NED welcomes the State Department’s action to lift restrictions and begin restoring NED’s congressionally appropriated funds and foreign assistance awards.

Today the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) filed a lawsuit in United States District Court against Executive Branch agencies and officials for unlawfully withholding its congressionally appropriated funding.

With this lawsuit, NED seeks to restore its ability to support democracy worldwide and continue its role as a pillar of American leadership in advancing freedom.

Since 1991, NED has stood with Iran’s pro-democracy movement—documenting abuses, amplifying voices, and strengthening civil society.

NED’s grants empower local changemakers across Mainland China, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the Uyghur region, while also addressing the CCP’s global reach.