U.S. Nonprofit Activity in Cuba: The Cuban Context

The thaw of U.S.-Cuba relations and the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba present an opportunity for nonprofit organizations based in the United States seeking to increase their engagement with Cuba. U.S. regulatory restrictions on nonprofit activity have decreased dramatically over the past two years. As a result, interest in undertaking projects in Cuba among U.S. nonprofits has increased significantly. Although the scope of potential opportunities is as yet unknown, this paper seeks to advance the conversation by answering the following questions: What is the current state of U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofit activity within Cuba? What are the Cuban legal and other constraints that affect nonprofit activity in the country? What recommendations might we offer for U.S. nonprofits that are interested in pursuing work in Cuba, in light of the constraints identified above? And finally, what legal, policy or other measures in Cuba might help address these constraints and facilitate increased nonprofit engagement?