Strengthening Human Rights Worldwide
Where We Work
The Strengthening Human Rights Worldwide initiative works at the global level. It aims to create a worldwide impact by working with international organizations as well as organizations based in the Global South.
What We Fund
This initiative supports flagship organizations in their efforts to develop and strengthen their global programming to promote the rights of the poorest and most marginalized. Creativity and innovation are also encouraged. Global program activities might include:
- Research, monitoring and advocacy geared toward participation in global forums, whether these be traditional human rights bodies and other forums where human rights issues should be considered
- Global networking, collaboration and related exchanges
- Assisting states or leading countries in the region to develop policies that are more supportive of human rights
- Developing a leading voice at the global level in a particular area of expertise
- Implementing training programs or educational exchange programs
- Leading global dialogues in any other way
Additional Selection Criteria
We do not make grants to human rights NGOs advocating for strengthened enforcement of human rights standards. We do not give direct support to governmental and intergovernmental institutions under this initiative. We also do not provide funds for human rights education.
To Apply for a Grant
Follow these steps:
- Review the Initiatives most relevant to your work.
- Read our Grant Application Guide, which describes our grant-making process.
- If you determine that your work aligns with our priorities, submit a Grant Inquiry. (While we welcome submissions, please keep in mind that our funds are limited in relation to the large number of worthwhile inquiries we receive. In a typical year, less than 1 percent of unsolicited inquiries result in a grant.)
Please Note:
It is important that you use our grant inquiry form—and refrain from contacting program officers directly. Given the volume of inquiries we receive, this allows us to log, track and respond quickly to your application.
Fellowships
The vast majority of foundation grants go to organizations. We provide a very limited number of fellowship opportunities for individuals through the Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships Program, which aims to diversify the faculties of American colleges and universities.
The foundation does not have any other active fellowship opportunities at this time.
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