Global Impact and Geneva Global are aligned with the concerns expressed by the Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum regarding proposed changes in the US regulatory environment affecting tax-exempt organizations. Like those partners, we worry that the proposed changes would place too much discretion in the hands of the executive branch, which could lead to abuses of authority and discriminatory treatment of nonprofit organizations that run afoul of an administration’s policy or political priorities.
Our extensive work outside of the US—spanning several decades and hundreds of countries and political contexts—reminds us that these types of proposed changes can lead to more severe crackdowns on civic space. Any changes to the operating environment for civil society organizations that instill greater distrust or that harm relationships with donors and institutions ultimately hinder our collective ability to positively affect the communities we serve. We remain steadfast in our commitment to a free, independent charitable sector that advances human development and dignity in the public interest.