Protecting partners on democracy’s frontlines is a core institutional commitment that guides the National Endowment for Democracy. Our Duty of Care and Public Disclosure policies reflect how we safeguard those working in high-risk environments while upholding the transparency and accountability our mission requires.
These policies are part of broader practices that include risk-informed grantmaking and support for digital and physical security. Together, they reflect our dual responsibility: protecting lives and ensuring public trust—so that those advancing freedom around the world can do so safely and effectively.
Duty of Care Policy
NED’s Duty of Care policy is built on the principle that the safety and well-being of our grantees and partners must never be compromised. These individuals and organizations often work in some of the world’s most repressive and high-risk environments. Our duty is to support them not only with resources, but to consider their safety throughout every step of the grantmaking process.
Our approach is grounded in four pillars:
- Prepare: We take steps to mitigate risk, align with industry standards, and ensure protective measures are in place—from security protocols to risk-informed operations.
- Inform: We ensure stakeholders have access to the information they need to make informed decisions—whether about travel, cybersecurity, or operating environments—and provide clear guidance on NED’s practices, expectations, and available safeguards.
- Respond: We act swiftly when crises arise—whether it’s supporting democracy advocates at risk, managing cybersecurity threats, or responding to partners needs in times of crisis.
- Protect: We avoid actions that could expose individuals to harm, and we protect sensitive data and identities to shield our partners from reprisal or misuse of information.
This policy applies to all of our work and is overseen by our senior leadership, who ensure that care, caution, and respect guide every program we support.
Public Disclosure Policy
NED holds itself to high standards of transparency and accountability. Our Public Disclosure Policy reflects these values while recognizing our Duty of Care obligations in response to the real-world risks faced by our partners.
We disclose information to:
- Fulfill statutory requirements and congressional oversight;
- Demonstrate responsible stewardship of public funds;
- Promote collaboration and coordination across the democracy support field;
- Amplify the impact of grantees—when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
At the same time, our approach is partner-driven. We only publicly share grantee or partner information when doing so is consistent with their security, consent, and the objectives of their work. We do not publish names, locations, or project details that could endanger individuals operating in hostile environments.
We follow strict internal protocols to protect personally identifiable information and are committed to continuous review and improvement of these practices to match evolving threats and statutory guidance.
Transparency with Accountability
NED shares extensive information about its grantmaking through our Annual Report, strategic overviews, and grant listings, all available on our website. These tools are part of our broader commitment to transparency—designed to inform the public while safeguarding the individuals and organizations advancing democracy under threat.
As an institution mandated by Congress, NED operates under a strong framework of oversight and accountability. We deliver comprehensive plans and updates to congressional committees, maintain active communication with Members and their staff, and respond promptly to official requests for information. We also create opportunities for elected officials to engage directly with our grantees—both in Washington and abroad—to better understand the real-world impact of NED-supported efforts. Furthermore, NED consults regularly with representatives of the executive and legislative branches on our work.
