Carnegie Corporation
http://www.carnegie.org/
Carnegie Corporation of New York was created by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote "the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding." Under Carnegie's will, grants must benefit the people of the United States, although up to 7.4 percent of the funds may be used for the same purpose in countries that are or have been members of the British Commonwealth, with a current emphasis on Commonwealth Africa. As a grant making foundation, the Corporation seeks to carry out Carnegie's vision of philanthropy, which he said should aim "to do real and permanent good in this world."

European Partnership for Democracy (the Hague, Netherlands)
http://www.efdp.eu
Launched in 2008, the EFDP is part of an effort to enhance Europe’s profile and identity in democracy assistance.  The EFDP will act as a portal to Europe for those engaged in democratic reform processes outside Europe, who wish to access European knowledge and resources to enhance the impact of their efforts.  The EFDP aims to become a European knowledge hub in the complex field of democracy building.  Finally, the EFDP has the potential to function as a catalyst for the EU in meeting the challenges of the often messy democratization processes and in increasing the coherence between democracy assistance, development and security in the envisioned EU foreign policy.

Ford Foundation
http://www.fordfound.org/
The Ford Foundation is a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide. Its goals for are to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.

Freedom House
http://www.freedomhouse.org/
Freedom House, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization, is a clear voice for democracy and freedom around the world. Through a vast array of international programs and publications, Freedom House is working to advance the remarkable worldwide expansion of political and economic freedom.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation
http://www.fes.de/
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) was founded in 1925 as a political legacy of Germany's first democratically elected president, Friedrich Ebert.  The foundation was established to further political and social education of individuals from all walks of life in the spirit of democracy and pluralism; facilitate access to university education and research for gifted young people by providing scholarships; and contribute to international understanding and cooperation.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation
http://www.fnst.de/
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that is committed to promoting liberal policy and politics.  Originating in Germany, the Foundation has won a reputation for promoting freedom in human dignity as the ultimate precondition of a society where people can live freely and in peace.  It carries out intensive work in political education, advice, training and dialogue.  In Africa it supports various projects in co-operation with partner organizations and is similarly active in over 50 countries worldwide.

German Marshall Fund of the United States
http://www.gmfus.org/
The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan American public policy and grantmaking institution dedicated to promoting greater cooperation and understanding between the United States and Europe.  GMF does this by supporting individuals and institutions working on transatlantic issues, by convening leaders to discuss the most pressing transatlantic themes, and by examining ways in which transatlantic cooperation can address a variety of global policy challenges. In addition, GMF supports a number of initiatives to strengthen democracies.

Hanns Seidel Foundation
http://www.hss.de/
Since its establishment on April 11, 1967, the Hanns Seidel Foundation has been practicing political education work with the aim of supporting “the democratic and civic education of the German people with a Christian basis.”  Beginning with the first development aid project in Togo in 1977, the Foundation’s Institute for International Contact and Co-operation has steadily expanded its geographical and conceptual framework with a focus on promoting a sense of democratic community while preserving traditions which deserve to be preserved.

Heinrich Böll Foundation
http://www.boell.de/
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is a non-profit organization affiliated with the German Green Party striving to promote democracy, civil society, human rights, international understanding and a healthy environment internationally.  Headquartered in Berlin, it has 25 offices worldwide and cooperates worldwide, with over 200 partner organizations in more than 60 countries.

IFES (formerly the International Foundation for Election Systems)
http://www.ifes.org/
IFES is a nonprofit democracy development organization that works to give people a voice in the way that they are governed.  It a leading election assistance organization, providing countries with the technical advice and tools required to run democratic elections.

Konrad Adenauer Foundation
http://www.kas.de/
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers political education, conducts scientific fact-finding research for political projects, grants scholarships to gifted individuals, researches the history of Christian Democracy, and supports and encourages European unification, international understanding, and development-policy cooperation.

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
http://www.ned.org/
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, nonprofit organization created in 1983 to strengthen democratic institutions around the world through nongovernmental efforts. With its annual congressional appropriation, it makes hundreds of grants each year to support pro-democracy groups in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union.  The NED family of organizations includes the American Center for International Labor Solidarity, the Center for International Private Enterprise, the International Republican Institute, and the National Democratic Institute.

