Greetings Friend,

In late September, the Council team participated in a variety of events alongside #UNGA80 and connected with philanthropic leaders across our community. This annual gathering of world leaders continues to be an important moment for philanthropy to play the role of convener, thought leader, and champion for global cooperation. It’s also an opportunity to connect and learn across borders, alongside partners like WINGS, CAF America, Global Philanthropy Forum, and many others.

For the Council, UNGA also marked two years since the launch of the shared donor statement on locally led development. Last week, we shared a snapshot of the progress these funders are making and look forward to seeing how this work continues to evolve.  

Upcoming at the Council

Global Grantmaking Essentials Fall Training

Join us on November 12, 13, and 19 for the last Global Grantmaking Essentials training of the year. As shifting policies, shrinking aid budgets, and uncertainty redefine global grantmaking, our three-day virtual training will immerse you in regulatory updates, hands-on strategies, and peer networking.

Council members save at least $289 per registration. Learn more and register now!

Legal and Regulatory Resources

Global Development in Transition: U.S. Government Updates

• Supreme Court Ruling on Foreign Aid: The Supreme Court granted the Trump Administration broad discretion to let $10.5 billion in foreign aid expire. The ruling leaves critical global health and humanitarian programs in limbo. As the administration promotes “self-reliance models,” experts caution that rebuilding trust and capacity will cost far more than then savings gained. Here is a timeline of the U.S. foreign aid freezes and executive actions.
• Expansion of “Mexico City Policy” DEI and Diversity Blocks Abroad: The Trump Administration plans to broaden the "Mexico City Policy" beyond abortion to block U.S. funding for organizations abroad that promote DEI or transgender rights. The move would apply across foreign assistance programs, including U.N. and government partners, effectively conditioning U.S. aid on alignment with the administration's social policy views.
• Federal Scrutiny of Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Recent actions from the Trump Administration signal an increased focus on the charitable sector in the context of addressing “domestic terrorism” and “political violence.” A new presidential memorandum and congressional statements call for heightened scrutiny of funders, nonprofits, and tax-exempt entities. The Administration has reportedly directed prosecutors to examine George Soros and the Open Society Foundations (OSF) as part of this broader push. Stay updated on what the Council is tracking in DC through Washington Snapshot.
• State-Level “Baby FARA” Laws & Foreign Influence Disclosure Moves: A growing number of states are adopting their own versions of federal foreign influence laws, adding new layers of reporting for nonprofits and advocacy groups with international ties. Recent measures in Texas, Nebraska, and Florida expand registration and disclosure requirements for organizations receiving or advocating on behalf of foreign adversaries.

Global Philanthropy Updates

• Global Fund Replenishment Momentum: On the sidelines of UNGA, the Global Fund secured more than $1 billion in private sector pledges toward its Eighth Replenishment, a strong signal of global resolve to sustain progress against HIV, TB, and malaria. Switzerland and Portugal made early government commitments, while CIFF pledged $50 million to expand TB diagnostics and the Gates Foundation reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with $912 million.
• The 2025 Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI): The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s latest findings show that nearly half of countries now face moderate to high barriers to cross-border giving, and one in three have seen conditions for philanthropy decline in recent years. Read the full report.

Global Legal and Regulatory Updates

• Ecuador’s New Nonprofit Law Raises Alarm: Ecuador’s Organic Law on Social Transparency, enacted in August 2025, grants broad authority over NGOs and raises fears of shrinking civic space. CIVICUS warns it could disproportionately affect Indigenous and rights-based groups, with organizations required to re-register within six months or risk dissolution.
• Data Protection Rules Tighten for Civil Society in Kyrgyzstan: As Kyrgyzstan strengthens its personal data laws, nonprofits are adapting to new compliance expectations that touch nearly every part of their work, from member lists to program records. ICNL’s new guidance offers practical tools to help organizations meet these standards and how to manage cross-border information responsibility.
• Georgia & Foreign Influence Law: Georgia’s Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence requires NGOs and media receiving over 20% of revenue from abroad to register under stricter oversight. This has become a flashpoint for the country’s democracy. Mass protests have filled Tbilisi’s streets, while civil society groups have taken their case to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing the court mirrors Russia’s “foreign agent” model.
• France Launches Foreign Influence Registry: France’s new registry for “influence activities,” effective October 1, 2025, requires organizations or individuals working under the direction of non-EU entities, including advocacy, communications, or fundraising, to register with the High Authority. While the intent is democratic oversight, it adds new layers of reporting that may affect how international foundations, NGOs, and philanthropic networks engage with partners and advocacy abroad.
• Russia Expands Foreign Agent Law: Over 50 human rights organizations have urged U.N. Member States to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia, citing the country’s expanding “foreign agent” and “undesirable organizations” laws. New amendments passed on September 25 lower the threshold for criminal charges and extend labeling requirements to books and online content, further constraining civic space.
• Civic space concerns in Cameroon ahead of elections: In early September, U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk sounded the alarm on the narrowing space for civic and political participation in Cameroon ahead of its October Presidential elections. Reports of banned opposition gathers, media disruptions, and arrests of peaceful supporters point to a climate of intimidation rather than inclusion.

Keep in Touch!

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