🚨 Final call: October 1 is the deadline for this grant cycle. Our partners are working every day to expand freedom in their communities. They know which barriers need to come down, whose voices need to be heard, and what their organizations need to make lasting progress. We’re proud to support that work. If you have a priority project ready to move forward, explore the opportunity that best fits your goals: 🔹 Public Policy Advocacy: Pursue meaningful change through policy reform. 🔹 Engaging Hearts & Minds: Reach people with the ideas and values of a free society. 🔹 Organizational Capacity: Build the strength and infrastructure your organization needs to grow. Partners may submit up to two applications per cycle. Organizational Capacity is also open to non-partners who have been invited to apply after submitting a letter of interest. Review the requirements and apply by October 1. If you have questions, reach out to your regional grants support representative. Learn more and apply: hubs.la/Q04ymSxc0

🎉 Congratulations to Centre for Liberty, winner of the 2026 Asia Smart Bets Pitch Competition! Lawful property owners across Andhra Pradesh believed their land was securely theirs. Then they tried to sell it, mortgage it, transfer it to their children, develop it, or register it. That was when many discovered that their land had been placed on the government’s Section 22-A prohibited-properties list, sometimes without prior notice, evidence, a hearing, or a written decision. On paper, the land still belonged to them. In practice, they could not exercise the most basic rights of ownership. A government database entry gave officials the power to block nearly every meaningful use of their property. One case presented by Centre for Liberty involved Dr. Kasturi, an 83-year-old landowner who spent years fighting after private property was classified as a government lake. Even after the High Court ordered the land to be released, officials did not act until contempt proceedings placed additional pressure on them. An 83-year-old landowner should not have to spend years in court, then return to court to force the government to honor its ruling, simply to exercise their private property rights. Centre for Liberty recognized that thousands of owners could not be expected to fight the same exhausting battle alone. The organization began documenting cases, mobilizing affected landowners and legal professionals, and helping citizens assemble the records needed to defend their rights. It then opened the first Property Rights Centre in Tirupati, where owners can check their survey numbers, register their cases, organize property documents, and connect with local support. At Asia Liberty Forum in Colombo, Chakravarthy Nalamotu presented Centre for Liberty’s plan to expand this model to every district in Andhra Pradesh. With support from Smart Bets, the organization plans to educate and organize citizens across the state while pursuing permanent policy reforms, including secure private title insurance. Why does this matter? Without secure property rights, people cannot confidently build homes, start businesses, invest in their futures, or pass what they have earned to the next generation. Ownership has little meaning if the government can prevent people from using their property without notice or due process. As Chakravarthy told the audience, “Without property rights, there is no human freedom.” Smart Bets recognizes rising organizations with bold, scalable ideas for advancing liberty. Centre for Liberty’s work shows what that can look like: identifying government overreach, bringing affected people together, building a practical response, and creating a path toward reform. Join us in congratulating Chakravarthy Nalamotu and the entire Centre for Liberty team on winning the 2026 Asia Smart Bets Pitch Competition!

🇮🇳 More freedom can begin with crossing one bad law off the books. Centre for Civil Society in India has won the 2026 Asia Liberty Award, recognizing more than a decade of work to replace outdated and burdensome laws with clearer, more predictable rules. Since 2014, CCS has developed a systematic method for identifying obsolete, redundant, and burdensome laws across India. Its early “Repeal of 100 Laws” report offered government officials a clear, evidence-based path for simplifying the country’s legal framework rather than relying on one-off reforms. By 2024, CCS identified 534 laws for repeal and contributed to the removal of 216 laws at the national and state levels. Its work has also advanced trust-based governance, making the case that ordinary business activity should not expose entrepreneurs to disproportionate criminal punishment. This is what patient policy reform can accomplish: less arbitrary power, greater certainty, and more freedom for people to build their own futures. Join us in congratulating the Centre for Civil Society and fellow finalists Samriddhi Foundation in Nepal and Foundation for Economic Freedom in the Philippines for their contributions to a freer, more prosperous Asia.

What can change when families regain control of their land, courts protect due process, and young people can access credible ideas instead of misinformation? Last week at Asia Liberty Forum in Colombo, three Atlas Network partners presented their ideas during the 2026 Asia Smart Bets Pitch Competition: 🇮🇳 Chakravarthy Nalamotu of Centre for Liberty pitched “Unlocking 1.95 Crore Acres of Freedom,” a campaign to protect property rights in Andhra Pradesh. Centre for Liberty says that flawed government land records have placed 19.5 million acres on a prohibited-property list, preventing families from selling, building on, or borrowing against their land. The organization plans to expand its Property Rights Centers across the state, organize affected citizens, challenge bureaucratic obstruction, and advocate for secure property titles and lasting reform. 🇵🇰 Muhammad Sulaiman of National Influencers pitched “Justice Without Judges,” an effort to end the exercise of judicial powers by unelected bureaucrats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through research, policy advocacy, and legal action, the project seeks to protect due process, individual rights, property rights, and the independence of the courts. 🇱🇰 Namini Panditha of Liberal Youth Movement pitched a plan to build an independent digital media house in Sri Lanka. The platform would counter misinformation and political polarization with accessible content that strengthens civic knowledge, informed debate, and youth leadership. Smart Bets is Atlas Network’s accelerator for discovering and backing the freedom movement’s rising stars: high-potential, up-and-coming organizations with bold, scalable ideas for advancing liberty. Through funding, mentorship, training, exposure, and competition, the program helps promising institutions turn early momentum into lasting impact. Each finalist is working to turn a locally grounded idea into a reform that could transform lives and offer a model for others across the region. Join us in celebrating these three finalists!

