For civil society, 2025 started with a seismic shock. The sudden and unforeseen USAID funding freeze had extensive and far-reaching implications for the aid sector as a whole.   

In response, CIVICUS launched a survey among our members, networks and communities, to collect their valuable insights and perspectives. This survey helps us, and our community, understand the impact of funding reductions. It will enable us collectively to hone our strategic planning, and advocacy efforts.

By collecting data directly from our members, networks, and across civil society, we will gain a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This information will be crucial in helping us adapt to the new funding landscape as a global community. The information will enable us to deliver on our mission of promoting citizen action and civic space effectively. 

We have already completed the first survey cycle. The initial results are explored here. We will also continue listening and adapting our questions as the context evolves. You can find the links to the survey below.  

We asked how survey participants' work has been affected by the funding cuts and the stop work order. These are the main thematic areas affected.

We asked survey participants "How many months’ worth of financial resources do you have to keep your organisation operational?"

We asked survey participants “What strategies are you using to address or adapt to the challenges posed by the funding cut?”

We asked survey participants “What support, other than funding, do you need to better address these challenges?”

We asked survey participants “What support, other than funding, do you need to better address these challenges?” To respond to the immediate needs of civil society, we gathered this collection of resources, which we hope to add to over time. 

For more information contact us at: