Greetings Friend,

With wars unfolding and U.S. foreign assistance continuing to evolve, many of you are feeling the weight of just how quickly the landscape is changing. As Council President and CEO Kathleen Enright recently reminded us, “Speaking up about shared concerns and putting forward ideas to address them, even when they challenge current policy or popular opinion, is a core part of a healthy, independent civil society.”

At the Council, we’re closely following these developments and will continue providing updates to members here each month, along with our bi-weekly Washington Snapshot. We also encourage funders to connect with peers through the Council’s ongoing policy briefings and convenings.

This month, we’re sharing key updates related to U.S. government actions, global philanthropy trends, and legal and regulatory changes.

Upcoming Opportunities

Global Grantmaking Essentials Training – two dates for 2026!

Our bi-annual virtual training on global grantmaking offers a focused dive into cross-border giving regulations, real-world tools for navigating complex systems, and updates on the latest data and research. Designed for new global grantmakers or those looking to refresh their skills. Join us for one of the following set of dates:

• Spring dates: April 7, 9, 14
• Fall dates: October 20, 22, 28

Learn more and register for the April training dates now!

Bi-Weekly Global Funder Policy Briefings (Member-Only)

Every other Friday at 10:00 AM EST, 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), and offer a space for funders to stay informed and exchange perspectives with peers

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

Regional Funder Circles

Hosted by the Council on Foundations in partnership with the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), these peer spaces bring together global grantmakers to connect and discuss emerging legal, regulatory, and security developments affecting philanthropy and civil society:

• NEW for 2026! Asia-Pacific Funder Circle: brings together funders working across countries spanning East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. Our first kickoff meeting will take place on April 7 at 9:00 AM ET. Register now and join us!

• Latin America & Caribbean Funder Circle: continues to convene funders working across the region. Our next meeting will be on April 22nd at 12:30 PM ET.  Register now and join us!

G20 Engagement for Philanthropy

With the United States hosting the G20 in 2026, the Council on Foundations is partnering with WINGS and other peer networks to support philanthropy’s engagement in the G20 process. We’re hosting two sessions to help funders navigate the upcoming G20:

• Join “G20 101 for Philanthropy: Unpacking the Architecture of Influence,” on Friday, March 26 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET. Hosted by WINGS in partnership with F20, the Council on Foundations, and Anglo-American Foundation. This session will explore how the G20 ecosystem works and where philanthropy can engage strategically to advance ideas, partnerships, and impact. Register today 

• A second webinar in the series, “Cross-sector Engagement and Partnership in the G20,” on Tuesday, March 31 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET will explore how philanthropy can move from engagement to execution that supports real implementation beyond the G20 cycle. Register today 

Legal and Regulatory Resources

Global Development in Transition: U.S. Government Updates

• Escalating Conflict in the Middle East: On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. The conflict is spreading across the region, with civilian and military casualties rising. Iran’s Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as supreme leader. The Council has developed new guidance to help funders considering humanitarian support, while staying in compliance with U.S. sanctions related to Iran. 
• House Hearing on Foreign Influence in Nonprofits: In early February, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on foreign influence in U.S. nonprofits, focusing on transparency and accountability concerns. The Council submitted testimony clarifying misconceptions about the sector and affirming its willingness to work with lawmakers on strengthening integrity without chilling charitable giving.
• USAID Exits Across Africa: The U.S. will shut down remaining USAID programs in seven African countries and end funding for the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, allowing even previously deemed “lifesaving” programs to expire in September. Officials called it a “responsible exit,” saying the programs did not align with U.S. national interests.
• U.S. Expands Bilateral Global Health Partnerships: The United States is shifting its global health approach away from traditional aid and toward bilateral co-financed agreements with partner countries, with 24 MOUs signed so far covering nearly $20 billion in health spending from 2026–2030.

Global Legal and Regulatory Updates

• Kyrgyzstan Enacts New Data Protection Rules: Kyrgyzstan’s new Digital Code introduces updated data protection rules and administrative fines for non-compliance, increasing legal risk for civil society organizations that collect and manage personal data. New guidance from the International Center for Not-for-profit Law (ICNL) explains what CSOs need to know.
• Japan’s Nonprofit Legal Framework: Japan’s nonprofit system remains complex and fragmented, with heavy certification and reporting requirements that often deter smaller organizations from seeking public interest status. ICNL, in partnership with the Japan Association of Charitable Organizations, has released a white paper outlining key challenges and recommendations.
• Israeli Court Pauses Gaza Aid Ban: Israel’s High Court has temporarily allowed major international aid groups to continue operating in Gaza after they challenged new registration rules that could have forced dozens of NGOs out by March 1. The ruling pauses the ban amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Additional News and Resources

• Devex: Does the global south still want localization — or does it want more?
• Devex: Afghans ‘desperate’ as aid cuts bring mass hunger crisis
• The Guardian: UK slashes climate aid programs for developing countries
• Alliance Magazine: Philanthropy’s role in a fragmenting world 

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

Keep in Touch!

Share your organization’s impact story with us at
engagement@cof.org.

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