National Democratic Institute (NDI)
http://www.ndi.org/
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

International Republican Institute (IRI)
http://www.iri.org/
A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the International Republican Institute (IRI) advances freedom and democracy worldwide by developing political parties, civic institutions, open elections, good governance and the rule of law.

American Center for International Labor Solidarity (ACILS)
http://www.solidaritycenter.org/
The Solidarity Center is a non-profit organization that assists workers around the world who are struggling to build democratic and independent trade unions. It works with unions and community groups worldwide to achieve equitable, sustainable, democratic development and to help men and women everywhere stand up for their rights and improve their living and working standards.

Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
http://www.cipe.org/
The Center for International Private Enterprise is a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy. CIPE has supported more than 1,000 local initiatives in over 100 developing countries, involving the private sector in policy advocacy and institutional reform, improving governance, and building understanding of market-based democratic systems. CIPE provides management assistance, practical experience, and financial support to local organizations to strengthen their capacity to implement democratic and economic reforms. CIPE programs are also supported through the United States Agency for International Development.

Center for International Media Assistance
http://www.ned.org/cima/cima.html
The Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), an initiative of the National Endowment for Democracy, aims to strengthen the support, raise the visibility, and improve the effectiveness of media assistance programs throughout the world. The Center approaches its mission by providing information, building networks, conducting research, and highlighting the indispensable role independent media play in the creation and development of sustainable democracies around the world.

Open Society Institute (independent offices operate in Budapest, Brussels, London, New York and Paris)
http://www.soros.org/
The Open Society Institute (OSI), a private operating and grant-making foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media.

People in Need (Prague)
http://www.clovekvtisni.cz
People in Need is a Czech nonprofit, non-governmental organization that has implement relief and development projects in crisis regions around the globe and has supported human rights and democracy in countries repressed by totalitarian regimes over its twelve-year history. PIN is one of the largest organizations of its kind in post-communist Europe, and has administered projects in thirty-seven countries over the past fourteen years.

Rights & Democracy (Montreal, Canada)
http://www.dd-rd.ca/
Rights & Democracy works with individuals, organizations and governments in Canada and abroad to promote the human and democratic rights defined in the United Nations' International Bill of Human Rights.  Rights & Democracy enjoys partnerships with human rights, indigenous peoples' and women's rights groups, as well as democratic movements and governments around the world with whom it cooperates to promote human rights and democracy.

Rockefeller Foundation
http://www.rockfound.org/
The Rockefeller Foundation was established in 1913 by John D. Rockefeller, Sr., to "promote the well-being" of humanity by addressing the root causes of serious problems. The Foundation works around the world to expand opportunities for poor or vulnerable people and to help ensure that globalization’s benefits are more widely shared. With assets of more than $3.5 billion, it is one of the few institutions to conduct such work both within the United States and internationally.

Rockefeller Brothers Fund
http://www.rbf.org/
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund was founded in 1940 as a vehicle through which the five sons and daughter of John D. Rockefeller Jr., could share a source of advice and research on charitable activities and combine some of their philanthropies to better effect.  The RBF's grantmaking is organized around four themes: Democratic Practice, Sustainable Development, Peace and Security, and Human Advancement.

Taiwan Foundation for Democracy
http://www.tfd.org.tw/
Domestically, the TFD strives to play a positive role in consolidating Taiwan's democracy and fortifying its commitment to human rights; internationally, the Foundation hopes to become a strong link in the world democratic network, joining forces with related organizations around the world. The TFD's international grants program is designed to assist organizations based outside of Taiwan to carry out projects to promote democracy and human rights. International non-governmental organizations, academic institutions or think tanks, and other related organizations are eligible to apply. Geographically, the program places a priority on support for projects that address the Asian region, but projects in other regions occasionally receive funding.

U.S. State Department: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/democ
The State Department promotes democracy as a means to achieve security, stability, and prosperity worldwide; assist newly formed democracies in implementing democratic principles; assist democracy advocates around the world to establish vibrant democracies in their own countries; and identify and denounce regimes that deny their citizens the right to choose their leaders in elections that are free, fair, and transparent.

