A new EU SEE survey of 195 civil society organizations across 68 global majority countries finds funding cuts are forcing grassroots organizations to downsize or cease their operations.
The findings underline the exceptional moment that the sector is confronting. More than three-quarters of respondents say funding is lower than at any point in the last decade, while 34% report cuts so severe they now threaten their organization’s survival. More than half have lost at least 25% of their total budget since early 2025.
The survey’s striking results
The survey by EU SEE, FSM, and CIVICUS ran in August to September 2026 in English, Spanish and French. It was shared with nearly 1,000 member organizations of the EU SEE and CIVICUS. 65% of respondents are based in Africa. Responses from 195 civil society organizations found that:
- More than 7 out of 10 organizations say funding is lower than at any point over the past decade.
- US funding fell from the 6th most common funding source to last among the 11 sources surveyed.
- Almost two-thirds say their work has become less safe.
- Diversification of funding did not appear to protect organizations; the most diversely funded were the worst impacted.
- Over half report a significant deterioration in trust with donors.
Strikingly, the organizations reporting the greatest disruption were medium-sized, locally embedded organizations with the most diverse funding sources. The long-held assumption that diversification would protect organizations appears not to have held.
“The EU SEE survey confirms with data what we have been noticing at Hivos for the past two years: cuts to international development funding are literally killing civil society organizations that work to ensure power stays and grows with the people, rather than a few oligarchs. A dramatic impact is felt both in formally liberal settings and in countries governed by autocratic regimes. We are witnessing erasure and censorship of organized civil society in real time.
The organizations most affected by cuts are precisely those working on human rights, democracy, and the protection of marginalized groups. They exist to counter disinformation, document abuse, mediate tensions, and provide early warning when democratic norms are under threat. Their underfunding bears a direct consequence for the quality of an informed, open, and reasonable dialogue in society, that is the essence of effective social cohesion and development everywhere. This is a critical time for us to fight for, and invest in, a strong, enabling environment for civil society and protect those who are brave enough to speak out against oppression and demand respect for human rights.”
– Marco de Ponte, CEO Hivos
The funding shock is not only affecting organizations but is cascading through the sector. Nearly six in ten organizations have eliminated positions or left vacancies unfilled, while similar numbers have reduced salaries, working hours or staff benefits. More than half have reduced, suspended or closed programs and services, leading to direct impacts on vulnerable communities. A respondent from Honduras added: “We have had to sacrifice even our own salaries from other private sources to keep the NGO open and those who received a monthly salary are now working ad honorem.”
Autonomy and safety affected
The findings also raise concerns about a broader deterioration in the enabling environment for civil society. Almost half of respondents say their ability to engage in advocacy, and public policy work has been reduced, around 40% report cutting back the scale of their work or becoming less vocal on key issues, and one-third say they have less autonomy to set their own priorities.
Almost two-thirds of respondents say civil society work has become less safe since early 2025. More than half of the respondents reported increased scrutiny, harassment or repression of civil society organizations, restrictive laws and regulations, or growing restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Nearly half have observed new restrictions on foreign-funded organizations or investigations targeting groups that receive international funding.
“The results show a perfect storm for civil society. Funding is disappearing at the very moment many organizations are facing greater political pressure. What’s being lost is not just programs and jobs, but the independent voices to defend rights, give voice to vulnerable communities, and hold power to account.”
– David Kode, Program Director, EU SEE
What can donors do?
The report calls on donors to provide more flexible and locally accessible funding, simplify compliance requirements, offer emergency bridge funding when grants are suspended, and increase direct support to national and grassroots organizations. It also urges governments to protect civic freedoms and remove barriers that restrict access to funding and public participation.
