organization will train them on governance, women’s rights, coalition building, and advocacy, conduct workshops on political leadership and communication, host forums on women’s political and economic participation, and lead advocacy efforts to enhance women’s role in public life.

Strengthening Women’s Civic Leadership and Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To advance women’s engagement in public life, the organization will build the leadership capacity of elected women in marginalized communities, convene meetings with advocacy committees and officials on priority issues, and lead awareness campaigns on women’s civic and political participation.

Promoting Participatory Public Policy Making

12 Months Duration

$26,000

To engage civil society in public policy processes, the organization will convene experts and civil society to assess national policy implementation, advocate for civil society tax exemption status, organize roundtables, and meet with national stakeholders to share its findings and recommendations.

Promoting independent Unions’ voice

12 Months Duration

$26,000

To strengthen the institutional capacity and advocacy skills of independent unions, the organization will conduct workshops on labor laws and constitutional rights, lead campaigns to boost union membership and engagement, and advocate for meaningful participation of labor and trade unions in national policy debates.

MOROCCO

Strengthening Participatory Local Governance

6 Months Duration

$10,000

To strengthen accountability and transparency at the municipal level in the FezMeknes region, the organization will train civil society members and local officials on open government and citizen participation and convene forums to develop a joint framework for transparency and civic engagement.

Fostering Political Engagement

6 Months Duration

$10,000

To promote the participation of persons with disabilities in political processes, the organization will establish a national coalition to advocate for the political representation of marginalized groups and engage political parties, elected officials, and civil society in regional and national forums.

Strengthening Consultative Processes in Governance

6 Months Duration

$10,000

To foster cooperation between civil society organizations and local councils on local democracy and citizen participation, the organization will build a coalition for collaborative governance, coordinate advocacy campaigns promoting policy recommendations, and host weekly civic engagement clinics to support organizations in policymaking and oversight.

Strengthening Parliamentary Transparency

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To enhance citizens’ access to parliamentary information, the organization will engage parliamentarians through online town halls, produce parliamentary podcasts, monitor commitments to the Open Government Partnership Initiative, train civil society on advocacy, and collaborate with the Upper House to improve online engagement and citizen outreach.

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY

Enhancing Civil Society’s Role in Governance

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote participatory governance at the regional level, the organization will convene stakeholders on public consultations in decision-making, host workshops on strategic planning and policy monitoring, and use a good governance practices index to produce reports analyzing government performance.

Promoting Women’s Political Rights and Leadership

12 Months Duration

$27,000

To promote women’s participation in decision-making and support women political leaders, the organization will convene public forums on national and local priorities, conduct workshops on public policy and advocacy, and provide ongoing support for women leaders in monitoring policy implementation and raising awareness on citizen priorities.

Promoting Civil Society-University Engagement

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To foster cooperation between civil society and universities and promote community service learning, the organization will work with a Marrakesh university to create a legal aid program, engage law students with civil society, host workshops on advocacy and policy planning, provide legal support to local groups, and lead initiatives on community priorities.

Promoting Women’s Participation in Public Life

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To enhance women’s representation in government institutions, the organization will hold multi-stakeholder forums on amending legislation, lead workshops for professional organizations, labor unions, political parties, and civil society, and convene roundtable discussions to develop recommendations and an advocacy plan focused on women’s representation in public institutions.

Promoting Citizens’ Rights

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To strengthen mechanisms for addressing citizen grievances, the organization will train staff of the national mediation institution, hold discussions with civil society and the media on its role in protecting citizens’ rights, and encourage collaboration between civil society and the institution to address tensions with public administration.

Promoting Participatory Policy Development

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To advocate for good governance and strengthen civil society in policymaking, the organization will convene discussions on participatory policy development in five provinces, train elected officials, youth, and women on public policy design and monitoring, and enhance youth capacities for public debate and advocacy campaigns.

Empowering Rural Communities

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote rural communities’ political engagement, the organization will conduct workshops for officials, civil society leaders, and youth on community action plans, train women activists and decision-makers on reform processes, engage youth in monitoring community planning, and promote democracy and civic education in academic institutions.

Promoting Youth Participation Through Media

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To expand freedom of expression and encourage youth engagement, the organization will produce content on current affairs and democracy for its online TV channel in Arabic targeting youth and university students, and train young journalists, technical staff, and students in TV content production, editorial guidelines, and presentation skills.

