Best Human Rights Grants in New York

Focused on local equity and opportunity, Allyn Family Foundation invites New York organizations in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties to request $5,000 - $25,000 for projects advancing family stability, vibrant neighborhoods, and community voice. Groups working on social justice and human rights through economic opportunity, housing, early childhood, or women’s health may be eligible.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment programs in New York can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve economically underserved communities and may benefit organizations advancing social justice and human rights through tech-enabled services.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations running social welfare, education, cultural, or environmental programs in New York may be eligible for project-specific support. With a mission to fund social, educational, and religious/cultural causes, Guru Krupa Foundation provides grants for programs in the U.S. and India that serve disadvantaged communities and preserve Hindu heritage and the environment.

With a mission to advance equitable social and environmental solutions, the Harris and Frances Block Foundation provides New York nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with funding for environmental justice, food justice, and related grassroots initiatives. Small, emerging organizations in New York City working on social justice or human rights issues through these lenses may be eligible.

501(c)(3) public charities in the greater New York City area working on poverty alleviation, housing stability, job training, education, or hunger relief may be eligible for support. Kim Family Foundation’s Kayasa Foundation Grant focuses on long-term human services that help under-resourced people become self-reliant, which may benefit New York social justice and human rights efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services, including those serving New York, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support equitable care, education, and local community needs. Funding may benefit human rights and social justice efforts through healthcare access, food pantries, STEM education, and preventative health programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Public charities and fiscally sponsored groups in New York can apply for The New York Community Trust’s Promising Futures Human Justice grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $200,000 for civil and criminal justice system reform. Funding supports advocacy, impact litigation, research, and capacity-building for legal-service nonprofits serving low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit organizations advancing social justice and human rights in New York can access funding for early childhood education, environmental justice, arts, and support for families in crisis. Grants from Sills Family Foundation help metro New York City groups serving communities impacted by the criminal justice system, poverty, racism, and immigration challenges, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, or related initiatives can seek sponsorship support through Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Bank of America’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit organizations advancing social justice and human rights through neighborhood preservation, housing, hunger relief, arts, environmental, or diversity and inclusion programs.

Nonprofit public charities and fiscally sponsored groups serving Westchester County, New York can seek funding for civil legal services, social justice, and human rights initiatives through the New York Community Trust’s Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program. Programs advancing civil liberties, grassroots policy reform, and related human rights efforts in New York may be competitive candidates.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in New York, can receive up to US $15,000 for short-term civic science media pilot projects that connect scientists, media, and communities. Montclair State University supports collaborations that foster dialogue, community participation, and science literacy, with priority for projects on artificial intelligence, climate science, or neuroscience involving both a science and a media partner.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts programs can apply for Venable Foundation grants of approximately US $10,000 for general operations or projects. Organizations based in or serving New York City’s five boroughs, including social justice and human rights efforts, may be competitive.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for social, economic, environmental, or racial justice in New York can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund supports class actions and major systemic cases, with repayment only if fees or costs are recovered.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) charities active for over three years can seek single-year support for programs such as poverty relief, disaster response, family services, education, and medical assistance. Grants from Robinson Foundation help organizations whose work may include social justice or human rights dimensions, but New York-based groups are outside the eligible service region.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities working on arts, education, health and human services, youth programs, or affordable housing can apply for community-focused project funding; organizations must primarily serve New York City or Long Island communities. Investors Foundation prioritizes civic-minded initiatives that also advance goals like poverty reduction, food security, well-being, climate, and economic opportunity, which may benefit social justice and human rights efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities focused on education, arts, literature, or human services in New York can seek funding that may also support social justice and human rights work. Focused on education and the visual and literary arts, Hillman Family Foundations invites organizations in New York and Pittsburgh to apply for grants ranging from US $1,000 - US $7,500,000.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities working on social justice, human rights, youth development, human trafficking, or safety-net services may be eligible for support, particularly in New York City. Hillman Family Foundations, through the Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation, also backs regenerative agriculture and nutrition education projects in the broader northeastern U.S.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored groups advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights can apply for $500 - $2,500 in project funding in New York, specifically serving LGBTQIA+ residents of Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties. With a mission to strengthen communities, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region supports social justice and human rights efforts through this fund.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations providing educational and human services programs for at-risk children and families can access funding through Conscious Kids, with typical awards of US $10,000 - US $20,000. Grants support program services for underserved communities, including homeless and foster youth, children with disabilities, and those needing tutoring, tuition assistance, internships, or cultural enrichment.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.