United Nations Development Program
http://www.undp.org/
At the United Nations Millennium Summit, world leaders put development at the heart of the global agenda by adopting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which set clear targets for reducing poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women by 2015. On the ground in 166 countries, UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions to many challenges including democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, the environment, and HIV/AIDS.

United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) (United Nations)
http://www.un.org/democracyfund
The United Nations Democracy Fund was created in 2005 as a means to support democratization throughout the world. It provides assistance to governmental, non-governmental, national, regional, and international organizations, including relevant UN departments, offices, funds, programs, and agencies. The Fund will complement current UN efforts to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (London)
http://www.wfd.org/
WFD, based in London, was founded in 1992 to provide flexible and imaginative funding assistance to countries managing the difficult transition to democracy in Central and Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout the 1990s WFD’s work expanded to support countries emerging from conflict and authoritarian rule and to support the consolidation and effectiveness of existing democratic regimes.  The Foundation now invests a substantial proportion of its resources in supporting projects and developing programs in wider Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa.

The Commonwealth (London)
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/
The Commonwealth is an association of 53 independent states consulting and cooperating in the common interests of their peoples and in the promotion of international understanding and world peace. The Commonwealth’s 1.8 billion citizens, about 30 per cent of the world’s population, are drawn from the broadest range of faiths, races, cultures and traditions. Emphasizing equality, trust and understanding, the Commonwealth facilitates the advancement of democracy, human rights and sustainable economic and social development within its member countries and beyond.

European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)
http://www.venice.coe.int/
Created by the Council of Europe, the European Commission for Democracy through Law, better known as the Venice Commission, is the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters.  The work of the European Commission for Democracy through Law aims at upholding the three underlying principles of Europe's constitutional heritage: democracy, human rights and the rule of law - the cornerstones of the Council of Europe.

The European Democracy Caucus (Brussels)
http://www.democracycaucus.org/
The European Democracy Caucus was set up in 2005 as an informal, all-party group of Members of the European Parliament, committed to the promotion of democracy worldwide, but primarily in the EU's "Neighbourhood.”  The Neighbourhood is a formal definition of the arc of countries from Russia to Morocco which are now identified as a strategic priority for the EU after its enlargement in May 2004 to the eight ex-Soviet bloc countries, Cyprus and Malta.

European Parliamentarians for Africa
http://www.awepa.org/
The Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA) is an international non-governmental organization that supports parliaments in Africa and works to keep Africa high on the political agenda in Europe. It has some 1500 current and former parliamentarians as members from the European Parliament and almost all EU member states, plus Norway and Switzerland.

International IDEA
http://www.idea.int/
Created in 1995, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization that seeks to nurture and support sustainable democracy worldwide. Working in concert with policy makers, donor governments, UN organizations/agencies, regional organizations, and others engaged in democracy building, IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge, resources, expertise, and a platform for debate on democracy issues.

North-South Centre of the Council of Europe (Lisbon, Portugal)
http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/nscentre/
The North-South Centre has a twofold task: to provide a framework for European co-operation designed to heighten public awareness of global interdependence issues, and to promote policies of solidarity complying with the Council of Europe’s aims and principles - respect for human rights, democracy and social cohesion.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) (Warsaw, Poland)
http://www.osce.org/odihr/
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights is based in Warsaw, Poland. It is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and rule of law.

Organization of American States
http://www.oas.org/
The Organization of American States (OAS) works to strengthen democracy, justice, peace and prosperity in the Americas by bringing together the nations of the Western Hemisphere. The OAS acts as the Americas’ principal multilateral forum for furthering democratic values, promoting human rights, and confronting shared problems such as, poverty, terrorism, illegal drugs, and corruption.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE, Vienna)
http://www.osce.org/
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization. It is active in early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. It is dealing with a wide range of security-related issues including arms control, preventive diplomacy, confidence- and security-building measures,

Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies (Warsaw, Poland)
http://www.community-democracies.org/
The Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies will be established in Warsaw, Poland in 2008.  The Community of Democracies is an intergovernmental organization of democratic governments in the world, dedicated to a core set of democratic principles and cooperation among democracies worldwide.

