NED’s approach to democratization is fundamentally linked to our grantmaking, which prioritizes the ideas and needs of our partners. We believe that empowering them to inform, organize, and mobilize constituencies for political reform is the most effective means to build and sustain democracy.
Our work is anchored in country and thematic-level strategies. While the tools of our work around the world are similar – support for local organizations, independent media, think tanks, networks, and political party, business, and labor development – our theories of change are informed by history, geography, regime type, the strength of local actors and other context-specific circumstances.
NED’s grant portfolio is varied, both in scale and the nature of our partners. We favor initiatives with a direct link to beneficiaries at the country or regional level, prioritizing those on the frontline. In authoritarian environments, NED often provides institutional support that empowers organizations to devise and implement long-term strategies with enhanced operational flexibility.
REad NED’s FY2024 Programs Report
Regional Grantmaking
NED’s grantmaking extends to over 100 countries in all regions of the world. Our teams analyze and respond to democratic trends, and work with our Core Institutes and local partners to understand political challenges and develop context-specific responses. Central to our grantmaking philosophy is the belief that any effort to support and sustain democracy must be anchored in an in-depth understanding of local conditions and empower local actors to lead reform efforts.
Learn more about NED’s Regional Priorities
Thematic grantmaking
In addition to our regional efforts, NED grantmaking also encompasses initiatives that transcend national boundaries to address emergent global challenges. Our thematic grantmaking spans multiple countries and regions, complementing our national-level efforts. NED prioritizes initiatives that link activists together to learn from one another, share technical expertise developed from country programs on a larger scale, collaborate on key areas of advocacy, and foster solidarity to amplify their efforts.
Just as authoritarians are learning from each other and working in concert, democracy champions must do the same.
Learn more about NED’s Thematic Priorities
Governance and Accountability
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a nonprofit foundation with the singular mission to advance democracy and freedom around the world. It is governed by a bipartisan Board of Directors and is committed to high ethical standards, operational excellence and strict oversight and accountability. NED offers a unique and effective approach to strengthening democratic institutions and values worldwide, fostering long-term partnerships with democratic actors in challenging environments.
