[March 2026]
Human rights organizations play a key role in promoting justice and equality. This list features 30 grant opportunities supporting human rights initiatives, helping NGOs and civil society groups secure funding to expand their impact.
Apply Now: Global Fellows in Courage Accelerator Program
Deadline: April 01, 2026
The Global Fellows in Courage (GFiC) program is a six-month accelerator designed to empower social entrepreneurs aged 25-35 who are committed to human rights advocacy and gender justice…[more]
RFPs: Pau Casals UNESCO Chair Research Grant Program
Deadline: 12-Apr-2026
The Pau Casals UNESCO Chair Research Grant Program 2026 provides €2,000 to support early-stage research projects exploring music, culture, peace, democracy, and human rights. Open to applicants of any nationality, the program supports university-linked research aligned with the legacy of Pablo Casals and contemporary social justice themes. Applications close on April 12, 2026, with final research results due by May 2, 2027…[more]
Submissions open for McCain Global Leaders Program
Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The McCain Global Leaders Program 2026–2027 is a fully funded, year-long leadership initiative for mid- to senior-career professionals working to advance democracy, human rights, and freedom worldwide. The program combines virtual learning with global and regional in-person experiences, offering participants leadership training, peer networks, and hands-on impact projects. Applications are open from January 26 to March 15, 2026…[more]
2026 GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security
Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security invites global applicants to submit visionary ideas addressing pressing peace and security challenges. Winners receive incubation support, recognition certificates, and networking opportunities, with the first-place winner awarded a fully funded two-month incubation programme in Geneva. The initiative targets innovative concepts with transformative, sustainable, and practical impact…[more]
Open Call for Hansen Leadership Institute Scholarship
Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The Hansen Leadership Institute Scholarship is a fully funded, three-week global leadership program held from July 1–22, 2026, offering training in leadership, conflict resolution, human rights, and cross-cultural collaboration. It brings together young leaders aged 20–25 from around the world to build communication skills, foster international cooperation, and strengthen peacebuilding capacities. All major costs—including airfare, housing, meals, and program fees—are covered…[more]
Request for Proposals: Investigation Support Scheme
Deadline: 13-Apr-2026
The IJ4EU Investigation Support Scheme provides €5,000–€50,000 grants to cross-border journalistic teams investigating corruption, democracy, human rights, climate, migration, public health, and other public-interest issues in Europe. With €1.2 million available for 2026–27, the programme supports impactful investigative reporting with funding covering up to 100% of eligible costs…[more]
Supporting Roma Civil Society Organizations Promoting Values (EU)
Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The ERGO Network ROVA Call 2026–2027 invites Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in select EU countries to apply for grants up to €20,000 to promote fundamental rights and European values. Projects focus on awareness-raising, advocacy, capacity building, and community initiatives to combat antigypsyism, advance equality, and strengthen cooperation between Roma communities and public institutions…[more]
CFAs: Roma and Pro-Roma NGOs Supporting EU Values (Czech Republic and Slovakia)
Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
RomanoNet invites applications from Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to strengthen Roma communities and promote fundamental rights and European Union values. The call supports capacity-building, advocacy, monitoring, and community engagement initiatives, with grants up to €25,000 per project over a 13-month implementation period…[more]
Open Call: UNESCO Human Rights Everyday Essentials Contest
Deadline: 21-Mar-2026
The UNESCO Human Rights Everyday Essentials Contest invites young people aged 18 to 35 from Eastern Africa to express their perspectives on human rights through creative formats. The contest rewards impactful and meaningful entries with prizes including a fully funded trip for the winner and cash awards of $1,000 and $500 for runners-up. It aims to amplify Gen Z voices and encourage everyday engagement with human rights issues…[more]
Funding Opportunity for Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (Bangladesh)
Deadline: 18-Mar-2026
UN Women is seeking proposals from NGOs in Bangladesh to provide integrated essential services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including shelter support and women’s economic empowerment programs. The 24-month project, funded by the European Union, targets high-risk districts and aims to strengthen gender-responsive policies, prevent violence, and enhance civil society engagement…[more]