African Democracy Forum
http://www.africandemocracyforum.org/
The African Democracy Forum (ADF), launched in Abuja, Nigeria, in October 2000, is an African regional network of democracy, human rights, and governance organizations. The ADF seeks to consolidate democracy in Africa by providing opportunities for democrats to openly express their views while also acting as a platform for mutual support and the sharing of resources. Over 300 organizations and individuals working on democracy issues in Africa currently participate in the ADF activities. The ADF provides opportunities for democrats to speak with one voice as well as a platform for mutual support and the sharing of resources. The ADF is an Africa regional network of the World Movement for Democracy.

Albert Einstein Institution
http://www.aeinstein.org/
The Albert Einstein Institution is a nonprofit organization advancing the study and use of strategic nonviolent action in defense of freedom, democracy, and the reduction of political violence in conflicts around the world. Their goals are “to understand the dynamics of nonviolent action in conflicts, to explore its policy potential, and to communicate this through print and other media, translations, conferences, consultations, and workshops."

The Albert Shanker Institute
http://www.shankerinstitute.org/
The Albert Shanker Institute is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to honor the life and legacy of the late president of the American Federation of Teachers. The organization’s by-laws commit it to four fundamental principles—vibrant democracy, quality public education, a voice for working people in decisions affecting their jobs and their lives, and free and open debate about all of these issues.

Alianza Civica (Mexico City)
http://www.alianzacivica.org.mx
A Mexican citizen organization devoted to advancing citizen participation in support of democracy established before the 1994 elections.

Amnesty International (London)
http://www.amnesty.org/
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement that works to promote the human rights inscribed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. With more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in over 150 countries and regions, it coordinates support of justice on a variety of issues.

The Arab Democracy Foundation (Qatar)
http://www.arabdemocracyfoundation.org
The Arab Democracy Foundation (ADF) is an independent initiative by peoples of the Arab region to channel resources to causes that strengthen their democracy transitions. The mechanism by which ADF accomplishes its aims is strategic grant–making, augmented by advocacy, networking and knowledge transfer.The Foundation believes that its primary impact lies in stimulating and supporting innovation in the programs of Arab civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens' initiatives. Qualified groups will be assisted to strengthen their institutional capacities, engage in promoting democratic values, and awareness- raising, participate in important public policy debates to prepare their societies for a transition to democratic governance, work against all forms of social and political exclusion, and increase their ability to serve their communities.

The Arab Human Rights Fund  (Beirut, Lebanon)
http://ahrfund.org
The process of establishing the Arab Human Rights Fund (AHRF) started in 2002 with the formation of a four-member Preparatory Committee, with financial and administrative support from the Ford Foundation. The Committee initiated a series of studies exploring the feasibility of establishing an endowed and sustainable funding agency devoted to supporting long-term efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law in the Arab region. 

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (Regional offices in Brussels, Beirut, Moscow, Beijing)
http://www.ceip.org/
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States. Founded in 1910, its work is nonpartisan and dedicated to achieving practical results.

The Carter Center
http://www.cartercenter.org/
In collaboration with Emory University, the Center is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering. By working side by side with high-ranking government officials, as well as the general population, the Center has strengthened democracies in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.  It has been very active in the monitoring and strengthening of elections in both emerging and established democracies.

The Center for Civic Education
http://www.civiced.org
The Center for Civic Education is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational corporation dedicated to promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy in the United States and other countries.

Center for Democracy and Citizenship
http://www.publicwork.org/
The work of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship draws on a rich heritage of people and institutions doing public work to achieve things of lasting importance. Part of the University of Minnesota, the CDC’s philosophy is forged around the fundamentals of democracy and public work.

Center for Democracy and Election Management – American University
http://www.american.edu/cdem/
The Center for Democracy and Election Management (CDEM) was established by American University in 2002 to fill the gap between abstract academic research on democracy and the work of the many practitioners administering or monitoring elections all over the world.  CDEM has three goals – education, research, and public engagement – on the full gamut of democracy and election-related issues. We are determined to fill the gap between abstract academic research on democracy and the work of the many practitioners administering or monitoring elections all over the world.

Center for the Protection of Journalism
http://www.cpj.org/
The Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.

Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy
http://www.csidonline.org/
The Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy (CSID) is a non-profit organization, based in Washington DC, dedicated to studying Islamic and democratic political thought and merging them into a modern Islamic democratic discourse. The organization was founded in March 1999 by a diverse group of academicians, professionals, and activists--both Muslim and non-Muslim--from around the USA who agree on the need for the study of and dissemination of reliable information on this complex topic.

The Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL)
http://cddrl.stanford.edu/
Stanford University's Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law seeks to promote innovative and practical research on the design and implementation of policies to foster democracy, to promote balanced and sustainable growth, and to advance the rule of law in countries undergoing dramatic change.

Centre for Democratic Institutions (Canberra, Australia)
http://www.cdi.anu.edu.au/
CDI responds to the needs of developing countries in the field of good governance and democratic institutions. The centre was established as an Australian Government initiative and receives its core funding through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). Its geographic focus is the Asia-Pacific region.

Children's Resources International
http://www.childrensresources.org/
Children's Resources International, Inc. (CRI) is a non-profit educational and training organization whose mission is to promote democratic educational practices for children, their families, and their teachers around the world.

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation (Johannesburg, South Africa)
http://www.civicus.org/
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international alliance of members and partners which constitute an influential network of organizations at the local, national, regional and international levels, and span the spectrum of civil society including: civil society networks and organizations; trade unions; faith-based networks; professional associations; NGO capacity development organizations; philanthropic foundations and other funding bodies; businesses; and social responsibility programs. CIVICUS has worked for over a decade to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened.

CIVITAS International
http://www.civnet.org/
CIVITAS International, a world-wide nongovernmental organization for civic education, aims to strengthen effective education for informed and responsible citizenship in emerging and established democracies around the world. CIVITAS International is composed of individuals, non-governmental associations, and governmental institutions from many countries as well as international organizations.

Democracy Coalition Project
http://www.demcoalition.org/
The Democracy Coalition Project is a nongovernmental organization that conducts research and advocacy relating to democracy promotion policies at the national, regional and global levels. Begun in June 2001 as an initiative of the Open Society Institute, the Democracy Coalition Project relies on an international network of civil society organizations, scholars, foreign policy experts and politicians committed to democracy promotion as an essential element of international peace and human development.

Democracy Digest
http://www.demdigest.net/
Democracy Digest provides news, analysis and information on democracy promotion and related matters. The Digest is produced at the National Endowment for Democracy and published by the Transatlantic Democracy Network, which aims to inform and convene democratic and civil society activists committed to promoting democracy. The Network is affiliated with the World Movement for Democracy.

Democracy International
http://www.democracyinternational.us/
Democracy International, Inc. (DI) designs, evaluates, implements, and provides technical assistance for democracy and governance programs worldwide. DI offers expertise in election processes and election monitoring, political party organizing, local government and decentralization, legislative strengthening, civil society development, strategic communications, and rule of law programming. The firm has extensive experience with assessments, evaluations, project designs, and survey research.

Democratic Governance Facility
http://www.dgf.ug/
DGF supported Ugandan democracy efforts in three components: 1) deepening democracy for "more pluralistic, representative and accountable governance based on democratic values, institutions and processes in Uganda," 2) rights, justice, and peace so that “the people of Uganda, especially the poor, vulnerable and women are empowered to claim their human rights, access justice and live in peace,” and 3) voice and accountability to ensure "strengthened accountability and transparency of service providers at state and local government level."

A Diplomat’s Handbook for Democracy Development Support
www.diplomatshandbook.org
A Council for a Community of Democracies online project led by former Canadian Ambassador Jeremy Kinsman designed to provide practicing diplomats with a toolbox of resources and case studies to assist civil society with democratic development.

The Euroregional Center for Democracy (CED) (Romania)
http://www.regionalnet.org/
The Euroregional Center for Democracy (CED) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, that promotes democracy and stability in Central and South - Eastern Europe. CED is located in Timisoara, a city in the Western part of Romania. Timisoara represents an ideal learning location for a laboratory seeking to devise programs of great importance for the future of democracy and regional stability. This multi-ethnic and multi-cultural space encourages the dialogue between individuals and institutions that promote democratic values.