Promoting an Enabling Environment for Professional independent Media

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To support freedom of expression and media freedom, the organization will train young journalists on human rights and media laws, conduct a study on media self-

regulation, lead advocacy efforts, and promote press code amendments aligned with human rights principles.

Promoting Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote rule of law and defend freedom of assembly and expression, the organization will operate a legal aid clinic to monitor human rights court cases, convene stakeholders in seminars on legal protections for expression and access to information, produce a public policy report, and lead joint advocacy efforts with civil society partners.

Supporting Good Governance in Youth-Centered institutions

12 Months Duration

$53,000

To advocate for good governance in youth-centered public institutions, the organization will convene forums on youth engagement, monitor governance practices in youth centers, produce recommendations to improve the governing law, and lead a campaign for budget allocation and effectiveness in addressing youth needs.

Advancing Human Rights and Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$41,300

To promote debate on human rights and the rule of law, the organization will establish an expert committee to improve training modules, develop a human rights education framework, conduct trainings and mock trials for law students, and establish a legal aid clinic with a pro-bono network of legal experts.

Promoting Public Policy Research

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To promote public institution accountability through evidence-based research, the organization will produce the Trust in Public Institutions Index, measure public trust and perceptions of institutional effectiveness, and convene policy discussions and conferences on its findings and recommendations.

Promoting Government Transparency and Accountability

12 Months Duration

$55,000

To promote participatory budgeting and foster transparent public spending, the organization will conduct workshops for elected officials and civil society on laws requiring citizen input and oversight and produce policy papers advocating for citizen participation and transparent budgeting within Morocco’s decentralization strategy.

Advocating a Just Taxation Policy for Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To promote conditions that strengthen the operating environment for civil society, the organization will analyze taxation impacts, strengthen a network for advocacy, launch a public and policymaker awareness campaign, and draft a proposal with recommendations for submission to parliament.

Strengthening Youth Political Engagement

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To promote youth leadership and public participation, the organization will mentor youth to engage in local politics through dialogue with officials and civil society leaders, conduct workshops on political leadership and electoral engagement, and support youth-led community initiatives.

Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Political Participation

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote women’s political participation, the organization will train women candidates, build the capacities of newly elected women for leadership roles, convene multistakeholder forums, and produce a report on progress in women’s representation.

Engaging Civil Society in Public Policy

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote policy debate on legal reforms and strengthen strategic cooperation among policy centers, the organization will support youth in conducting public policy research and presenting recommendations to stakeholders, and convene think

tanks and civil society to collaborate and advance contributions to Morocco’s reform agenda.

increasing Transparency in Parliamentary Policy Evaluation

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote transparency in parliamentary oversight, the organization will train parliamentary committees and staff on citizen-inclusive policy evaluation, engage civil society in issuing evidence-based recommendations, train journalists on parliamentary reporting, and organize annual forums to support multistakeholder monitoring.

Enhancing Citizen-Centered Policy and Governance

12 Months Duration

$42,500

To strengthen participatory governance and public policy, the organization will train elected officials and civil society in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al-Hoceima region on good governance, convene stakeholder dialogues, and promote citizen participation within Open Government Partnership frameworks.

Advancing Human Rights and Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To enhance the use of strategic litigation for human rights advocacy and policy reform, the organization will train lawyers on rights-based litigation, guide participants in selecting systemic cases, and develop a practical manual for legal professionals and civil society.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Advancing Business Leadership in the Economy

20 Months Duration

$500,000

To strengthen business voices to advance economic freedom, the Center will develop a community of practice among business association leaders and convene roundtables and policy fora to advocate economic reforms.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Strengthening Party Platforms and Political Leadership

12 Months Duration

$525,000

To support more representative and citizen-responsive political parties, the Institute will train party leaders on platform development, participatory policymaking, and internal democracy, culminating in a national-regional exchange to align party platforms with constituent needs.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Advancing a Democratic and Effective Trade Union Movement

11 Months Duration

$713,251

To advance a more democratic and effective trade union movement that empowers workers to shape workplace policies and practices, the Center will help federations expand membership, strengthen internal structures, enhance organizing strategies, digital engagement, and leadership development, and coordinate with partners to mobilize workers ahead of the 2027 delegate elections.

