For Grantees

» Download the full application packet here

Overview

The Fund for Global Human Rights is founded on the belief that securing basic freedoms worldwide requires effective frontline organizations challenging abuse wherever it occurs. Despite their importance, many on-the-ground human rights groups have woefully little access to the financial resources and support that would amplify their voices and increase their impact. The Fund for Global Human Rights was founded by a group of U.S. and Europe-based foundations in 2001 to respond to this funding gap. The Fund aims to bring new financial support to struggling, often isolated human rights organizations. The Fund’s ultimate goal is to promote a strong, effective human rights community in every country around the world.

To do this, the Fund:

• Seeks and pools resources from donors—especially those new to human rights funding—around the world;
• Identifies and provides funding to local, national and regional human rights groups taking on critical issues in a growing number of countries;
• Creates ways and networks to bring often isolated activists together to exchange ideas and strategies;
• Engages human rights activists and funders around the world in developing its funding strategies.  

In all its work, the Fund is led by a remarkable international board of directors, composed of human rights advocates and funders. The Fund’s board is chaired by Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland.

The Fund for Global Human Rights operates and accepts proposals in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. All elements of this website will be available in these four languages in 2006.

Program Focus

Organizations requesting funding must be working to defend, protect or promote human rights. This work could include mobilizing popular opinion through human rights skills-building and organizing; exposing abuse through documentation; addressing violations through direct action, policy/legal reform and litigation; networking and coalition building to further the effectiveness of human rights work; and capacity building.

Request for Proposals

Organizations seeking grants from the Fund for Global Human Rights must download, complete, and return the forms available here. Eligibility requirements for grants are clearly outlined in the Request for Proposals. Please read these guidelines carefully before you apply to determine whether your group is eligible for funding. At this time, the Fund accepts proposals in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.

The Fund for Global Human Rights will make grants in 2006 in a particular set of countries. The current Request for Proposals (Fall 2006) is for groups based and working on the human rights situations in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Tunisia, or Algeria only. For groups based in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mexico, or Guatemala, a separate Request for Proposals will be available in late 2006. The Fund will not consider proposals from organizations in any other countries at this time.

Proposals for the current grant cycle must be received no later than July 15, 2006 in order to be considered. This deadline will be strictly enforced. Please send proposals via email to: info@globalhumanrights.org. If your proposal is ready before July 15, please submit it early to reduce email traffic on our server on the day of the deadline. Successful applicant organizations will be notified about grant awards on or about November 1, 2006.

Grant-making Process

The Fund for Global Human Rights staff reviews hundreds of proposals each year, of which the Fund is able to support just a small number. The Board of Directors reviews recommendations made by staff and makes all final grant decisions.

Since 2002, the Fund for Global Human Rights has made over $4 million in grants to 140 human rights organizations in thirteen countries.

» Check the Eligibility Requirements
» Download full application packet