Message from NED President and CEO Damon Wilson:
“In 2024, people around the world demanded freedom in the face of enormous challenges and, in many places, achieved stunning political openings and democratic advances. During this “year of elections,” when more people were eligible to vote than ever before, we saw the power of democracy. Even in the toughest places, where standing up for democracy can mean risking life, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its core institutes—the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), and the Solidarity Center—supported the most courageous people defying the autocrats trying to silence them.
In doing so, we demonstrated what venture capital for democracy truly means—making modest, often early-stage investments to empower those who take the initiative in their own nations. The goal is simple: fuel liberty.
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the power of the American peoples’ support for those on the frontlines of freedom. In 2024, NED’ made nearly 2,000 grants across more than 100 countries, totaling $286 million, demonstrating our ability to deliver powerful, targeted support where it’s needed most—so that every dollar we invest is maximizing impact in the global fight for democracy. This entrepreneurial approach, combined with the public’s backing, enables NED to do what often neither big bureaucracies nor private donors can. Throughout the year, we acted quickly to help trusted democratic partners on the ground take advantage of openings. We delivered grants to help grassroots actors achieve significant results. We ensured that support reached those in the most repressive societies.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria showed us, once again, that even the most repressive regimes are more brittle than most assume. NED’s local partners in Syria have been active on the ground, keeping citizens informed, documenting the regime’s atrocities with credible information, and nurturing local democratic institutions. In the coming months, our partners will redouble their efforts to advocate for more inclusive, democratic outcomes, bolstered by NED’s long-term support.
In Venezuela, even as the Maduro regime put up obstacle after obstacle in the months leading up to the presidential election, the democratic opposition, civil society, and activists worked tirelessly to pave the way for a democratic transition. On July 28, Venezuelans went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly for change. While the dictatorship tried to falsify the results and intensified its repression to cling to power, the people of Venezuela remain resolute, knowing the regime has lost all credibility. At NED, we continue to stand with them, providing emergency support as they leverage their win to press for a democratic transition.
A heart-warming moment came this year when we welcomed home 16 political prisoners from Putin’s prisons in Russia, including many of our friends and colleagues. Their release—after enduring years of repression and abuse—represents the power of courageous dissidents in the global struggle against authoritarianism. These champions of freedom, many of whom benefited from our assistance before, during, and after imprisonment, gives us hope and reminds us of the thousands of prisoners who have bravely stood up to dictatorships in Russia, Belarus, and beyond. Even as we celebrate, we recommit to those still behind bars.
This year of elections saw new democratic presidents inaugurated in Guatemala and Taiwan; fair votes that led to opposition wins in Senegal, Botswana, and Sri Lanka; and democratic leaders re-elected in Moldova and Mauritania. In South Africa, India, and Mongolia, ruling parties lost their majorities, paving the way for new coalitions and a reinvigoration of democratic governance.
People power played a pivotal role in the collapse of an increasingly authoritarian regime in Bangladesh, challenged the legitimacy of the regime in Iran, and demanded accountability from elected leaders in Kenya. Record numbers of entrepreneurs and young people left China, Russia, and Cuba for brighter futures in free societies. Our partners exposed efforts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Russia’ Federal Security Service (FSB), and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to target dissidents driven into exile. As we mark the end of the year, the people of Georgia refuse to allow an oligarch and a flawed election to hijack their aspirations to join Europe.
Despite the heartbreak of ongoing conflicts from Sudan to Israel-Gaza to Yemen, we witnessed extraordinary gains by democratic forces against the military junta in Burma and defeats for anti-democratic forces in the Middle East.
NED also delivered on its strategy to work in common cause, first and foremost through NED support of its core institutes IRI, NDI, CIPE and the Solidarity Center. We also brought together our innovative, diverse network in solidarity throughout the year, from our 2024 Democracy Awards, Hill engagement, annual Lipset Lecture, 12th Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy, and other events, workshops, and convenings featuring our partners and experts throughout the year. The cutting-edge analysis of the Journal of Democracy, along with the thought leadership of the International Forum for Democratic Studies and Center for International Media Assistance continue to augment our grantmaking.
Democracy has faced, and will continue to face, relentless assaults from dictators and autocrats. Yet, despite these attacks, the resilience and resolve of our grantees and partners stand as undeniable proof that the desire for freedom and liberty cannot be extinguished.
As the struggle continues in 2025, NED is proud to lead the way as the most cost-effective champion of those working for justice, dignity, and freedom around the world. We deeply appreciate your steadfast support.
Sincerely,
Damon Wilson
NED President and CEO
