Washington, D.C., March 10, 2025 – Today, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) regained access to congressionally appropriated funds that had been unavailable since late January. NED welcomes the State Department’s action to lift restrictions and begin restoring NED’s congressionally appropriated funds and foreign assistance awards. This is a significant step toward ensuring NED can continue its mission of advancing freedom around the world.
“We commend the State Department for this move under Secretary Rubio’s leadership,” said Rep. Peter Roskam (Ret.), NED Board Chairman. “These are important steps toward fully restoring our ability to support frontline defenders of democracy in repressive regimes including Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, China, Russia, and elsewhere.”
This development follows NED’s March 5 lawsuit resulting from the unlawful denial of access to congressionally appropriated funds, including $167 million in obligated funds and an additional $72 million already appropriated by Congress.
“We deeply appreciate the State Department’s actions,” said Damon Wilson, NED President and CEO. “We remain committed to securing a lasting resolution that ensures NED is able to support America by advancing democracy and freedom around the world. A freer and more prosperous world strengthens American security, drives economic growth, and reinforces American global leadership.”
The partial restoration of funding today allows NED to begin stabilizing operations and resume grantmaking. NED looks forward to ensuring that it will receive access to the full amount of its congressionally appropriated funds, and that its funding will not be similarly interrupted in the future.
This support is vital for NED’s core institutes—the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center—as well as for countless grassroots organizations fighting for democracy and human rights worldwide.
NED remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing democracy and ensuring that those fighting for fundamental freedoms receive the support they need.
To learn more about NED’s lawsuit: Press Release / Legal Documents
About the National Endowment for Democracy:
NED is a private nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting democracy and human rights worldwide. Through its grant-making efforts, NED strengthens democratic institutions, independent media, human rights organizations, and civil society groups in more than 100 countries.
Media Contact:
Carolyn Stewart, Press Secretary, (202) 492-5306, carolyns@ned.org