Forum of Federations (Ottawa, Canada)
http://www.forumfed.org/
The Forum of Federations is an independent organization that was initiated in Canada and is supported by many countries and governments. The Forum is concerned with the contribution federalism makes and can make to the maintenance and construction of democratic societies and governments. It pursues this goal by: Building international networks and fostering the exchange of experience on federal governance; enhancing mutual learning and understanding among practitioners of federalism; and disseminating knowledge and technical advice of interest to existing federations and of benefit to countries seeking to introduce federal elements into their governance structures and constitutions.

The Freedom Ball
http://www.thefreedomball.org/
The Freedom Ball believes everyone living in freedom has a responsibility to help extend the privileges of freedom to those who live under totalitarian regimes, dictatorships and oppression. They believe that freedom must be wanted and won by those who seek it. They don't seek to impose or bestow freedom.

Freedom Forum
http://www.freedomforum.org/
The Freedom Forum is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to ensuring free press, free speech and free spirit for all people.

The Fund For Peace
http://www.fundforpeace.org/
The Fund for Peace exerts two main efforts to affect decision makers: the promotion of scholarship to define problems and the provision of competent answers, and the use of knowledge and information obtained to participate in debates and inform the public of the facts.

The Global Network for Good Governance (Yaounde, Cameroon)
http://www.gngg.org
The network is a non-profit, non-governmental, independent research, information and training organization registered under Cameroon Law. It is dedicated to practical and country-tailored strategies and mechanisms to combat corrupt practices and to foster popular participation and transparency in the management of public affairs and honesty in private business transaction as a prelude to sustainable
development.

Henry L. Stimson Center
http://www.stimson.org/
Founded in 1989, the Henry L. Stimson Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to enhancing international peace and security through a unique combination of rigorous analysis and outreach. 

Human Rights Watch
http://www.hrw.org/
Human Rights Watch is a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting human rights of the people around the world, standing with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, upholding political freedom, protecting people from inhumane conduct in wartime and bringing offenders to justice.
For issues of human rights, Human Rights Watch has an extensive list of resources organized by issue, in many cases including links to additional organizations, at www.hrw.org/advocacy/

IJITIHAD
http://www.ijtihad.org/
IJITIHAD seeks to promote freedom of thought, rational thinking, and the quest for truth through an epistemology covering science, rationalism, human experience, and critical thinking among Muslims everywhere.

Institute for Democracy in South Africa (Pretoria, South Africa)
http://www.idasa.org.za/
IDASA is an independent public interest organization committed to promoting sustainable democracy based on active citizenship, democratic institutions, and social justice. Formed in 1987, IDASA maintains international links with many similar organizations through the World Movement for Democracy.

Institute of Social Sciences (New Delhi)
http://www.issin.org/
Institute of Social Sciences is dedicated to systematic study of social issues and problems that confront India, in trans-disciplinary perspective. Its finding and recommendations are made available to the members of the decision-making organization such as government bodies, trade unions, people's organization and corporate bodies and scientific communities to encourage them to enlarge the options for action. The evolution of an informed and action-oriented public opinion is our primary aim.

International Center for Journalists
http://www.icfj.org/
The International Center for Journalists, a non-profit, professional organization, promotes quality journalism worldwide in the belief that independent, vigorous media are crucial in improving the human condition.  Since 1984, the International Center for Journalists has worked directly with more than 40,000 journalists from 176 countries. Aiming to raise the standards of journalism, ICFJ offers hands-on training, workshops, seminars, fellowships and international exchanges to reporters and media managers around the globe.

International Centre for Democratic Transition (Budapest, Hungary)
http://www.icdt.hu/
The mission of International Centre for Democratic Transition (ICDT), based in Budapest, is to facilitate the smooth and peaceful process of democratic transition based on participatory principles, the political, economic, legal, cultural and civil society aspects of transformation, as well the socio-cultural context of regions and countries where the process takes place.

International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (Washington DC)
http://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/
The International Center on Nonviolent Conflict is an independent, non-profit, educational foundation that develops and encourages the study and use of civilian-based, nonmilitary strategies to establish and defend human rights, democracy and justice worldwide.  Acting as a catalyst to stimulate interest in nonviolent conflict, the Center collaborates with likeminded educational institutions and nongovernmental organizations to educate the global public, influence policies and media coverage, and educate activists.

