Charity & Security Network

We seek to reform US counterterrorism laws and policies so they protect both our national security and the vital work of charities. Short-term solutions to national security threats passed in 2001 are having negative long-term consequences for the entire U.S. nonprofit sector and the people they serve. Millions of dollars donated for aid programs have been frozen indefinitely. Broad interpretations of "material support" of terrorism conflict with standards set by the Red Cross. All groups, from local charities to international programs, must deal with threat of being shut down without opportunity to appeal. The costs of these measures far outweigh any national security benefits gained. To address these problems the Charity and Security Network was launched in November 2008 by charities, grantmakers, faith-based and advocacy groups. Our work includes- public education aimed at bringing attention to this often overlooked problem - a forum for development of alternative regulatory approaches that reflect the realities and needs of successful nonprofit programs and grantmaking, and - coordination and support for nonprofit stakeholders to take joint action for reform.