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On Think Tanks Monthly
Connect, learn and exchange knowledge
Dear On Think Tanks community,
The hard-won gains in human rights, inclusion, and evidence-informed policymaking are increasingly under threat—not only due to shrinking aid budgets but also the alarming global rise in authoritarianism. While civil society and independent media have rightly received support, think tanks often remain overlooked despite their distinct and vital role in shaping public discourse and policy.
Think tanks occupy a unique space within the evidence-to-policy ecosystem. By bridging civil society, academia, political actors, the media, and the private sector, they ensure that knowledge flows where it is most needed. Yet many—particularly across the global South—are under immense pressure to remain relevant and financially sustainable amid shifting political and economic dynamics.
Our ongoing State of the Sector Survey reveals that 71% of think tanks are affected by political polarisation, and 47% expect an increasingly difficult funding landscape. If you're based in Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA, or Central Asia, we urge you to take part. Your insights are essential to ensure the 2025 report reflects the full diversity of think tank experiences worldwide. These findings will also inform bold discussions at the OTT Conference 2025 in Johannesburg, where over 150 think tank leaders and funders will explore new models, funding strategies, and opportunities for
reinvention.At On Think Tanks, we’ve spent over a decade studying the sector closely and supporting its evolution. In this newsletter, we share tools from innovative partners to help you make informed and sometimes difficult decisions. You’ll also find updates on our advisory support and a preview of the soon-to-be relaunched Organisational Health Check, designed to support policy research organisations in strengthening their strategies and operations.
Meanwhile, engage with ongoing On Think Tanks initiatives:
- Submit your early-bird application for the School for Thinktankers 2026
- Join the Open Think Tank Directory
- Download the On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report 2024
- Support student-led think tanks through the Building for the Future initiative
Warmly,
Estefania Teran
Director, On Think Tanks
On Think Tanks is a public good, a part of OTT’s support to think tanks work stream. Our efforts are currently possible thanks to partnerships with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, Open Society Foundations and the Robert Bosch Foundation.
Would you like bespoke advice and support? Do you want to support On Think Tanks?
You still have time to fill out the 2025 Survey! Early results from the State of the Sector survey reveal that 71% of think tanks have been moderately or significantly affected by political polarisation, and 47% anticipate an unfavourable funding environment in the year ahead.
How do these trends compare to your experience? Share your insights and help shape the most comprehensive global report on the think tank sector. Your input will guide better support, funding, and collaboration.
On Think Tanks Programme Updates
OTT Conference 2025: Think tanks and Impact - limited spots open!
From bold debates to candid conversations, the OTT Conference 2025 will gather leading thinkers in Johannesburg this June for keynotes, interactive sessions, and informal networking.
School for Thinktankers 2026
We’re excited to introduce the experts leading this year’s School for Thinktankers—a diverse group of think tank leaders, strategists, and policy experts ready to share their insights. Join us in Barcelona for the 10th edition of the School for Thinktankers!
Join the Open Think Tank Directory
Add your think tank to a global network of 3,820+ organisations to showcase your work and contribute to the State of the Sector 2025 report—a vital tool highlighting global and regional trends.
State of the Sector Report
The State of the Sector is a truly global effort—it’s powered by 23 regional organisations committed to amplifying think tank voices worldwide. From Sub-Saharan Africa to Central Asia, MENA to Latin America, these partners are helping ensure diverse perspectives shape the 2025 report.
Building for the Future Initiative
Student-led think tanks from the current Building for the Future cohort share their reflections in new blogs after attending the 2025 School for Thinktankers. Their insights show how early support can shape bold, diverse policy leadership.
Support the next gen of think tank leaders—get in touch.
Featured Articles
- How the School for Thinktankers nurtured GROW’s growth by Vincent LefebvreHow one youth-led think tank found clarity and direction at the School for Thinktankers.
OTT School for Thinktankers 2025: Striving for change by Sofia Barberis Canonico
At the School for Thinktankers, a young researcher from STEAR explores what it takes to turn ideas into lasting impact.
News & events
Trump Administration guts board of US Institute of Peace
The Trump administration fired most of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace and sent its new leader into the Washington headquarters of the independent organization on Monday, in its latest effort targeting agencies tied to foreign assistance work.Southern Voice welcomes new Steering Committee Members
Southern Voice welcomes three new members to our Steering Committee, each representing Africa (PCNS), Asia (CIPS), and Latin America and the Caribbean (CADEP). These appointments, made during Southern Voice’s General Assembly on February 6th, strengthen our commitment to diverse regional perspectives.Public Launch of the Evaluation Registry, UK
The Evaluation Registry will contain all UK government evaluations in a single searchable website. With over 1,400 evaluations, it is an excellent resource for researchers and policymakers.- Rising Wave of Funders and PSOs Stand Up for the First Amendment Freedom to Give
Over 70 funders and affiliated organisations have now endorsed a statement affirming their intention to defend their right to donate in alignment with their values.
Partners’ Tools:
A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated, National Council of Nonprofits
The future of NGOs, Tendai Murisa
Civil Society Strategic Partnership Toolkit, Accountability Lab and Development Gateway
Do you have any organisational updates or news stories to share? Reply to this email with your piece to be featured in next month's newsletter.
Upcoming events
WEBINAR | Issues in the Limelight: Funding Think Tanks in Increasingly Authoritarian Contexts | 23 April, 10 AM EST / 4 PM CET
Democracy is under siege—even from established democracies. As funders and supporters of think tanks, you are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. How can you effectively support independent research and policy work in authoritarian or fragile contexts? Join us for a fast-paced, to-the-point webinar designed exclusively for funders and think-tank supporters.WEBINAR | Safeguarding Freedom of Expression Against Attempts to Curtail Public Participation | 28 April, 6:00–8:00 PM CET
This event will be the first of a series of three dedicated to tackling the growing threat that private and state-sponsored SLAPPs and similar practices pose to freedom of expression and public participation in France.Global Solutions Summit 2025 | 5-6 May, Berlin
It is an international conference that, since 2017, has brought together experts from various sectors to propose policy solutions to key challenges facing the G20, G7, and other global governance forums This year’s topic: Bridging Divides: New Pathways for Global Prosperity”.OTT Conference 2025 — Think tanks and Impact | 17-18 June, Johannesburg | Register your interest
- T20 MidTerm Summit | 19-20 June, Johannesburg
- Philea Forum 2025: Power and Equality | 2-5 June, Lisbon
Hosting an event in the realm of think tanks or evidence-informed policy? Share the details of your event with us, and let's amplify your impact together. Complete our events submission form.
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