International Institute for Democracy (Seattle, Washington)
http://www.civilsoc.org/elctrnic/ngo-devl/iid.htm
Created in 1987 at the Second Strasbourg Conference on Parliamentary Democracy, the IID conducts training programs, holds conferences, and issues publications that contain a variety of resources pertaining to a wide range of democratic areas.

International Steering Committee of the Community of Democracies
http://www.ccd21.org/
The ISC is a 21-member committee of civil society leaders from all regions of the world that represents the positions and concerns civil society in the Community of Democracies.  The Council for a Community of Democracies (CCD) serves as the secretariat for the ISC.

Jean Jaures Foundation
http://www.jean-jaures.org/
Foundation of the French Socialist Party dedicated to the study of the international workers and socialist movements and the promotion of democratic and humanist ideals through research and debate and to contribute to the knowledge of man and his environment and carry out economic, cultural and assistance activities that contribute to the growth of pluralism and democracy in the world.

Journal of Democracy
http://journalofdemocracy.org/
Founded in 1990, the Journal of Democracy is an influential quarterly journal which focuses on analyzing democratic regimes and movements around the world. The Journal is a branch of the International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy, and is published by The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Kawakibi Democracy Transition Center (Tunis, Tunisia)
http://www.kawakibi.org/
The Kawakibi Democracy Transition Center is a technical non-governmental regional organization, specialized in transferring knowledge, sharing experiences, and building capacity in the field of democratic transition.  The Centre was founded on the principle of partnership between organizations and experts in the Arab region and in the Middle East. 

Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (The Hague, Netherlands)
http://www.nimd.org/
The mandate of NIMD is to encourage the process of democratization in young democracies by providing support to political parties as the core pillars of a multiparty democracy. NIMD works in a strictly non-partisan and inclusive manner.

openDemocracy (London)
http://www.opendemocracy.net
openDemocracy is the leading independent website on global current affairs - free to read, free to participate, free to the world...offering stimulating, critical analysis, promoting dialogue and debate on issues of global importance and linking citizens from around the world. It is committed to human rights, democratization, election monitoring and economic and environmental security.

Pablo Iglesias Foundation (Madrid)
http://www.fpabloiglesias.es/
The Pablo Iglesias Foundation is a cultural institution that focuses on research and dissemination of socialist ideology and on recovering and compiling historic and contemporary documentation of Spanish socialism. The Foundation also promotes cooperation with political, economic and cultural entities both from Spain and abroad, aiming to promote and support the values and culture of democracy and to defend human rights.

Pact, Inc.
http://www.pactworld.org/
Pact's mission is to build empowered communities, effective governments and responsible private institutions that give people an opportunity for a better life. We do this by strengthening the capacity of organizations and institutions to be good service providers, represent their stakeholders, network with others for learning and knowledge sharing, and advocate for social, economic and environmental justice. Interdependence, responsible stewardship, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and respect for local ownership and knowledge are core values across all of our programs.

PARTICIPA (Santiago, Chile)
http://www.participa.cl/
PARTICIPA, based in Santiago, works on domestic and international initiatives that seek to advance the knowledge and exercise of fundamental principles of democracy and human rights, so that citizens can participate in the public sphere in a more informed and organized manner.

Partners for Democratic Change
http://www.partnersglobal.org/index-flash.html
Partners for Democratic Change (Partners) is an international organization committed to building sustainable local capacity to advance civil society and a culture of change and conflict management worldwide. For over a decade, Partners has developed and strengthened institutions, trained and taught, built consensus, resolved conflict, promoted public policies, and developed curricula,  as well as provided other services to representatives from more than 50 countries and provinces throughout the world.

Politeia (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
http://www.politeia.net/
Politeia is a partnership among European NGOs that works to strengthen active European citizenship and democracy participation. Current goals include: creation of a structure that sets civic participation and education higher on the European and national agenda, the strengthening of capacities of partner organizations through the exchange of methods and practices, increasing visibility on the European-NGO scene, and creation of a pool of potential partners for European projects as well as being able to profit from European funds.

PASOS (Czech Republic)
http://www.pasos.org
PASOS supports the development and strengthens the outreach and impact of its 28 member policy centers (and six Associate Members). PASOS builds upon the work undertaken by the Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative (LGI) of the Open Society Institute (OSI) since 1999 to upgrade the institutional capacities of the OSI-related policy centers which operated until 2004 within a collaborative and supportive network known as the Related Centres Network (RCN).

