Without spaces like RACI, CSOs are left alone.

We began April 2025 by celebrating the vibrant contributions of civil society organizations (CSOs) through a large-scale public event that brought together a diverse group of participants. Building on the previous year’s success, the event grew significantly, drawing in around 80 organizations. Through interactive experiences, performances, and family-oriented activities, the gathering became a powerful space to highlight the sector’s community-driven impact and reinforce connections among participating groups.

This spirit of collaboration was further reflected in the dissemination of a national study focused on the labor conditions within CSOs. Developed by the Consultative Council of Civil Associations of UNLP and the Federation of Cultural and Sports Institutions of La Plata, the survey offered detailed insights into salaries, contracts, and roles in the sector. Supported by key networks including RACI and several other national alliances, the initiative served as a valuable tool for understanding internal dynamics and shaping better working conditions for the people behind social change.

Innovation and digital solutions also played a central role in our activities. A regional Hackathon brought together multidisciplinary teams from across Latin America and the Caribbean to develop tech-based responses aimed at expanding civic engagement and safeguarding democratic spaces. The solutions focused on inclusivity and cybersecurity, with teams designing prototypes that prioritized both societal impact and scalability.

Our ongoing commitment to inclusive dialogue continued with the announcement of a public conversation on rethinking international cooperation. Prominent regional voices came together to examine the limits of traditional models and explore how collective intelligence can lead to more equitable and sustainable practices. These discussions offered valuable perspectives at a time when the funding landscape for civil society continues to face uncertainty.

Understanding the broader context of giving and solidarity, we also shared findings from the World Giving Index, one of the most globally recognized studies on generosity. In this edition, CSOs were directly surveyed for the first time, allowing for a more accurate representation of their contributions. While Argentina’s ranking underscored ongoing challenges, it also highlighted opportunities to deepen philanthropic culture and civic support.

In parallel, we strengthened efforts around civic participation and volunteering through the launch of a federal training initiative. Bringing together diverse actors—from students to local organizations—the event fostered dialogue on how volunteerism can serve as a cornerstone for active citizenship. RACI contributed by sharing strategic insights and upcoming programs that promote civic engagement as a long-term development tool.

This focus on cross-sector collaboration was echoed in our co-hosted event with CONNECTAS, which created space to reflect on the region’s shifting civic landscape. Key voices raised the alarm on the crisis in international cooperation, calling for innovative funding mechanisms that center fairness and long-term impact. The dialogue marked an important step in redefining partnerships between funders and grassroots actors.

We also took tangible steps to strengthen the social sector through the launch of the BBVA-RACI Award for Social Inclusion. The initiative called for project proposals aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals on education and decent work, offering significant financial support to scale effective solutions. By doing so, we aimed to both recognize and amplify the transformative work being done by CSOs across the country.

Our network continued to grow, as we welcomed 49 new member organizations into RACI during a special hybrid gathering. This expansion further enriched our collective capacity to advocate for change, exchange knowledge, and respond to pressing societal needs with unity and purpose.

As part of our ongoing Reimagining the Future of Civil Society program, we hosted a major conversation on defending collective interests in times of institutional setbacks. The dialogue featured leading voices from the human rights, environmental, and philanthropic sectors, emphasizing the need for solidarity, advocacy, and shared vision to navigate a challenging sociopolitical climate.

To close the cycle of activities, we facilitated a high-level conversation with representatives from embassies, international foundations, and cooperation agencies at the German Embassy. Presenting the latest results from our national civil society survey and sharing updates from the Reimagining initiative, the meeting opened a space for deeper coordination and strategy-building with international allies.