SYRiA

Strengthening independent Media

12 Months Duration

$57,400

To enhance the emergence of free, independent media, the organization will produce a weekly newspaper and daily online news service providing independent journalism on local political, military, economic, social, and cultural developments as an alternative to state-controlled and sectarian media.

Consolidating Professional Media across Zones of Conflict

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To standardize data-driven investigative reporting in conflict zones, the organization will train cohorts of journalists to develop investigative reports requiring local and provincial-level information, and coach teams working across a range of geographic and political landscapes to produce joint reports on local authorities’ responses to service-delivery challenges.

Reporting on Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen accurate human rights reporting, the organization will develop an online platform in Arabic and other languages including Kurdish, Turkish, and Syriac, organize hybrid workshops on its international reporting materials, and provide mentorship to a core group of human rights defenders to support their submissions to relevant bodies.

Promoting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To promote objective reporting on southern Syria, the organization will provide independent news coverage on security incidents, social and economic updates, and human rights violations in Daraa and neighboring areas, and disseminate reports through its established web presence.

Promoting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To promote objective reporting on southern Syria, the organization will provide independent news coverage on security, social, economic, and human rights issues in Suwayda and neighboring areas, and regularly publish developments through its established web presence.

Promoting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$31,000

To enhance the role of independent media in expanding democratic thought and promoting accountability, the organization will provide daily and bimonthly news coverage on local community concerns, including public service delivery, military movements, security developments, and citizen opinions, through its online media platforms.

Establishing a Rule of Law Culture

12 Months Duration

$52,200

To promote the rule of law and protect human rights, the organization will lead webinars on accountability, constitutional reform, human rights, and civic space protection, and maintain a web platform to foster discussions on the rule of law in democratic society.

Enhancing Accountability through investigative Reporting

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To enhance accountability regarding repatriation efforts to Syria, the organization will lead an investigative journalism initiative spotlighting property confiscation and collaborate with journalists and researchers to develop stories on financial gains and legal mechanisms behind property repossession.

Strengthening and Supporting independent Journalists

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To strengthen the role of media in advancing democratic transformation and transitional justice, the organization will enhance the capacity of journalists, activists, and community leaders to adhere to journalism standards, conduct dialogue forums to develop actionable recommendations, and monitor violations against journalists and media figures.

Promoting Political Representation and Participation in the Northeast

12 Months Duration

$33,300

To ensure wide-ranging political representation and participation during a government transition, the organization will conduct research, awareness raising, and dialogue on key aspects of the transition, lead seminars with civic and political

leaders, and elevate public understanding of political pluralism through researched articles.

Promoting independent Media from Damascus

12 Months Duration

$98,200

To enhance public awareness and analysis during a critical political transition, the organization will provide independent coverage of news and information from Damascus focused on the transitional government’s actions and security and economic developments.

Strengthening Leadership on Civil Peace

12 Months Duration

$35,500

To promote and strengthen civil peace in a transitional environment, the organization will support youth-led teams in Damascus and Aleppo through a year-long skills and leadership program and monthly dialogue forums to build public understanding and practice of civil peace.

Core institute

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Advancing Democratic Transition

15 Months Duration

$700,000

To strengthen moderate democratic voices during a period of uncertain political transition, the Institute will support activists in mapping civic space, conduct surveys of citizen priorities, lead technical consultations on advocacy, communications, and political strategy, and assist a local partner to introduce principles of democratic political organizing and party development.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Encouraging Democratic voices in Political Transition

12 Months Duration

$1,100,000

To support citizen engagement in the transitional governance process in Syria, the Institute will assist political activists and stakeholders in advancing a political transition grounded in accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.

TUNiSiA

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To promote high-quality, data-driven independent journalism, the organization will train journalists to produce stories with visuals, graphics, and interactive maps, focusing on economic issues, politics, parliamentary affairs, human rights, corruption, and key legislation.

Promoting Public Accountability

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To raise awareness of and protect public accountability mechanisms for combating corruption, the organization will engage with lawyers and legal experts on whistleblower cases, track and raise awareness of public corruption investigations, and produce a radio show and podcasts discussing corruption issues.

Enhancing independent Media’s Content Production

Capabilities

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To expand independent media reporting on democracy and governance, the organization will produce short explainer videos and longer video segments focused on governance and democratic developments in the country.