Lasting change takes more than a good idea. It takes leaders who build strong teams, bring people together, and remain committed long enough to turn possibility into progress. For two decades, Robin Sitoula has helped do exactly that. As co-founder and executive director of Samriddhi Foundation in Nepal, he has helped build an organization dedicated to entrepreneurship, economic policy reform, and democracy. At 2026 Asia Liberty Forum in Colombo, Robin will deliver the Toast to Freedom. The moment will recognize his leadership, the relationships behind Samriddhi’s work, and a regional community united by the belief that people deserve the freedom to shape their own futures. Please join us in celebrating Robin and raising a glass to the leaders across Asia whose persistence continues to move liberty forward. 🥂 #AsiaLibertyForum #ToastToFreedom #FreedomMovement

What does greater freedom look like in practice? It looks like removing outdated laws that expose entrepreneurs to arbitrary punishment. Making it easier to start a business, attract investment, and bring new ideas to market. Giving landholders the certainty to invest in projects that can support their families and communities for generations. The three finalists for the 2026 Asia Liberty Award are turning those possibilities into policy: 🇳🇵 Samriddhi Foundation (Nepal) helped advance reforms that reduce barriers to entrepreneurship, open new paths for investment, and strengthen government accountability. 🇮🇳 Centre for Civil Society (India) has contributed to the repeal of 216 outdated and burdensome laws. 🇵🇭 Foundation for Economic Freedom (Philippines) helped secure stronger property rights and 99-year leases for long-term rural enterprises. These achievements required years of research, relationship-building, and persistence. The Asia Liberty Award gives that work the regional recognition it deserves while helping successful ideas reach others working toward freer, more prosperous societies. The winner will be announced during Asia Liberty Forum, taking place Sept. 10–11, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Learn more about the finalists and why their work matters: hubs.la/Q04x5NV60

Big ideas can lead to lasting change. Congratulations to the Liberal Club of Cairo, recipient of the 2026 Middle East and North Africa Liberty Award, for its leadership in developing Egypt’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strategy (NEIS). An independent think tank dedicated to promoting free markets and individual liberty, the Liberal Club of Cairo developed NEIS, a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. After being presented during Egypt’s National Dialogue in 2022, the strategy received parliamentary approval in December 2024 and now serves as part of the country’s long-term vision for economic development. Its framework aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Africa Agenda 2063, with the goal of expanding economic opportunity, reducing unemployment, and empowering young people and women through entrepreneurship. By bringing together changemakers and leaders around a shared vision of freedom, the Liberal Club of Cairo is laying the groundwork for reforms that can drive long-term economic growth, create jobs, and expand opportunity. Their work is a powerful example of how locally led ideas can translate into meaningful policy change.  We’re proud to recognize their achievement and celebrate the impact they’re making to advance liberty and opportunity across the Middle East and North Africa.

We're proud to announce that Daniel Hannan will deliver the Linda Whetstone Toast to Freedom at Atlas Network's Freedom Dinner on November 12, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. For more than three decades, Hannan has championed free trade, limited government, the rule of law, and individual liberty. He is a journalist, a member of the House of Lords, and the author of nine books, including the New York Times bestseller Inventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World. Earlier this year, Hannan became Director General and Ralph Harris Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Britain's oldest free-market think tank. The IEA holds a special place in Atlas Network's history: it was founded in 1955 by Sir Antony Fisher, who went on to establish Atlas Network in 1981. Hannan last delivered the Toast to Freedom in 2017, speaking before more than 650 guests from 50 countries. Nine years later, he returns to deliver one of Freedom Dinner's most anticipated traditions, honoring the memory of longtime board chair Linda Whetstone and her legacy of mentorship to freedom advocates around the world. Grab your seat today: hubs.la/Q04wqqKL0

“For me, it was a transformative experience. Asia Liberty Forum gave me the vision to stand for liberty. I got the opportunity to connect with amazing people from across the globe.” - Jam Magdaleno, Foundation for Economic Freedom This September, liberty-minded leaders will come together again to exchange ideas, find encouragement, and build relationships that strengthen their work. Hear from some of the incredible speakers joining us, including Akash Shrestha, Dhananath Fernando, and Adinda Tenriangke Muchtar. 📍 Colombo, Sri Lanka 📅 September 10–11, 2026 🔗 hubs.la/Q04w0R2q0

