Deadline: 11-Apr-25
The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is pleased to invite proposals for a small grant to support local partners in conducting advocacy around freedom of association, particularly in relation to draft legislation on non-profit organizations (NPOs).
In October 2024, Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior proposed a new draft Act on Associations and Foundations (“draft Act” or “Bill”). The draft Act—purportedly motivated by security concerns related to money laundering/fraud—adopts a highly controlling approach to the non-profit sector and violates numerous aspects of international law. Civil society, and indeed other departments of government, do not appear to have been consulted or involved in the drafting process. The Bill was released for public comment via a portal that accepted feedback through mid-November.
If the Bill follows a similar process as similarly restrictive non-profit organization (NPO) bills introduced in Thailand in 2021-2022, it is likely to go through one or more revisions in the upcoming year. In 2021-2023, ICNL supported a coalition of local, regional, and global organizations to advocate against the bills and protect freedom of association, resulting in those bills being tabled by the government.
ICNL now seeks to support local civil society organizations to coordinate and conduct advocacy activities related to protecting the freedom of association and promoting alternative approaches to restrictive legislation.
Objectives
- They invite proposals from local partners to that end. Applicants may select from a broad range of activities designed to achieve the grant’s objective, including, but not limited to:
- Developing legal analyses, white papers, and policy briefs; and proposing legal and policy recommendations to protect freedom of association;
- Developing new tools, strategies, activities, and alliances to advocate for greater protections of freedom of association;
- Conducting roundtables, seminars, or informational campaigns to formulate civil society strategies and raise awareness on the draft NPO bill.
Funding Information
- The total grant amount available is $20,000 USD
- The activity funded by each grant must be completed by November 30, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to any non-governmental organization based in Thailand.
Selection Criteria
- Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:
- Compliance with eligibility requirements and application procedures
- Demonstrated commitment of the applicant to improving civic space
- Quality of proposed project, including the proposed methodology/design, feasibility and impact of the project
- Likelihood that the proposed project will enhance civic space
- Proposed budget and value for money
For more information, visit ICNL.