Promoting Citizen Oversight of Lawmaking

12 Months Duration

$39,000

To engage civil society in monitoring legislation, the organization will monitor bills and presidential decrees for human rights conformity, produce articles and videos with analysis, convene seminars on key legislation, produce a radio show on legal and legislative developments, and advocate against rights-infringing measures.

Empowering informal Workers

12 Months Duration

$103,000

To promote socio-economic dialogue by strengthening informal workers’ participation, the organization will conduct a needs assessment, training on advocacy, work with stakeholders to create a roadmap for a formal federation of informal worker unions, and lead advocacy campaigns to encourage their participation.

Protecting Rights and Freedoms

4 Months Duration

$40,000

To defend civil and political rights, the organization will train lawyers on protections under Tunisian and international law, support the establishment of an NGO focused on civil and political rights, and assist defenders of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

Supporting independent Journalism

12 Months Duration

$75,000

To support independent journalism, the organization will operate a branch outside Tunisia, build a network of contributing journalists, and publish articles, podcasts, and other media content on political, economic, and social issues relevant to Tunisian audiences.

Defending Civil Society

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote public support for freedom of association and speech, the organization will produce a video and podcast series on the stigmatization of various social, economic, and political groups, highlighting freedom of association and human rights.

Facilitating Public Policy Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To support a participatory dialogue process on the economic crisis, the organization will conduct consultations with political, union, business, and civil society leaders, convene stakeholder roundtables to develop policy recommendations, and synthesize findings in a final report.

Defending Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$52,000

To promote and protect freedom of speech and expression, the organization will monitor and document violations, train human rights defenders in monitoring methodologies, lead advocacy campaigns, provide legal assistance to defend citizens prosecuted for freedom of speech, and strengthen a freedom of expression advocacy network.

Promoting Government Transparency

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote accountability, transparency, and citizen oversight of public institutions, the organization will monitor public entities, raise awareness of governance and financial management practices, propose reforms to improve transparency and efficiency, and reveal cases of corruption or mismanagement.

improving the Quality of Domestic Election Monitoring

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To strengthen domestic election monitoring capacity and preparedness, the organization will convene a national forum of regional coordinators to develop a three-year strategy, assess past monitoring efforts, and train participants to evaluate the neutrality of election authorities and the media in future elections.

Supporting independent Media

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To foster quality independent journalism on local issues and raise awareness of press freedom challenges, the organization will train local radio journalists in investigative and data journalism, support podcast production on freedom of expression, and establish an online observatory to monitor and report on violations of expression and access to information.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Fostering Economic Advocacy and Democratic Success

20 Months Duration

$500,000

To enhance the capacity of Tunisian organizations to advance market reforms, the Center will support business associations’ advocacy efforts, and train youth in policy reform and communications to promote democracy and economic freedom.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Revitalizing Workers’ voices

12 Months Duration

$594,275

To enhance unions’ capacity to advocate for workers’ rights and strengthen internal structures, the Center will help unions organize platform workers, advocate for legal protections, support tax reform campaigns, and build capacity to organize youth workers in call centers and strengthen regional unions.

TURKEY

Supporting Media Freedom at the Local Level

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote and strengthen legal protection for local journalists, the organization will monitor legal cases against journalists, provide legal support, train lawyers on press freedom, and share findings on rights violations with national human rights groups and bar associations.

Strengthening Youth Participation in Political Parties

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To increase youth participation and representation in political parties and decisionmaking, the organization will organize workshops, seminars, and networking events for young politicians, and publish research and policy papers with recommendations on enhancing youth participation in politics.

Supporting Legal Assistance to Journalists

12 Months Duration

$84,000

To promote freedom of expression and enhance legal protection for independent journalists, the organization will conduct strategic litigation, address legal harassment, provide legal aid, monitor trials, conduct prison visits, and lead advocacy campaigns to ensure compliance with human rights standards.

Strengthening Youth Participation in Decision-making Processes

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To enhance youth participation in decision-making processes, the organization will strengthen its youth network, promote municipal advocacy, recruit members for its national youth board, and train volunteers to organize workshops on youth-driven policy recommendations.

