FICS’ vision is a world where people, communities, and movements who advance democracy, human rights, social and economic justice, and environmental protection are equipped with the resources they need to expand civic space. FICS originated in 2016 as a donor affinity group, launched by funders working on civic space. We began as a place for funders working on civic space to connect and learn from each other.
Arial view of ‘Anti-Trump’ protest in sand at Ocean Beach, San Francisco (Source: Tim Gouw)
Following the publication of our landmark report Rethinking Civic Space in 2020, FICS transitioned from being a donor affinity group to a think tank, convener and incubator.
We evolved from being not only a place to connect, but to taking a more proactive role in sharing analysis, leading the conversation on civic space among funders, and providing space for funders to experiment with new initiatives that expand civic space.
FICS is governed by an international Advisory Group of experts who inform FICS’ planning and strategies. FICS is a fiscally sponsored and hosted project of Global Dialogue, a registered charity (1122052) and a limited company (05775827) in England and Wales.