On this page, you will find information on Grantmaking, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and the Partner Vetting System.
The rights of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to free speech, association and assembly often come under pressure or even direct attack as a result of over-reaching laws and regulations. The problem is exacerbated by donors and enforcement agencies that shift risk downstream onto NPOs. For example, counterterrorism clauses or certifications that NPOs must sign as part of the grant agreement and USAID’s problematic Partner Vetting System may be inconsistent with humanitarian principles or privacy standards. In addition, since investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election raised the profile of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), , which requires registration and disclosure by those acting “for or on behalf of” foreign governments and entities, have led to overly broad application of the law to fundamental civil society relationships . Information and analysis in this section calls attention to threats to the rights of nonprofit organizations and efforts to address them.
Featured Resources
Charity & Security Network Applauds US Plans to Significantly Expand Protections for Life-saving Aid
Washington, D.C., Dec 20, 2022 -- The Charity & Security Network (CSN) applauds today's announcement by the Department of Treasury that implements clear plans to expand protections for a range of activities that will provide
Charity & Security Network Applauds Landmark UN Security Council Resolution on Sanctions, Urges U.S. Government to Follow Suit
Washington, D.C., Dec 9, 2022 — The Charity & Security Network (CSN) applauds the vote taken today at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that establishes broad protections for life-saving humanitarian aid and programs in
C&SN Submits Comments for FATF Update to Best Practices Paper on Combatting the Abuse of NPOs
In Oct. 2022, in response to a call for input, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) submitted comments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as part of FATF’s “project to review and update the
Panel Discussion: Tracking the Suppression of Palestinian Civil Society and Human Rights Advocacy
On Oct. 20, at 11am - 12:30pm EDT / 5pm - 6:30pm CET, the Charity & Security Network is hosting a panel discussion on Tracking the Suppression of Palestinian Civil Society and Human Rights Advocacy.
Israel Shuts Down Palestinian Civil Society Groups as U.S. Continues to “Review” Unsubstantiated Allegations from Last Fall
Washington, D.C., Aug. 18, 2022 — Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has reportedly ratified the terrorism designations of three of the six Palestinian human rights and civil society organizations first designated by the Israeli military
Biden’s Moment of Truth About Palestine – Electronic Intifada
C&SN Director Paul Carroll is quoted calling on President Biden to end his "position of callous ambivalence" towards the six Palestinian organizations that Israel wrongfully designated as terror groups last year. Read the full article