Promoting informed Public Discourse

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote freedom of expression and foster discussion on key socioeconomic and political issues, the organization will analyze public policy, produce expert podcasts, debate videos, a social media video series, and weekly newsletters with insights from academics, journalists, social workers, and civic leaders.

Strengthening Civil Society Capacity and Engagement

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To support women’s civic participation, the organization will develop a five-year strategic plan, enhance its volunteer network, and empower women, particularly from conservative communities, through knowledge, skills, and support for civic engagement.

Strengthening investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To promote transparency and accountability, the organization will produce and publish investigative reports, podcasts, and videos on political, economic,

governance, and human rights issues, and disseminate them through its website and social media platforms.

Supporting Local Media

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To strengthen the digital transformation and sustainability of local media, the organization will train local outlets in ten major cities on digital skills, artificial intelligence tools, and multimedia storytelling, and enhance national coordination through regional meetings, a national gathering, and weekly local news programming.

Providing a Platform for independent voices and Analysis

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To support an independent media platform providing timely, credible reporting on political, economic, and social issues, the organization will produce interactive livestreams and video series led by a veteran journalist, engaging audiences on YouTube and social media and amplifying independent voices and analysis.

increasing Youth Engagement in Legislative Processes

12 Months Duration

$160,000

To help young citizens engage with parliamentary processes, the organization will monitor parliament in real time and use its web app and social media platforms to provide accessible legislative updates, enabling users to vote on legislation and track activity to encourage democratic participation.

Supporting independent Digital Media

12 Months Duration

$200,000

To support freedom of expression, the organization will provide independent and timely coverage of political and socioeconomic developments through daily news programs, live reports, expert commentary, and field-based video journalism on politics, civil society, and public discourse.

Strengthening Civil Society through Collective Action and Strategic Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To promote democratic engagement and civic cooperation, the organization will foster dialogue, produce public-facing content, and launch a freedom of expression campaign to help civil society actors amplify their voices, engage wider audiences, and respond collectively to political and legal constraints.

Expanding Representation and innovation in Journalism

12 Months Duration

$80,000

To enhance the skills and visibility of emerging and underrepresented media actors nationwide, the organization will provide open online courses, mentorship, and microgrants to strengthen quality reporting and build broad media networks across all regions.

Sustaining independent Journalism and Documenting Media violations

12 Months Duration

$120,000

To support freedom of expression by maintaining independent media platforms, the organization will publish legal commentary, press freedom reports, and accessible analysis to inform the public and engage stakeholders on challenges to free speech and civic space.

Strengthening Democratic institutions and Rule of Law

12 Months Duration

$144,000

To advance institutional reform and democratic governance, the organization will promote structural reforms in key public institutions and legislation through policy proposals, expert-led events, engagement with political and civil society actors, and digital content on democratic governance and accountability.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Building Strong Networks to Protect Democratic and Economic Freedom

20 Months Duration

$625,000

To empower civil society to foster accountable governance in Turkey, the Center will collaborate with private sector partners to improve the business enabling environment, and support civil society in compiling and analyzing government economic data to promote transparency.

INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE (IRI)

Supporting A Youth and Policy-Driven Democratic Future

12 Months Duration

$700,000

To foster issue-based policy development and cross-party dialogue among political parties, the Institute will train young political leaders, convene forums for parties to discuss and develop public policies, and commission public opinion and policy-based research on citizen concerns and priorities.

WEST BANK / GAZA

Strengthening Democratic values and Engagement Among Youth

12 Months Duration

$35,000

To strengthen democratic values and understanding among youth leaders in the Gaza Strip, the organization will lead a peer-to-peer exchange that comprises supporting youth teams’ participation in regional exchanges, and sharing their knowledge through workshops with community-based organizations.

Advancing Public Accountability

12 Months Duration

$55,200

To promote government accountability and transparency, the organization will produce broadcast news programming that examines governance issues in political, economic, and social spheres.

Supporting Democratic Electoral Reform

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To strengthen government responsiveness to citizens’ needs in the West Bank through electoral reform, the organization will coordinate with civic groups for electoral reforms, lead trainings for candidates and election observers, and raise awareness through reports and public seminars.

Strengthening Women Journalist Capacity and Public Discourse

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To build female journalists’ professional capacity and expand participation in public discourse, the organization will support journalists through training, internships with local media, freelance production opportunities, and the development of professional networks that encourage civic engagement.

