In a world striving for justice, equity, and inclusion, funding opportunities that support human rights, marginalized voices, and community empowerment are crucial—but often overlooked. Here’s a curated list of 10 impactful grant opportunities supporting human rights, gender equality, disability inclusion, Indigenous leadership, and grassroots communication—many of which are still open for applications.
1. Tackling Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
Call for Projects – Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
This grant targets innovative approaches to combat gender-based violence in digital spaces. NGOs and women’s rights groups can apply to develop tools, campaigns, or policies to address online harassment and empower survivors.
2. Youth Delegation to the 2025 World Forum for Democracy
Call for Applications – World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation
Young leaders passionate about democratic values and civic participation can apply to join this fully funded delegation in Strasbourg. Selected participants will contribute ideas and solutions to restore trust in democratic institutions.
3. Fair Water Action Fund: Rights-Based Water Solutions
Call for Proposals – Fair Water Action Fund
This fund supports local, rights-based research and advocacy initiatives around water justice. If your organization is working to protect community access to safe water in a way that upholds human rights, this is for you.
4. Indigenous Research & Leadership Support
Connecting Indigenous Research Leadership Program 2025
This opportunity supports emerging Indigenous scholars and community researchers, especially in the Global South, to lead culturally grounded projects that contribute to justice, healing, and community empowerment.
5. Advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Call for Proposals – Rights of Persons with Disabilities Program 2025
This program funds disability rights organizations advocating for systemic change, access to justice, inclusive policies, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across diverse contexts.
6. Planet, People, Peace – Media for Social Change
Call for Proposals – ABU Together for Planet, People & Peace Media Awards
Recognizing powerful storytelling, this award invites media initiatives that highlight human rights, peacebuilding, climate action, and gender justice in Asia-Pacific through compelling content.
7. Empowering Romani Communities through Media
Call for Proposals – Dalan Fund’s Romani Program 2025
Dalan Fund is inviting proposals from Romani-led and allied organizations to challenge discrimination and promote cultural pride through grassroots storytelling, journalism, and digital media.
8. Building Communication Skills in Grassroots CSOs
Call for Proposals – Strengthening the Communication Capacity of CSOs
This grant supports grassroots civil society organizations to amplify their voices, influence policy, and mobilize communities through better communication strategies, storytelling, and digital advocacy.
9. Promoting Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in Africa
Strengthening OPDs’ Leadership on ESCR in Africa
A unique opportunity for Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to enhance leadership and advocacy on economic, social, and cultural rights across Eastern, Southern, and Central Africa.
10. Rapid Response Fund for Global South Organizing
Submissions Open – Rapid Response Fund Program
Designed for urgent action, this fund supports grassroots groups in the Global South responding to unexpected threats or windows of opportunity in their struggle for justice, equality, and rights-based reform.
📌 Tip: Many of these grants prioritize community-led, intersectional approaches to justice and rights. Always tailor your proposal to reflect how your work empowers the people you serve and centers their voices in the solution.
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