RFAs: Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive and Resilient Communities (Armenia)
Deadline: 20-Apr-2026
The European Commission is offering grants to civil society organisations in Armenia to promote inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable social and regional development. Funding targets community-based services, disability inclusion, youth- and women-led local development, and human rights protection under the Visa Liberalisation Dialogue, with grants ranging from EUR 1,600,000 to EUR 3,000,000 per funding lot…[more]
Call for Local Democracy and Inclusion Grants (Bulgaria)
Deadline: 20-Apr-2026
The Code of Success fund offers up to €15,000 to local Bulgarian civil society organizations for projects promoting EU values, democracy, inclusion, and human rights. Grants support 12–18 month initiatives, targeting vulnerable communities and fostering civic engagement, media freedom, and societal pluralism…[more]
CFAs: Empowering Kenyan Citizens to Enjoy Political and Civic Rights
Deadline: 08-Apr-2026
The European Commission 2026 Call for Proposals in Kenya seeks to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) to participate in democratic governance, defend human rights, and promote transparency. Grants focus on two areas: improving the civic environment and citizen participation, and addressing urgent human rights challenges, with a total funding pool of EUR 3,350,000…[more]
UK Grants for Human Rights and Justice Initiatives
Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The Open Programme provides flexible grant funding of £10,000–£30,000 per year to UK-registered charities working to advance human rights and justice. Grants can be awarded for one to three years and are often provided on an unrestricted basis…[more]
CFPs: Strengthen Civic Participation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Deadline: 20-May-2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals to strengthen participatory democracy, protect human rights, and support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration process. With an indicative budget of EUR 5.7 million, the call targets civil society organizations, media, and community initiatives to advance governance, media pluralism, rule of law, reconciliation, and inclusive civic engagement…[more]
Capacity Building and Networking Grant to Strengthen Civil Society (Hungary)
Deadline: 05-May-2026
The Capacity Building and Networking Grant in Hungary supports innovative projects that strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs), particularly in rural and under-resourced areas. Grants ranging from €50,000 to €100,000 are available for projects lasting 24–48 months, with a total funding envelope of €1,000,000. The programme prioritises democracy, human rights, rule of law, organisational resilience, and collaboration between CSOs, local communities, and public authorities…[more]
RFAs: Promoting Democracy and Human Rights Initiatives in Taiwan
Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) provides funding to support domestic academics, NGOs, think tanks, and university departments in advancing democracy and human rights. Grants fund research, publications, seminars, public forums, and international engagement activities that strengthen democratic development in Taiwan and increase its global visibility…[more]
Call for Applications: Organizational Support Program 2026 (Turkey)
Deadline: 25-Mar-2026
EuroMed Rights and the Human Rights Joint Platform (İHOP) have launched the Organizational Support Programme under the EU-funded project “Empowering Civil Society to Fight Impunity.” The programme provides €2,500 financial support to 12 human rights organizations in Turkey, focusing on security, accountability, and protection of fundamental freedoms, particularly outside major metropolitan cities. Eligible organizations can apply to strengthen their capacity and sustain human rights activities in a challenging political environment…[more]
Organisational Grants Supporting the Strategic Development of CSO (Hungary)
Deadline: 11-May-2026
The Organisational Grants Programme provides €5,000,000 in funding to strengthen Hungarian civil society organisations working on democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Individual grants range from €100,000 to €200,000 for projects lasting 24 to 54 months, offering non-restricted, long-term organisational support. The programme aims to enhance institutional capacity, sustainability, and civil society networks in Hungary…[more]
Call for Proposals: Thematic Programme on Human Rights and Democracy (Montenegro)
Deadline: 08-May-2026
The Thematic Programme on Human Rights and Democracy 2025 in Montenegro offers civil society organisations funding to promote human rights, democracy, and social inclusion. With a total budget of €1,000,000, the programme focuses on preventing discrimination, protecting vulnerable groups, and fostering inclusive societies aligned with the EU Action Plan 2025–2027. Eligible NGOs can apply individually or with partners to implement impactful initiatives…[more]
