Recap of the 2025 International Grantmaking Symposium Inspiring Global Solutions

This April, CAF America gathered philanthropic leaders, funders, and changemakers from around the world at the 2025 International Grantmaking Symposium (IGS). Over two days, the Symposium offered hands-on learning, candid conversations, and a space to explore the evolving landscape of international philanthropy.

The session surfaced the growing sense of uncertainty that many funders and nonprofit leaders are feeling today. Speaker Mark Sidel emphasized a global trend toward the restriction of civic space — whether through limitations on protest, DEI initiatives, foreign funding, or fundraising itself. While these patterns are long-standing in contexts like China and Vietnam, Sidel noted that similar dynamics are now emerging in the U.S., creating a “sense of insecurity” about what policy changes might come next.

“The overall trend is toward restriction of civic space… whether that focuses on civic activity by nonprofits or on foreign funding.”

Funders were encouraged to think proactively about how these restrictions — and the uncertainty they create — could affect their own grantmaking. The discussion raised questions many in the room likely shared: How do we remain flexible in the face of unpredictable policy shifts? How can funders both protect their grantees and respond boldly in moments of crisis?

One clear call to action was the importance of removing unnecessary restrictions on grants, accelerating payments when possible, and shifting from project-specific support to more flexible funding models like general operating support or unrestricted grants. This kind of agility was described as critical for helping nonprofits weather the volatility ahead.

Kristen Molyneaux echoed this call for funders to listen closely to their grantees, encouraging attendees to prioritize direct conversations over assumptions. She stressed that simply picking up the phone to ask, “How are you doing?” — not just “Where’s your next report?” — can be one of the most meaningful actions a funder can take.

The conversation also surfaced divergent strategies funders are currently using in response to these pressures: while some foundations are removing grant restrictions and providing more flexible support, others are tightening their grant language and reporting to defend against potential investigations or policy targeting.

The keynote left attendees with a mix of hard truths and hopeful strategies, reinforcing the idea that funders must be both vigilant and adaptable as they navigate an increasingly complex policy environment.

Next, the afternoon featured a fireside chat on Donor Collaboratives Across Borders, with insights from Pierre Noel and Andrea Hanai, who shared candid lessons and effective models for joint impact. The day wrapped with International Grantmaking Master Classes focused on two particularly complex regions: sanctioned jurisdictions under OFAC guidelines and the evolving regulatory environment in China. A key message resonated across both sessions: the importance of being “thorough, but not afraid; educated, not paralyzed” when navigating these challenging landscapes.

The session surfaced the growing sense of uncertainty that many funders and nonprofit leaders are feeling today. Speaker Mark Sidel emphasized a global trend toward the restriction of civic space — whether through limitations on protest, DEI initiatives, foreign funding, or fundraising itself. While these patterns are long-standing in authoritarian contexts like China and Vietnam, Sidel noted that similar dynamics are now emerging in the U.S., creating a “sense of insecurity” about what policy changes might come next.

“The overall trend is toward restriction of civic space… whether that focuses on civic activity by nonprofits or on foreign funding.”

Funders were encouraged to think proactively about how these restrictions and the uncertainty they create could affect their own grantmaking. The discussion raised questions many in the room likely shared: How do we remain flexible in the face of unpredictable policy shifts? How can funders both protect their grantees and respond boldly in moments of crisis?

One clear call to action was the importance of removing unnecessary restrictions on grants, accelerating payments when possible, and shifting from project-specific support to more flexible funding models like general operating support or unrestricted grants. This kind of agility was described as critical for helping nonprofits weather the volatility ahead.

“Where are our processes and structures no longer serving the organizations we’re supporting? How can we change those to meet urgent needs right now?”

Kristen Molyneaux echoed this call for funders to listen closely to their grantees, encouraging attendees to prioritize direct conversations over assumptions. She stressed that simply picking up the phone to ask, “How are you doing?” — not just “Where’s your next report?” — can be one of the most meaningful actions a funder can take.

The keynote also highlighted a range of practical challenges nonprofits are grappling with today, including data security, cybersecurity risks, crisis communications, and succession planning. Many of these areas, as the speakers noted, remain systematically underfunded, even though they are essential for organizational resilience.

Finally, the conversation surfaced divergent strategies funders are currently using in response to these pressures: while some foundations are removing grant restrictions and providing more flexible support, others are tightening their grant language and reporting to defend against potential investigations or policy targeting.

“Some funders are stepping up loudly, others quietly — both approaches matter.”

The keynote left attendees with a mix of hard truths and hopeful strategies, reinforcing the idea that funders must be both vigilant and adaptable as they navigate an increasingly complex policy environment.

Deeper Dialogues: Day Two Workshops

Day 2 Opening Recap: Sector Trends, Regulatory Shifts, and the Future of Philanthropy

The day began with the Opening Session on Sector Trends, hosted by Jessie Krafft and Andras Kosaras, which set the stage for timely discussions on regulatory changes, global policy shifts, and the evolving risks facing the nonprofit sector.

This session offered a sobering but essential overview of the shifting legal and political landscape affecting the U.S. nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. The speakers explored how recent policy developments — including executive orders, proposed legislation, and enforcement trends — may reshape how organizations fund, operate, and comply with regulations in the coming years.

A trend to watch is the growing “America First” approach influencing both domestic and international funding. Attendees were cautioned to monitor for policies that might restrict the outflow of philanthropic capital or tighten regulations on foreign grantmaking, potentially using government contracting frameworks and tax guidance as tools. For instance, proposals like H.R. 9495, which would allow the Treasury to revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status on national security grounds, were flagged as part of a broader trend toward restrictive oversight. The speaker noted how concepts borrowed from commercial compliance are being extended to nonprofits, signaling a move to keep more philanthropic dollars within the U.S. and complicate international giving.

Another critical point was the growing enforcement risk from the IRS, even in the absence of formal guidance. The speaker highlighted how certain tax-exempt activities — such as those involving DEI, climate justice, or immigration — may become targets under new interpretations of “public policy.” Because the IRS can overturn revenue rulings without public input, there’s a heightened risk of abrupt changes that could impact organizations’ eligibility for tax exemption, particularly if they’re perceived to be out of step with the current administration’s agenda.

The conversation emphasized the importance of organizational agility, scenario planning, and internal risk assessment. Some nonprofits are already adjusting their language, communications, and digital presence to reduce perceived risk, while others are preparing to meet legal challenges head-on. The sector, the speakers argued, must develop the capacity to pivot quickly and strategically, as regulatory guidance could shift at any moment.

After two days filled with learning, collaboration, and connection, attendees left inspired and ready to advance their global grantmaking efforts with new insights and tools. A heartfelt thank you to all the attendees, speakers, and our grantee partners for making IGS 2025 a truly memorable experience. Together we are shaping the future of international philanthropy.