The Funders Initiative for Civil Society equips funders with the tools they need to understand and anticipate trends in civic space. More specifically, FICS aims to counter the global shrinking of civic space, which includes restrictions on peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, association, and digital activism, all of which are foundational human rights. By tracking trends in attacks on civic space and analyzing the root causes, including misuse of counter-terrorism laws, digital repression, and economic concentration, FICS provides strategic insight for proactive human rights protection. FICS encourages donors to invest in organizations defending democracy, social justice, equality, and environmental protection. FICS incubates and funds projects that strengthen civil society’s ability to act, prioritizing human rights defenders, journalists, and grassroots organizations facing repression. Through convener platforms like Civic Futures, which FICS co-founded, the initiative supports philanthropic efforts with a strong human rights focus.

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