Australia Awards Scholarships: Empowering Future Leaders (Myanmar)
Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
Australia Awards Scholarships for Myanmar provide fully funded opportunities for emerging leaders to pursue postgraduate study in Australia in priority development sectors. The program supports education, public health, governance, gender equality, environment, and economic development fields, with comprehensive financial coverage. Eligible Myanmar citizens with at least four years of work experience can apply to gain skills, networks, and leadership capacity to contribute to sustainable national development…[more]
MATRA 2026: Funding Opportunity to Strengthen Democracy and Rule of Law (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The Netherlands Fund for Regional Partnerships (NFRP) has launched the MATRA 2026 Open Call for Proposals to support social transformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The program funds civil society–led projects that strengthen rule of law, human rights, media freedom, democratic governance, and reforms aligned with the country’s EU accession path. Only local NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are eligible, and projects must align strictly with MATRA’s thematic priorities…[more]
Nominations open for Vietnam Australia Awards
Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Vietnam Australia Awards 2027 provide scholarships for Vietnamese citizens to pursue master’s degree programs in Australia, focusing on priority areas such as agriculture, digital transformation, health, governance, and gender equality. The program aims to develop emerging leaders who contribute to Vietnam’s sustainable development, foster international cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people links between Vietnam and Australia…[more]
Strategic Fund Supporting Women’s Rights and Gender Justice in Nigeria
Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
ActionAid Nigeria, with support from Global Affairs Canada under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project, is inviting Expressions of Interest for the Strategic Opportunity Fund. The fund provides rapid-response grants to support emergency action, critical advocacy, and protection for women human rights defenders advancing the rights of women and girls in Nigeria…[more]
Call for Projects: Protecting Rights and Empowering Roma Communities (Hungary)
Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The ROVA – Roma for Change Project 2026 invites Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in Hungary to submit initiatives promoting EU values, human rights, and social inclusion. The program supports projects that empower Roma communities, monitor implementation of the National Roma Strategy, and foster cooperation between Roma and non-Roma organizations. Grants of up to €25,000 per project are available for initiatives lasting up to 13 months…[more]
ROVA Project 2026: Funding for Roma Civil Society Organizations (Romania)
Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The Nevo Parudimos Association has launched the 2026 ROVA Project Call for Proposals to support Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in Romania. The call provides grant funding of up to EUR 25,000 per project to strengthen Roma communities, promote EU fundamental values, and advance equality, inclusion, and human rights…[more]
FAGiC ROVA Project Call: Empowering Roma Communities and Promoting EU Values in Spain
Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
FAGiC has launched a call for proposals under the ROVA project to support Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in Spain. The program promotes fundamental rights, European Union values, social inclusion, and community empowerment. Eligible organizations can receive grants of up to 25,000 EUR for projects executed between September 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027, focusing on capacity-building, awareness-raising, advocacy, and community engagement…[more]
Call for Applications: ISF’S Scholarship Program (US)
Deadline: 22-Mar-2026
The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) Scholarship Program provides $3,000–$10,000 awards to eligible Muslim students and professionals in the United States pursuing careers in public service, policy, media, law, and social impact fields. The program supports individuals committed to improving representation of American Muslims, advancing social justice, and shaping public narratives and policymaking through education and professional leadership…[more]
John Ellerman Foundation Funding Programme United Kingdom
Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity
Applications are now open for the John Ellerman Foundation Funding Programme aims to advance wellbeing for people, society and the natural world…[more]
Switzerland’s Small Grants Programme in Moldova
Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity
The Swiss Cooperation Office/Representation of the Embassy of Switzerland in Moldova (SCO-M) are requesting applications for its Switzerland’s Small Grants Programme…[more]
