Results from the 2016 CSO Sustainability Index (CSOSI) for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia, produced by the U.S. Agency for International Development with partners in each participating country, show that a number of countries, including Hungary, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Macedonia, have experienced democratic backsliding. \u00a0This backsliding now threatens both the sustainability of CSOs, and also citizens\u2019 fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression. \u00a0From the mass protests in Macedonia to those in Poland, this year\u2019s report shows that public demonstrations continued to be an important tool in 2016 to bring both the public\u2019s and policymakers\u2019 attention to issues of public concern. \u00a0CSO sustainability in many countries in the region is increasingly challenged by decreased access to funding and constricting operating space.\u00a0 On a positive note, this year\u2019s report highlights progress in financial diversification through innovative practices.\u00a0 As governments restrict access to foreign funding and reduce state funding to CSOs, organizations are increasingly turning to crowdfunding as an alternative source of funding. \u00a0In addition, crowdfunding appears to be taking hold in a broader range of issue areas, as CSOs reported some success with fundraising for political and human rights activities in 2016, in addition to the social, environmental, and cultural activities it originally targeted. \u00a0In other contexts, however, government restrictions have made it highly difficult for CSOs to operate. \u00a0In Azerbaijan, for example, informal surveys indicate that at least two-thirds of CSOs have suspended their activities over the past few years, and surviving CSOs have lost most of their staff due to insufficient funding.<\/p>\n