[August 2025]
This hand‑picked set of top-tier grants and awards focuses on sustainability, advocacy, protection, and recognition. Ideal for human rights defenders, NGOs, and community leaders, this guide highlights transformative opportunities you don’t want to overlook in 2025.
From global awards to targeted support for marginalized groups, this resource helps activists, NGOs, and grassroots movements unlock crucial financial backing to scale their work and deepen their impact. With deadlines approaching and grant cycles evolving rapidly, our selection ensures you stay ahead of the curve—ready to apply, mobilize resources, and transform communities.
Nominations open for UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education
Deadline: 1-Sep-25
Nominations are now open for the UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED), a prestigious recognition aimed at celebrating impactful projects and initiatives advancing GCED across the globe. This biennial prize shines a spotlight on innovative efforts that empower learners to contribute to a more peaceful, just, and inclusive world…[more]
Submit Applications for Residency Funding
Deadline: Ongoing
The Institute for Humane Studies is seeking applications from graduate students who wish to travel to a university, academic center or organization other than their own to support them financially…[more]
Submissions open for Human Rights Scholarship
Deadline: 31 October 2025
The Human Rights Scholarship is offered to domestic or international students who are enrolling in a graduate research degree and undertaking research in the field of Human Rights…[more]
Call for Entries: 29th Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award
Deadline: 10-Oct-2025
Médicos del Mundo Spain has launched the 29th Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award. This award recognizes and promotes powerful images that highlight social inequities, injustices, human rights violations, or the contexts that lead to or combat these issues…[more]
CJIFA’s Community Empowerment Grant Program
Deadline: 29-Aug-25
The Climate Justice Impact Fund for Africa (CJIFA) is pleased to announce the launch of its Community Empowerment Grant Program to foster local engagement in climate awareness, action, and sustainable development…[more]
CFPs: Support to Public Authorities to Combat Racism
Deadline: 23-Oct-2025
The European Commission (EC) has announced a funding opportunity to support public authorities in combating racism, xenophobia, LGBTIQ-phobia, and all other forms of intolerance, including intersectional discrimination. The main goal is to promote equality and fight discrimination based on sex, race, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation, in line with Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union…[more]
Applications open for Fighting against Discrimination and Racism Program
Deadline: 23-Oct-2025
Entries are now open for the EU Action Grants under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Value Programme (CERV), aimed at promoting equality and fighting all forms of discrimination. The grants support projects that take a strong stand against racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance, with a focus on fostering inclusive, respectful societies both online and offline…[more]
Call for Proposals: Fighting against Antisemitism Program 2025
Deadline: 23-Oct-2025
The European Commission is accepting applications for Action Grants under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Value Programme (CERV). These grants aim to promote equality and fight against racism, xenophobia, and all other forms of discrimination…[more]
Young Civil Societies for Democracy Funding Program
Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ Foundation) has introduced a new funding program, Young Civil Societies for Democracy, under the “Education drives the future” cluster. This program supports international youth education projects led by organizations in Germany, Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Belarusian exile communities…[more]
CFPs: Connecting Indigenous Research Leadership Program 2025
Deadline: 23-Sep-2025
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has launched a call for proposals aimed at connecting Indigenous research and leadership in Canada with Indigenous communities in the Global South. This initiative complements the SSHRC-led Indigenous Capacity and Leadership in Research Connection Grants. It is specifically for Indigenous organizations in the Global South that are interested in building relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in Canada through knowledge-sharing activities…[more]
Call for Proposals: Rights of Persons with Disabilities Program 2025
Deadline: 26-Aug-2025
The European Commission has opened a call for proposals for framework partnership agreements to support EU-level networks working in the area of rights for persons with disabilities…[more]
Call for Proposals to promote Civil Society Organisations Awareness
Deadline: 18-Sep-25
The European Commission (EC) has launched the call for proposals to promote Civil Society Organisations’ Awareness of, capacity building and implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights…[more]
RFAs: Advisory Support and Network to Counter Disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference
Deadline: 16-Sep-2025
The European commission is seeking applications for Advisory Support and Network to Counter Disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference topic…[more]
CFPs: Independence of the Judiciary as an aspect of Rule of Law Compliance
Deadline: 16-Sep-25
The Europea Commission (EC) has launched a call for proposals for the Independence of the Judiciary as an aspect of Rule of Law Compliance…[more]
CFPs: Action Grants to support Transnational Projects
Deadline: 2-Oct-25
The European Commission (EC) is seeking proposals for the Action Grants to support Transnational Projects in the fields of e-Justice, victims’ rights and procedural rights…[more]
Apply Now: Support for Policy-Oriented Research Program (Non-U.S.)
