A new survey carried out by the EU System for an Enabling Environment (EU SEE) network exposes the impact of the US funding freeze on civil society organizations (CSOs) in over 50 countries. With 67% of surveyed organizations directly impacted and 40% of them losing between 25-50% of their budgets, the abrupt halt in funding is disrupting critical human rights, democracy, gender equality and health programs, leaving vulnerable communities without essential support.
Key findings
– The decision by the US to reduce foreign aid funding has become an opportunity to further limit civic space. CSOs are increasingly facing public attacks fueled by misinformation and negative narratives, along with restrictive regulatory frameworks and heightened scrutiny, according to the new data.
– 67% of surveyed CSOs by EU SEE are directly affected, with 40% of them losing 25-50% of their budgets, forcing them to reduce programs, cut staff or close operations.
– Human rights, democracy and gender equality programs face the most severe disruptions with a real risk of setting the world decades behind.
– Many organizations lack alternative funding sources and risk shutting down permanently.
“Across the world, the immense contributions of civil society to democracy, the rule of law, good governance, policy making and in advancing the rights of excluded voices continue to be undermined by actions that constrain their enabling environment. The time is now for joint action with civil society to push back on these restrictions by advocating for open spaces and progressive laws that promote and protect rights for all.”
David Kode, Global Program Manager EU SEE.
What needs to happen?
The EU SEE network urges governments, donors and policymakers to take immediate action in the following ways:
- Emergency financial support to stabilize affected CSOs
- Stronger donor coordination to ensure sustained support for democracy, human rights, and media freedom programs.
- Flexible and sustainable funding mechanisms that allow CSOs to adapt.
- Support civil society organizations to develop stronger advocacy & communication strategies to counter narrative backlash
The US funding freeze, along with the insecurities and “unknowns” it is triggering, is already having far-reaching consequences, and its long-term effects could be even more devastating. Without swift action, many organizations that hold governments accountable, defend human rights, and support vulnerable communities may disappear altogether.
These data make it clear: civil society is at risk, and the time to act is now.
About EU SEE
The EU SEE initiative is designed to document changes and shed light on critical trends in the enabling environment for civil society across 86 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the Americas and the Caribbean.
EU SEE implements and maintains an early warning and monitoring mechanism to document changes and shed light on critical trends. It provides a clear understanding of the conditions necessary for civil society to thrive, which is important for maintaining social stability, trust, and supporting collective action to address shared challenges.
