Beginning in 2014, a handful of groups with a political agenda have impeded the valuable work of nonprofit organizations through lawsuits, deplatforming campaigns, challenges to organizations’ tax-exempt status, and other means. Although these groups claim their actions are aimed at strengthening security, they stand in the way of the nonprofits’ legitimate work. At the center of these campaigns is disinformation about the work and reputations of nonprofits, disguised as “research,” which is used to exploit legitimate counterterrorism and whistleblower laws
This is the latest chapter in the use of disinformation to delegitimize charitable work. For several years, disinformation on nonprofits has been given an audience on Capitol Hill, and this sham “research” has even made its way into commercial tools commonly used by financial institutions to screen customers and potential customers.
Featured Resources
Civil Society Crackdowns in Nicaragua and Venezuela Escalate
Washington, D.C. - Throughout 2024 the governments of Nicaragua and Venezuela escalated their efforts to crack down on civil society groups, human rights defenders, journalists, and critics through the abuse of financial legal regulations and
Middle East Institute Agrees to Settlement in Lawfare Attack
Washington, D.C. - On Jun. 18, 2024, the Middle East Institute (MEI), a nonpartisan think tank which seeks to improve understanding of the region among U.S. citizens, paid $718,558 to settle a case that claimed
C&SN’s Year in Review: 2023
Throughout 2023, eruptions of conflict and multiple natural disasters in regions already burdened by violence and inequity compounded the turmoil experienced by millions. Yet, because conflict zones and politically unstable regions are often subject to
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Lawfare Attack Against the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights
Washington, D.C. - On Jan. 22, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to review a lawsuit filed by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and several U.S. citizens who live in Israel against
Material Support Allegations Against Palestinian Groups Lack Evidence: Old Tactics, New Situation
Washington, D.C. - Since the beginning of the current crisis in Palestine-Israel, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) has observed with concern the weaponization of the U.S. material support statutes against U.S.-based Palestinian organizations and
C&SN Statement on the Conflict in Palestine and Israel: Safe and Secure Access for Humanitarian Aid and Peacebuilding Processes Must Be Maintained
Following the eruption of violence taking place in Palestine and Israel since Oct. 7, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) is deeply saddened by the considerable loss of civilian lives and emphasizes the importance of