Greetings Friend,

We’re keeping a close eye on regulatory developments across a number of countries where changes could have implications for funders and their partners.

Earlier this month, the Mexican government published long-awaited rules clarifying how last year's anti-money laundering (AML) reform will work in practice. Donation thresholds haven't changed, but organizations will face more donor due diligence, including a new 25% beneficial ownership threshold and requirements to assess donors based on risk. Most provisions take effect November 30 with additional requirements phased in beginning in 2027.

In India, the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendment didn't pass in the latest legislative session. After significant pushback, it's now with a Joint Parliamentary Committee and could return this winter, so the bigger question around foreign-funded assets is still very much open. If passed, the bill could give a government-appointed authority greater control over certain assets when an organization loses, surrenders, or doesn’t renew its FCRA registration, without prior judicial approval. In the meantime, organizations are already working through new reporting and disclosure requirements.

Whether or not Mexicoor India are part of your own giving portfolio, these developments are worth watching. Approaches to foreign funding regulation have a way of traveling across borders, and changes in one country can offer an early look at what may surface elsewhere.

You can join our Regional Funder Circles to connect with other funders navigating the similar questions and stay current on what's developing in the region.

We've also put together new guidance on Mexico's AML changes and India's FCRA developments, with the latest updates and what they mean for funders.

Upcoming Events

Looking Ahead to UNGA 81

New York will once again become a hub for global conversations next month as world leaders, civil society, and philanthropy gather for the 81st UN General Assembly. High-Level Week runs September 22–28 and beyond the UN halls, a packed slate of philanthropic convenings will bring funders together for conversations happening across the city.

To help you navigate the week, we’re keeping track of philanthropy-focused gatherings on our 2026 UN General Assembly Philanthropic Side Events Calendar.

Hosting an event during UNGA that you’d like us to feature? Send the details to victoria.mendez@cof.org.

Biweekly Global Funder Policy Briefings (Member-Only)

Every other Friday at 10 a.m. ET, CEOs and senior staff from Council member foundations meet for a brief update on current developments affecting global grantmaking. The conversation includes updates from the Council and our partner, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). Our next call will take place on August 28 at 10 a.m. ET.

Please contact brian.kastner@cof.org for more information.

Regional Funder Circles

In partnership with the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), the Council hosts candid peer conversations on the legal, regulatory, and operating trends shaping philanthropy across regions. View all of our upcoming Global Regional Funder Circles.

• Asia-Pacific Funder Circle: October 6 | 10 a.m. ET | Register
• Latin America and Caribbean Funder Circle: October 21 | 12:30 p.m. ET | Register

Global Grantmaking Essentials Training

Registration is now open for our final Global Grantmaking Essentials training of the year. Sessions will take place on October 20, 22, and 28. This three-part virtual series offers a practical look at cross-border giving, covering key regulations, tools for navigating complex environments, and the latest data shaping global philanthropy.

Learn more and register.

WINGSForum 2026

WINGSForum is just around the corner, and Council team members will be heading to Montréal September 28-30 to join philanthropy leaders from around the world. We’re excited to reconnect with many of you in person. Heading to Montréal too? Reach out to the Council team, we’d love to connect while we’re there!

Learn more and register.

Legal and Regulatory Resources

Global Development in Transition: U.S. Government Updates

• U.S. to Designate Palestine Action as Terrorist Organization: The Trump administration intends to designate U.K.-based Palestine Action as a global terrorist organization, following the U.K.’s barring of the group in 2025. The designation would freeze U.S.-based assets, prohibit Americans from providing funds, goods, or services to the group, and could expose foreign supporters to U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions.
• U.S. Announces Nearly $2 Billion in Faith-Based Global Health and Humanitarian Grants: Funding will flow through new State Department partnerships with faith-based and community organizations. The announcement is one of the larger foreign assistance commitments we’ve seen from the administration and indicates administration priorities.
• U.S. Boosts Ebola Funding as Outbreak Grows in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): In August, the U.S. announced an additional $242 million for the Ebola response as the outbreak in eastern DRC continues to grow. Cases may be two to four times higher than reported, while funding gaps and healthcare worker strikes are making an already difficult response harder. Meanwhile, Uganda is nearing the end of its outbreak after discharging its last Ebola patient.
• Pentagon Targets Universities’ Foreign Research Ties: The Pentagon has given 30 U.S. universities two weeks to review and potentially cut research ties with 130 foreign institutions, most of them in China, or risk losing future Defense Department funding.

Global Legal and Regulatory Updates

• Communities Devastated by Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods: A glacier collapse triggered catastrophic flash floods across Nepal and Tibet, leaving more than 360 people dead and more than 1,300 missing as rescue efforts continue. GlobalGiving has launched a Nepal Flood Relief Fund to support locally led emergency relief and long-term recovery.
• Colombia Navigates Political Transition and Earthquake Recovery: Abelardo de la Espriella took office on August 7, marking a major political shift in Colombia. Just three days later, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country, making disaster response and recovery an immediate test for the new administration. For funders and civil society, attention is now on recovery efforts and how the new government approaches the sector. Funders looking to support the emergency response can refer to Philanthropy’s Response to the 2026 Earthquake in Colombia for resources and updates.
• Civil Society Space Continues to Shrink in Nicaragua: The environment for civil society continues to deteriorate under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. More than 5,600 organizations have been dissolved since 2018, while others have effectively stopped operating.
• New Anti-Money Laundering Framework Takes Effect in Guatemala: Guatemala’s new law takes effect in September 2026, introducing a stronger risk-based approach with greater emphasis on due diligence and beneficial ownership. Nonprofit organizations are not automatically treated as reporting entities under the new law, but organizations should continue to watch implementation as regulations and guidance develop.
• Russia Expands Restrictions on Critics Abroad: A new law signed August 4 expands Russia’s ability to target critics living abroad, including restrictions on bank accounts, property transactions and consular services. The UN Special Rapporteur on Russia warned that the measures could amount to “civic death” for government critics in exile, further extending repression beyond Russia’s borders.

Additional News and Resources

• The New Humanitarian: A troubled Ebola response, jihadists turn to AI, and the US takes aim at the ICC: The Cheat Sheet
• Alliance Magazine: Germany’s foundations hold €100 billion. What is that money doing?
• Alliance Magazine: East Africa Philanthropy Network signs agreement towards long-term resilience
• Devex: 'The ashes of USAID': America's new architecture of foreign assistance

Opinions expressed in these articles belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council.

New Member Spotlight

Welcome to global grantmaker and new Council member: Fundación Descúbreme!

Updated Country Notes

We’ve updated the Council’s Country Notes for Brazil, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Vietnam reflecting recent changes in foreign funding regulations, compliance requirements, and the broader operating environment for nonprofits.

Keep in Touch!

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