Preserving Accountability-focused Youth Leadership

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To sustain youth engagement in accountability initiatives, the organization will prioritize support for its youth-led social audit teams and civil society coalition focused on promoting accountability among decision makers.

Advancing Dialogue on internal Reform Measures

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To support peaceful dialogue on internal reform and democratization, the organization will lead a series of fora and produce policy papers the reflect the insights of governance experts on topics including political reform, governance, economic strategies, Gaza reconstruction, security, and social cohesion.

YEMEN

Strengthening Local Accountability

10 Months Duration

$25,000

To strengthen accountability through civic engagement and network building, the organization will collaborate with a coalition of civil society organizations in six regions to organize meetings and conduct surveys on social accountability and local service delivery.

Promoting Women’s Political Rights and Access to Justice

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To promote women’s political rights in the media and legal system, the organization will produce radio episodes on women’s economic, social, and political issues, collaborate with lawyers to track women’s rights court cases, publish an annual report, and host a workshop to share findings with local and international stakeholders.

Supporting independent Media Coverage of Peace Negotiations

12 Months Duration

$30,000

To strengthen independent journalism, particularly in peace and reconciliation efforts, the organization will collaborate with its network of journalists to cover peace negotiations and conflict resolution, expand a dedicated section on its website, and feature regular reports, case studies from global conflicts, and a catalog of past and present negotiations.

Engaging Youth Through Cultural and Media Productions

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To promote democratic ideas and values through film and multimedia content, the organization will train and mentor youth in advanced filmmaking, focusing on democratic values like civic engagement and freedom of expression, and produce infographics and short videos to promote critical analysis of prominent social media content.

Strengthening Civic Participation

6 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote and enhance women’s role and representation in the peace process, the organization will strengthen its network’s capacity to advocate for its post-conflict peace roadmap and create working groups to facilitate legal aid for women civil society members and journalists facing human rights abuses.

Advocating internally Displaced People’s Rights

12 Months Duration

$21,000

To engage civil society organizations in advocating for the rights of internally displaced people in Marib, the organization will work with local partners to monitor government response, conduct field visits to IDP camps, convene monthly public meetings, and maintain an online platform and field presence to promote responsiveness to IDP needs.

Supporting Youth Expression and Community Engagement

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote youth leadership and civic participation, the organization will train and mentor youth in Hadramawt province to engage their communities on local priorities, support youth-led initiatives and creative productions, convene roundtable discussions on key issues, and engage stakeholders to share recommendations and advocate solutions.

Building Capacities of Journalists and Media Organizations

12 Months Duration

$25,000

To strengthen independent media organizations and support strategic planning in a conflict context, the organization will train and mentor journalists and media outlets to enhance digital media analysis, content production, and sustainability strategies that preserve independent voices amid Yemen’s ongoing civil war.

Promoting Good Governance of Public Services

12 Months Duration

$20,000

To empower youth and promote accountability in Taiz, the organization will train youth in conflict-affected areas to monitor and report on local government accountability, share findings with authorities, facilitate public dialogue, and advocate for governance improvements through action plans.

Defending Freedom of Expression

12 Months Duration

$40,000

To strengthen legal awareness and protections for journalists across Yemen’s divided landscape, the organization will establish an expert legal committee to expand on its media freedoms study, foster dialogue among legal actors, journalists, and tribal leaders, and conduct a digital media campaign to raise public awareness of journalists’ rights.

Core institute

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Political Unity for Representative Governance

12 Months Duration

$500,000

To strengthen representative governance, the Institute will support political parties and civil society coalitions to engage in national and local dialogue, raise their profile, and foster democratic governance amid instability.

GULF REGiONAL

informing Policy Discussions and Civic Engagement

6 Months Duration

$35,000

To promote debate on political participation, the organization will host an online forum for regional experts on political and economic reforms, maintain a digital platform to monitor reform efforts, and publish an annual report analyzing key regional trends.

Defending Human Rights

12 Months Duration

$150,000

To promote and defend human rights, the organization will collaborate with local human rights activists to compile data on violations, publish annual reports, and conduct international and regional advocacy campaigns.

Supporting an independent Media Network

5 Months Duration

$25,000

To promote freedom of expression and provide an independent platform for democratic debate, the organization will publish an online magazine with reports, multimedia content, and infographics on freedom of speech, civil rights, and political reform, and engage journalists, experts, and contributors to reflect local interests and perspectives.

