Overview

This report is produced by the Thomson Reuters Foundation under the TRF Insights banner. It presents the findings of a rapid member survey conducted through TrustLaw, which is recognised as the world’s largest global pro bono legal network. The research examines the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs) and social enterprises across the globe, focusing on the legal challenges and operational pressures they face in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The document covers diverse sectors, including human rights, climate and environment, education, and economic inclusion, providing a timely snapshot of the evolving needs of the non-profit sector.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the research is to understand how the legal needs of civil society organisations have changed over a twelve-month period and to project their requirements for the coming one to two years. It is designed to inform decision-making for legal professionals, pro bono service providers, and donors who support the non-profit ecosystem. By identifying critical gaps between the demand for and supply of legal assistance, the report aims to advocate for strategic investment in legal capacity building and responsive pro bono services. It also serves to highlight the impact of restrictive national laws on the ability of organisations to operate effectively and maintain financial sustainability.

Methodology

The assessment was carried out through a snap online survey conducted in September 2025. The survey was distributed via email to TrustLaw’s global network of member organisations, including CSOs and social enterprises. It remained open for two weeks and was available in both English and Spanish. The questionnaire primarily featured multiple-choice questions, supplemented by open-ended queries to capture qualitative insights and practitioner stories. A total of 147 completed responses were received, representing a diverse cross-section of organisations. The data was analysed in aggregate and disaggregated by region (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and MENA), organisation size, and primary area of work. The majority of respondents (77.55%) were small or grassroots organisations with fewer than 50 staff members.

Use for finance professionals

Finance professionals, particularly those involved in impact investing, philanthropic advisory, or ESG risk management, can utilise this report to identify emerging operational and regulatory risks within the global non-profit sector. The report provides evidence of how “foreign agent” laws and anti-terrorism legislation are impacting the flow of international funding and creating compliance burdens for local partners. It highlights specific areas of legal concern, such as data protection and AI regulation, which are increasingly critical for institutional governance. By understanding these trends, professionals can better assess the resilience of their partner organisations, improve due diligence processes for cross-border grants, and align their support strategies with the most urgent legal needs of the civil society sector.