National Endowment for Democracy

Description

Established in 1983, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is an independent, bipartisan, and non-governmental foundation dedicated to supporting democratic institutions and processes, a vibrant civil society, labor rights, economic freedom, and the dignity afforded by human rights. NED’s independent structure allows it to respond quickly and flexibly to political developments and work in some of the most challenging environments.

Use of Funds

Each year, NED funding provides approximately 2,000 grants to non-governmental groups in more than 100 countries that are working to advance democracy and human rights. In addition to supporting local grantees, NED provides direct funding each year and works through four core institutes: the Center for International Private Enterprise, the International Republican Institute, National Democratic Institute, and the Solidarity Center.

Justification

• Three-quarters of the world’s population now live in countries where freedom is declining, and efforts to slow the current 16-year decline in democratic freedoms are more important than ever. The NED’s nimble structure allows it to rapidly deploy assistance to activists and organizations in need, from those exposing government corruption to those advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
• NED supports activists in closed societies like China, Belarus, North Korea, and Venezuela; it bolsters countries in democratic transition like Armenia; and works to counter the malign influence of states such as China and Russia abroad.
• NED’s programs in Africa focus on “political inclusion, defending civic space, combating corruption, and promoting credible, independent media.” It also supports programs in the authoritarian countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Cameroon, and Rwanda.
• NED’s programs in Latin America support Nicaragua, Venezuela, and others. They have focused on sustaining local democratic leaders, raising international awareness, and fighting for democracy and human rights. Regional activities have focused on corruption, kleptocracy, online disinformation, Russian and Chinese malign influence, and environmental degradation.