[July 2025]
The global movement for human rights continues to need bold visionaries and grassroots organizations to defend justice, dignity, and equality. Whether you are working to stop torture, empower marginalized communities, or promote freedom of expression, there are several exciting funding and recognition opportunities available in 2025 and 2026.
Below is a list of leading grants and awards you should consider applying for to support your human rights mission.
1. Australian Human Rights Awards 2025
This prestigious national honor celebrates individuals and organizations championing human rights in Australia. Open for nominations across several categories including Law, Youth, Media, and Community, this award is a powerful way to spotlight impactful work being done to advance inclusion, equality, and dignity. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Indigenous Justice and Inclusion”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Voices of Change: Empowering Refugee Women through Legal Education and Storytelling”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Youth for Human Rights: Building a National Network of Young Advocates for Equality”
2. Open Call for Small Organisational Development Grants 2025
This fund supports NGOs working on human rights and governance who need small-scale financial support to strengthen internal systems, structures, and long-term effectiveness. Perfect for emerging or mid-level civil society groups that need a push toward sustainability. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Strengthening Our Backbone: Building Sustainable HR and Finance Systems for Long-Term Impact”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Digital Transition: Enhancing Organizational Resilience through Tech and Tools”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Building Better Boards: Governance, Leadership, and Strategy Development for Human Rights NGOs”
3. Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders – 5th Edition (2026)
An exceptional French government initiative offering support and refuge for frontline human rights defenders facing threats. The program provides both financial and structural aid, along with networking opportunities in France, empowering activists with tools for resilience. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Safe and Unstoppable: A Shelter and Advocacy Network for Threatened Activists”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “From Exile to Action: Empowering Displaced Human Rights Defenders with New Tools”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Defending the Defenders: Capacity Building and Legal Support for Female Human Rights Leaders”
4. UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education
This award recognizes innovative projects fostering values of peace, tolerance, and global understanding. Perfect for educators and NGOs focusing on transformative learning that promotes civic responsibility, human rights, and intercultural dialogue. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Peace Builders: A Youth-Led Curriculum for Tolerance and Global Understanding”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Learning Without Borders: Digital Classrooms for Intercultural Citizenship in Conflict Zones”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “United in Diversity: A National Campaign for GCED in Marginalized Schools”
5. Financial Support for Civil Society Initiatives to Prevent Torture and Ill-treatment
This grant targets civil society projects working to eliminate torture and abuse through monitoring, legal advocacy, and preventive reforms. Open globally, it provides vital support to those defending the dignity of vulnerable detainees and victims.
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “No More Silence: Establishing a National Monitoring Mechanism Against Torture”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Legal Voices for Justice: Training Paralegals to Prevent Police Brutality”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “From Cells to Courts: Community Advocacy for Prison Reform and Detainee Rights”
6. Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Support to Human Rights Defenders (EMHRF) – Standard Grants
For individuals and groups operating in difficult or repressive contexts across the Euro-Med region, EMHRF offers flexible grants that cover urgent protection, legal support, and capacity development to continue human rights work under threat. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Invisible Yet Unyielding: Emergency Relief and Relocation for LGBTQ+ Activists in Crisis”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Resisting Repression: Legal Aid and Media Defense for Journalists Under Threat”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Freedom Files: Cross-Border Coalition to Document and Defend Dissent”
7. Grants for Community Projects Tackling Global Inequality 2025
Geared towards small and community-led initiatives, this funding call backs grassroots projects confronting global injustices—whether it’s food insecurity, forced migration, or environmental injustice—through locally driven solutions. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Seeds of Justice: Women-Led Cooperatives for Economic Rights in Rural Africa”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Bridging the Gap: Education Access for Refugee Children in Host Communities”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Climate and Class: Community Advocacy Against Environmental Displacement”
8. Young Sustainable Development Professionals Fellowship
Though broader than human rights, this international program supports young professionals who contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including justice, equality, and inclusive governance. It’s a great launchpad for early-career advocates. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “From Street to Strategy: Youth-Led Policy Reform for Inclusive Urban Development”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Digitally Equal: Bridging the Tech Divide for Young Human Rights Activists”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “SDG Champions: Capacity-Building for Next-Gen Leaders on Gender and Justice”
9. Digital Freedom Fund – Strategic Litigation Grants
For European NGOs and legal actors advancing digital rights, these grants fund strategic litigation efforts that challenge human rights violations online—from surveillance abuse to algorithmic discrimination. It’s a must-watch for digital activists. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Freedom to Speak: Strategic Litigation Against Online Censorship Laws in Eastern Europe”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “AI and Accountability: Legal Frameworks to Combat Algorithmic Discrimination”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Protecting Digital Protest: Legal Defense for Activists in the Age of Surveillance”
10. Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards
Celebrating feminist and community-driven climate solutions, this award recognizes projects that not only protect the planet but also ensure gender equity and justice in the process—a valuable opportunity for ecofeminist and intersectional human rights groups. 🔗 Learn more
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Solar Sisters: A Climate and Gender Justice Initiative for Energy Equity”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Greening Equality: Women-Driven Agroecology to Combat Climate Displacement”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “EcoJustice Dialogues: Intersectional Climate Literacy for Marginalized Girls and Women”