Monitoring and Advocating for Media Freedom

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To support press freedom and strengthen access to independent information, the organization will monitor violations against the press in the Gulf, publish annual reports, and provide a platform for contributions related to freedom of expression, while offering recommendations for media reform.

Tracking and Advocating for the implementation of Reform Promises

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To monitor promises made by decisionmakers, the organization will track and analyze government processes and statements on democratic reforms, convene roundtable discussions with local and international stakeholders to present findings, and lead advocacy efforts to promote the adoption of its recommendations.

Enhancing Human Rights Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$65,000

To enhance the integration of local human rights defenders in regional and international forums, the organization will collaborate with Gulf-focused researchers to monitor and document human rights conditions for advocacy campaigns, support activists’ participation in international consultations, and provide emergency fellowships for at-risk defenders.

Monitoring and Documenting Human Rights violations

12 Months Duration

$45,000

To promote and defend human rights, the organization will engage a network of local activists to monitor and document violations, publish an annual report, provide guidance and support to victims, and connect them with local and international human rights organizations.

Promoting Political Reform through Open Dialogue

12 Months Duration

$50,000

To promote dialogue among civic activists on democratic reforms, the organization will hold events and conferences on freedom of expression, human rights, institutional reform, and freedom of movement, and publish media content on its website and social media to promote democratic ideas and values

Core institute

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Preparing Youth for the Future of Work

12 Months Duration

$420,300

To strengthen the capacity of young workers to advocate for labor rights and sustainable private sector reform in Kuwait and Bahrain, the Center will build youth leadership capacity to address barriers to participation and advance youth priorities by establishing a network of trained young leaders to raise awareness of worker rights and inform private sector reform strategies.

MENA REGiONAL

Promoting Accountability Through New Media and Technology

12 Months Duration

$63,500

To strengthen civil society groups’ ability to monitor political processes and promote government accountability using new technology, the organization will build capacities through its regional fellowship program and support a regional alumni network to enhance collaboration on technology and governance.

Strengthening Youth Leadership in Public Policy

12 Months Duration

$42,500

To engage emerging leaders in shaping public policies on good governance and socioeconomic rights, the organization will support young researchers through skill-building and experience exchange, develop policy recommendations, produce analytical papers, create training kits, and train civil society organizations on socioeconomic issues.

Supporting Human Rights Advocacy

12 Months Duration

$57,000

To broaden public dialogue on human rights through film festivals and strengthen a regional advocacy network, the organization will provide expertise on using films for human rights advocacy, facilitate cooperation among member organizations, and offer research tools and resources to the human rights film community.

Challenging Authoritarian Narratives

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To promote democratic values and counter authoritarian narratives, the organization will produce storytelling-style video documentaries and podcasts in Arabic that challenge portrayals of authoritarianism as essential for political stability and economic prosperity.

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY

Amplifying the impact of investigative Journalism

12 Months Duration

$67,000

To stimulate public dialogue on investigative findings, the organization will produce video podcasts amplifying issues from independent media investigations, increasing awareness and visibility on transparency, accountability, corruption, mismanagement, and human rights.

Advancing Data-Driven Policy Through Public Opinion Research

12 Months Duration

$117,500

To promote evidence-based policy and strengthen civil society’s polling capacity, the organization will implement public opinion surveys in Mauritania and the West Bank and Gaza, publish reports, host events on findings, and train local partners in survey methodologies and data utilization.

Supporting Electoral Reform

12 Months Duration

$95,600

To strengthen civil society organizations’ ability to influence electoral reform and improve electoral processes and participation, the organization will produce multimedia content, including short videos, to promote regional understanding of elections, host roundtables, training sessions, and monitoring missions, and produce reports with recommendations and advocacy strategies for reforms.

Engaging Policy Makers on Economic Reforms

12 Months Duration

$130,000

To enable MENA leaders to engage in economic policy reforms and risk analysis, the organization will host two regional academies on policy formulation, produce and disseminate analytical publications, lead advocacy efforts, and convene a regional policy forum to present key recommendations.