Robert Schuman Foundation (Paris)
http://www.robert-schuman.org/
The Robert Schuman Foundation works to promote the construction of Europe both with regard to its ideas and in the field alongside the citizens themselves. The Foundation, which is a centre renowned for its research on the European Union, has provided itself with the task of maintaining the spirit and inspiration of one of the “Founder Fathers” of Europe, namely Robert Schuman and of promoting European values and ideals both within the Union's frontiers as well as beyond.

Robert Schuman Institute for Developing Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe (Budapest)
http://www.schuman-institute.eu/
Based in Budapest, the basic objectives of the Schuman Institute are to promote the idea of a United Europe; support and foster the process of democratic transformation in the CEE/EE/SEE countries on the basis of European Christian Democratic values in the spirit of Robert Schuman; and promote the development of civil societies in the CEE/EE/SEE countries.

Stefan Batory Foundation (Warsaw, Poland)
http://www.batory.org.pl/english/index.htm
The Foundation's mission is to support the development of an open, democratic society in Poland and other Central and East European countries.  The key priorities of the foundation are to enhance the role and involvement of civil society, promote civil liberties and the rule of law, and develop international cooperation and solidarity.

Street Law
http://www.streetlaw.org/
Street Law is practical, participatory education about law, democracy, and human rights. A unique blend of content and methodology, Street Law uses techniques that promote cooperative learning, critical thinking, and the ability to participate in a democratic society.

Students for Global Democracy
http://www.sfgd.org/
SGD is a nonpartisan organization that works to support those, especially students, who are fighting dictatorship worldwide.

TEAM (Copenhagen, Denmark)
http://www.teameurope.info/
The European Alliance of EU-critical movements (TEAM) is an information network connecting 57 EU critical organizations in 23 countries across Europe. TEAM brings together civil society organizations and political parties from all parts of the spectrum in the fight against the emerging EU State and the ongoing erosion of democracy in Europe.

World Movement for Democracy
http://www.wmd.org/
The World Movement for Democracy is a global network of democrats, including activists, practitioners, academics, policy makers, and funders, who have come together to cooperate in the promotion of democracy. The World Movement offers new ways to give practical help to democrats who are struggling to open closed societies, challenge dictatorships, democratize semi-authoritarian systems, consolidate emerging democracies, and strengthen established democracies.

World Forum for Democratization in Asia (Taiwan)
http://www.wfda.net/
The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) was inaugurated in 2005 to advance the democratic agenda in Asia. WFDA serves to reaffirm and revalidate the core values of Asian democrats and expand the awareness of them among Asian peoples. It does this not primarily through discussion of the merits of democracy, but through a focus on facilitating concrete measures and strategies to assist the democratization process in Asian societies; proposals for action plans to achieve identified goals and targets take precedence.

The following organizations are leaders in providing election assistance and observation:
International Human Rights Law Group
National Endowment for Democracy
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
International Republican Institute
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)
The Carter Center
IFES  (Formerly the International Foundation for Electoral Assistance)
La Federation Internationale des Droits de l'Homme
International Commission of Jurists
Inter-Parliamentary Union
Center for Democracy

In addition to the institutions listed above there are two cooperative partnerships that provide information and support for the conduct of elections:

The ACE Project
http://www.aceproject.org/
The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network provides comprehensive and authoritative information on elections, promotes networking among election-related professionals and offers capacity development services.  ACE is a joint endeavor of eight partner organizations, including Elections Canada, EISA, Instituto Federal Electoral - Mexico, IFES, International IDEA, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and United Nations Electoral Assistance Division.  All are long-term supporters of the Administration and Cost of Elections Project and leaders in the provision of targeted technical assistance in elections management.

BRIDGE Project (Melbourne)
http://www.bridge-project.org/
The past 15 years has seen a rapid increase in the number of democratic states. As a result, the number of elections worldwide has increased dramatically. Capable and professional election administrators are essential for organizing elections, and without the right skills in place election processes can be undermined. To achieve effective, sustainable electoral administration, the development of the capacity of their staff needs to be prioritized. To date, there have been few formal opportunities available for comprehensive professional development in election administration.