What is at Stake for Civic Space 
 


Across Central America, civic space is closing. Activists are persecuted, journalists are silenced or forced into exile, courts are weakened, and NGOs face severe restrictions. These attacks erode democracy and human rights, while local organizations struggle with scarce resources and limited avenues for coordination. 


At SIF, we believe defending civic space is essential to sustaining democracy. But doing so requires trusted partnerships and cross-border platforms that connect local leaders with global allies, elevate their perspectives, and safeguard their work.


Amplifying Local Voices. Convening Allies for Democratic Change

SIF plays a unique bridging role, connecting Central American civic leaders with policymakers, donors, and allies who can help protect rights and strengthen democratic institutions. 

We bring Central American perspectives directly to U.S. and international decision makers, translating local realities into actionable policy recommendations. At the same time, we convene advocates, diaspora leaders, funders, and policymakers to strengthen coordination across borders. 

Leveraging our flagship platforms, such as the Central America Donors Forum (CADF), donor roundtables, and targeted advocacy dialogues, we foster alliances capable of confronting repression and advancing democratic resilience.

How We Defend Civic Space

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Cross-Border Convening & Policy Alignment

We bring together U.S. and Central American actors to align advocacy priorities, share analysis, and strengthen the influence and visibility of those defending rights.

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Multi-Sector Network Building

We connect advocates, think tanks, funders, and other allies to foster collaboration across sectors and amplify civic voices at national, regional, and international levels.

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Narrative Defense

We challenge authoritarian narratives and elevate the stories, evidence, and lived experiences of those defending rights, transparency, and democratic freedoms.

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Tailored Support & Resilience Building

We provide individualized support, resources, and capacity strengthening for civic leaders and organizations working under restrictive and high-risk conditions.

Meeting between representatives of the Center against Corruption and Impunity in Northern Central America (CCINOC); the National Security Council; and the Office of the Vice President of the United States at the White House. October 2023.
Press conference with members of the United States Congress; members of Guatemalan and U.S. civil society; and Seattle International Foundation in front of the Capitol. December 2023.
Adriana Beltrán, SIF’s Executive Director, at a press conference in Washington D.C. December 2023.

Partner with Us

Support civic leaders and organizations defending democracy in Central America. Your investment helps sustain local actors under threat, strengthens regional and cross-border coalitions, and enables SIF to convene the alliances needed to confront authoritarianism.

Together, we can keep civic space open and advance a more just and democratic region.

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