Promoting Media Reform

12 Months Duration

$125,000

To support media freedom and independence through legal reform in the Maghreb region, the organization will convene civil society groups to monitor media regulations, train journalists and lawyers on freedom of expression laws, and provide legal assistance to journalists and defenders in Libya.

Advancing Democratic Development through intergenerational Learning

12 Months Duration

$100,100

To enhance youth civic engagement and facilitate intergenerational learning, the organization will convene online discussions and training sessions between youth and experienced democratic political leaders and host an in-person regional youth camp to develop leadership and political skills and foster connections.

Enhancing Constitutional Law, institutions, and Processes

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To strengthen expertise on rule of law and constitutional governance and contribute to debates on reforms, the organization will hold two annual academies for regional scholars, jurists, and decision-makers, mentor participants in developing countryspecific policy papers, and lead activities to promote their policy recommendations.

Promoting Understanding of Kleptocracy and its impact on Democracy

12 Months Duration

$208,400

To promote understanding of kleptocratic influence on democracy, the organization will produce a short film on accountability case studies, connect MENA antikleptocracy actors with international networks, and release podcast episodes with investigative journalists on safety protocols and secure research strategies.

Strengthening Understanding of Democratic Transitions Models

12 Months Duration

$100,000

To reinforce democratic transitions in Lebanon and Syria, the organization will build technical capacity and stakeholder consensus on transitional reforms to address

challenges to achieving democracy through working groups, national convenings, and policy papers addressing security sector reform, governance, national dialogue, elections, and economic tradeoffs.

Protecting Human Rights Defenders

12 Months Duration

$116,800

To protect and sustain the work of at-risk Egyptian, Libyan, Syrian, Tunisian, and Algerian human rights defenders, the organization will offer direct rapid, financial assistance to human rights defenders and provide coordination and coaching services to ensure continuity of their activities.

Strengthening a Regional Network for Women’s Political Empowerment

12 Months Duration

$70,000

To enhance women’s political empowerment and participation, the organization will host regional webinars for women civic and political activists, publish policy briefs, and lead regional missions on priority issues identified in discussions to shape a shared agenda and joint actions.

Building a Strategy to Combat Digital Authoritarianism

12 Months Duration

$60,000

To strengthen civil society activists’ understanding of digital authoritarianism and strategies to counter it, the organization will map country-level challenges and authoritarian influence on technology in the MENA region, publish a regional strategy for transnational collaboration, and share findings through its networks, annual conference, online platforms, and a virtual donor briefing.

Core institute

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Expanding Private Sector Engagement in Democratic Governance

12 Months Duration

$898,215

To equip civil society representing the private sector for economic policy advocacy, the Center will build the capacity of business associations to represent their members, support coalition advocacy in Jordan on consensus-driven policy positions, and assist partners in crisis management and advocacy for economic reforms.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

Strengthening Private Sector Leadership in Democratic Governance

12 Months Duration

$1,209,320

To empower private sector actors and civic coalitions to advance governance and economic reforms, the Center will support business and civil society leaders in Iraq, Yemen, and Oman to conduct policy analysis, advocate for accountability, and promote private sector engagement through dialogue and evidence-based reform initiatives.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (NDI)

Strengthening Competitive Multipartyism in Transitioning Polities

12 Months Duration

$1,050,550

To strengthen political parties’ representation of citizens, the Institute will provide technical assistance and facilitate exchanges among reform-oriented political activists to build effective, citizen-responsive organizations.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Advancing Trade Union voices

11 Months Duration

$849,429

To strengthen unions’ ability to represent and advocate for workers’ rights, the Center will train rising union leaders to lead organizing and advocacy campaigns and organize cross-border virtual exchanges to share best practices and lessons learned.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Bolstering independent Democratic Advocates and Rights

Defenders

12 Months Duration

$392,269

To strengthen democratic advocates’ capacity to represent workers, defend labor rights, and expand democratic organizing across the region, the Center will build capacity, improve union governance, and elevate rights defenders’ demands through coordinated advocacy, strategic legal engagement, and targeted international outreach.

SOLIDARITY CENTER (SC)

Strengthening Trade Union Advocacy

14 Months Duration

$623,693

To strengthen trade union advocacy, the Center will train workers to lead campaigns on labor rights and workplace protections, facilitate virtual cross-border exchanges, and support union-led advocacy campaigns to amplify workers’ voices before decision-makers.