Three weeks until Asia Liberty Forum 2026. Across Asia, freedom champions are challenging barriers to opportunity and turning bold ideas into meaningful change. In Colombo, they’ll find something equally important: peers who understand the work, practical lessons from across the region, and recognition for ideas making an impact. September 10–11. Learn more and register: hubs.la/Q04tRBlt0

Congratulations to SADI, winner of the 2026 Africa Smart Bets Pitch Competition! SADI was recognized for its work expanding women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic participation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more: hubs.la/Q04tC90L0

Turn up the volume for freedom. 🎸 On September 10, Capital Heat will take the stage at the 11th Annual Law Rocks Washington, DC competition—and they’ve selected Atlas Network as the organization they’re playing to support. Featuring musicians from Venable LLP, Capital Heat will bring songs from Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Pat Benatar, and more to The Atlantis in Washington, DC. Can't make it in person? There's still options to give that will support the network! When making a donation through Law Rocks, be sure to select “Capital Heat” at checkout for your donation to benefit Atlas Network and our work to strengthen the worldwide freedom movement. Donate, get tickets, and learn more: hubs.la/Q04tfVlL0 #LawRocks #AtlasNetwork #CapitalHeat

Early-bird pricing for Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner ends tomorrow, August 15. 🚨 What it looks like from inside the room: "The Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner is one of the most inspiring gatherings in the global freedom movement. The quality of the sessions, the openness of the community, and the practical insights shared each year make it an essential event for anyone committed to expanding economic freedom. I always leave with new ideas, stronger partnerships, and a renewed sense of purpose." — Marcelo Faria, Instituto Liberal de São Paulo Join us in New York this November. Register for Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner together by the deadline to save 20%. Save your spot. 👇hubs.la/Q04t60b70

Real change doesn't happen overnight. It happens when principled leaders bring people together, build trust, and turn good ideas into meaningful reforms. That's why we're proud to recognize Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) Great Lakes as the 2026 Africa Liberty Award winner for its innovative initiative, Freedom Week. What began as a one-day gathering of just 20 participants has grown into Burundi's largest independent platform for advancing economic freedom. Today, Freedom Week convenes policymakers, entrepreneurs, students, journalists, and civil society leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and advance practical reforms. Through research, public engagement, and policy advocacy, CDE Great Lakes has helped expand opportunity, strengthen institutions, and inspire similar efforts across the region. Their work demonstrates how locally led leadership can create lasting change. “Centre for Development and Enterprises Great Lakes continually strengthens the institutions of freedom in Burundi, where I've seen their annual Freedom Week become widely influential in the public policy debate,” said Atlas Network Executive Vice President of Programs Casey Pifer. “Their contagious hope for a freer Africa, and their relentless efforts as Burundi's expert local think tank, inspires hundreds of civil society organizations around the world to more ambitious impact in their own communities." Congratulations to Monia Wakana and the entire CDE Great Lakes team on this well-deserved recognition. We also congratulate our fellow finalists—The Eastern Caucus (Zimbabwe) and the Liberalist Centre for Education (Nigeria)—whose outstanding work is advancing economic freedom through tax reform, government accountability, and independent journalism. Together, this year's finalists showcase the power of locally led organizations to expand opportunity, strengthen institutions, and build freer, more prosperous societies across Africa. Learn more: hubs.la/Q04sJ7cB0

One week left to save 20% on Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner. From a distance, the worldwide freedom movement can feel abstract. In the room, it becomes real. You meet the people behind the ideas. You hear firsthand what they are working to change. You exchange perspectives with leaders and supporters from more than 60 countries—and experience what it feels like to be part of a worldwide community advancing freedom. As Atlas Network supporter Marion Mitchell puts it: “At Atlas Network events it’s so easy to make connections. It’s exhilarating to meet heroes of freedom.” This November 11–12 in New York City, be in the room with the people moving freedom forward. Meet them. Learn from them. Celebrate alongside them. Early-bird pricing ends August 15. Register for Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner together by the deadline to save 20%. 👉 hubs.la/Q04sk_fw0

Milton Friedman would have turned 114 today. Here’s a story about him you may not know. In May 1980, Friedman wrote to our founder, Sir Antony Fisher, praising his work launching pro-freedom think tanks around the world. Twenty-one years later, at our 20th anniversary celebration, Friedman predicted that Atlas Network would “play a foremost role” in creating a freer world. Today, we proudly work alongside nearly 500 independent partners in more than 100 countries. To honor his legacy, you can help carry that work forward. Make a gift of $25 or more and we’ll send you print copies of our commemorative Milton Friedman edition of Freedom’s Champion magazine and our latest issue, “Latin America After Socialism,” along with every future issue we publish, delivered right to your door. Get your print edition of Freedom's Champion magazine: hubs.la/Q04rtKNc0