Deadline: 02-Sep-2025
The Support for Policy-Oriented Research program provides grant funding for research projects or programs that conduct in-depth analysis and develop policy recommendations on Korea-related political, social, and economic issues impacting the international community…[more]
Open Topic on Better Customs and Supply Chain Security
Deadline: 12 November 2025
The European Commission is now accepting submissions for the Better Customs and Supply Chain Security topic…[more]
Open Call: Efficient Border Surveillance and Maritime Security
Deadline: 12 November 2025
Applicants are now invited to apply for the Open topic on Efficient Border Surveillance and Maritime Security Project…[more]
Open Topic on Secured and Facilitated Crossing of External Borders
Deadline: 12 November 2025
Submissions are now open for the Open Topic on Secured and Facilitated Crossing of External Borders…[more]
Grants to support CSOs in enhancing the Protection from Discrimination against Vulnerable Groups in Albania
Deadline: 18-Aug-2025
The European Union and Council of Europe have launched a call for proposals under the joint action “Advancing the protection from discrimination in Albania.” The initiative aims to support national and local projects that promote and protect the rights of national minorities and people with disabilities across the country…[more]
Call for Submissions: United Nations@80 Grant Program (India)
Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
Students from Classes 9 to 12 and Art Colleges across India are invited to participate in a national stamp design competition on the theme UN@80. This initiative is organized by MyGov, the Department of Posts, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the United Nations Political Division to celebrate the UN’s 80th anniversary in 2025 and India’s leadership in global cooperation and multilateralism…[more]
CFPs: Enhance access to Sustainable Transport for Education and Health Care Services (Uganda)
Deadline: 02-Sep-2025
Enabel Uganda has launched a new portfolio aimed at empowering young people and women to become economically independent and active citizens in a sustainable society that respects human rights and provides quality services…[more]
Request for Information: Establishment of CSOs/NGOs Roster for UNDP Ukraine
Deadline: 18-Aug-2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting expressions of interest through its Request for Information (RFI) UNDP-UKR from civil society and non-governmental organizations (CSOs/NGOs)…[more]
RFPs: Recruitment of a National Human Rights CSO to Transform Patriarchal Masculinities in Youth (Morocco)
Deadline: 12-Sep-2025
UN Women is currently accepting applications for a partnership with a national human rights civil society organization (CSO). The aim is to develop and implement youth-focused initiatives that transform patriarchal masculinities and social norms. These actions should promote a fairer distribution of unpaid care work and support the economic empowerment of women and girls…[more]
RFPs: Establishment of CSOs/NGOs Roster for UNDP Ukraine
Deadline: 18-Aug-2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications from non-governmental organizations to establish a roster of potential Responsible Parties. This roster will be used in accordance with the UNDP Country Programme Development (CPD)…[more]
Financial Support Program for Human Rights Defenders at Risk in Turkey
Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey has launched the “Financial Support Program for Human Rights Defenders at Risk” to assist individuals facing pressure and hardship due to their work in defending human rights. This initiative aims to provide solidarity and practical support to those who continue their advocacy under difficult conditions…[more]
Call for Nominations: Ignite Awards for Human Rights (Philippines)
Deadline: 30-Nov-2025
Amnesty International Philippines has launched the Ignite Awards for Human Rights, the first award-giving body in the country that is solely dedicated to honoring Human Rights Defenders. This initiative aims to recognize individuals and organizations whose work has significantly impacted human rights by changing lives, influencing policies, encouraging activism, and demanding accountability…[more]
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program in El Salvador
Deadline: 11-Aug-2025
The United States Embassy in San Salvador has opened the annual competition for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. This prestigious program, part of the Fulbright exchange, supports international professionals in enhancing leadership skills to address local and global challenges…[more]
Call for Applications: WISE Small-Scale Grant Program (Armenia)
Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
The Impact Innovations Institute’s Initiatives Foundation (IMINI) has launched a new round of Small-Scale Grants (SSGs) aimed at women-led and women-focused organizations in Armenia. This initiative is part of the Women’s Initiative for Security and Equity (WISE) program, which is supported by the United States Department of State and implemented by Mercy Corps Georgia in partnership with IMINI in Armenia…[more]
Applications open for SPLOT Values Program in Poland
Deadline: 28-Aug-25
The SPLOT Values Program is now accepting applications from civil society organizations seeking to protect, promote, and raise awareness about fundamental rights and core European Union values. The program is specifically designed to enhance the capacities of local, regional, and national civil society organizations in Poland, creating a supportive environment for civil society to thrive…[more]
Request for Proposals: TFD Domestic Grants
Deadline: 15-Aug-25
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy is accepting applications for its Democracy Grant Program to promote activities related to democracy and human rights, to promote research on the theory and practice of democracy and human rights that enhances the quality of Taiwan’s democracy, and to strengthen Taiwan’s integration with international democracy…[more]
Switzerland’s Small Grants Programme in Moldova
Deadline: Ongoing
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]
Public Diplomacy Section Small Grants Program in Cambodia
Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
The U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh Public Diplomacy Section has opened a call for proposals under the U.S. Department of State’s Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Small Grants Program. This opportunity supports initiatives that feature American cultural elements or involve U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions to deepen understanding of U.S. policy, culture, values, and perspectives…[more]
INSPARK: A New Creative Initiative for Armenian Youth in Lebanon
Deadline: 31 August 2025
The Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is pleased to announce a new grant programme for Armenian youth in Lebanon. This initiative supports innovative projects that address an expansive range of themes, including identity, social challenges, human rights, technology, language and community vitality. The programme builds upon CGF’s commitment to Armenian youth, cultural advancement and creativity…[more]
Support for Policy-Oriented Research Program in United States
Deadline: 02-Sep-2025
The Support for Policy-Oriented Research program provides grant funding for research projects or programs that conduct in-depth analysis and develop policy recommendations on Korea-related political, social, and economic issues impacting the international community…[more]
Applications open for Strategic Legal Fund in United Kingdom
Deadline: 1-Sep-25
Applications are now open for the Strategic Legal Fund (SLF) to support legal work in the UK that goes beyond securing justice for an individual and makes a significant contribution to law, practice and procedures to uphold and promote the rights of people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants more generally…[more]
Nominations open for Australian Human Rights Awards 2025
Deadline: 18-Aug-25
The Australian Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the Australian Human Rights Awards. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia…[more]
