Chile is undergoing significant changes in civic participation, with some advances like greater inclusion in participatory processes, alongside rising challenges such as political polarisation and violence. Global trends, such as new technologies, misinformation, and the political use of digital platforms, are also reshaping how civil society engages. This makes it essential to examine the environment in which civil society works.
Civil society plays a vital role in promoting democratic values in Chile, grounded in the Constitutional principles of dignity, freedom, equality, human rights, and popular sovereignty. Its significance has been evident throughout Chile’s recent history—from the struggle to defend democracy during the dictatorship, to its active involvement in the 2019 demonstrations and the two constitutional processes. Over the past 30 years, civil society has gained increasing recognition both nationally and internationally. The growth and organisation of civil society are reflected in the existence of more than 400,000 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country, marking a significant growth since 1990. Notably, 60% of these organisations are concentrated in key areas such as community development, economic advancement, and cultural initiatives. This not only underscores their growing presence but also their sustained contribution to strengthening democracy from the grassroots level.
However, Chile is still grappling with the fallout of two failed constitutional referendums. The second draft, rejected by 55 % of the voters in December 2023, deepened public mistrust in political elites and sapped enthusiasm for reform. Political fragmentation widened in the October 2024 municipal elections, where independents captured 103 of 345 mayoralties, prompting mainstream parties to float alliances and electoral changes to curb their rise. In 2024, street protests persisted over pensions, indigenous land claims and economic inequality. Critics argue that the 2023 Naín‑Retamal Law— which imposes harsher penalties for crimes against police and expands self‑defence rights for officers— risks undermining accountability by creating potential safeguards for security forces accused of misconduct. The Mapuche conflict in the south also endures. Recurrent states of emergency in Araucanía have deployed the military, limiting movement and public assembly and hampering civil‑society monitoring of indigenous‑rights abuses.
Another important aspect to have in mind regarding civil society in Chile, is the “Caso Convenios”, also known as “Caso Fundaciones”. This is a corruption case involving the misappropriation of public funds by CSOs, significantly undermining public and institutional trust, and making it increasingly difficult for CSOs to secure funding from both public and private sectors. 14 billion pesos (≈ USD 16.4 million) lost through direct transfers to foundations linked to the ruling party, sparked widespread public criticism and prompted investigations by the Attorney General’s Office and the Comptroller’s Office due to evaded fiscal controls and irregular political financing.
As a result, many CSOs have been affected by the broader institutional trust crisis: a 2023 study shows that 55% of organisations impacted by this context had to reduce their operating expenses and adjust salaries of personnel to stay afloat. On that note, while public support for CSOs remains, the State has adopted stricter administrative measures, creating a more cautious and bureaucratic funding landscape. This ongoing situation continues to generate uncertainty about the long-term financial sustainability of civil society, highlighting the need for close monitoring and effective trust-rebuilding strategies.
