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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing early childhood education or community economic development can apply for PNC Foundation support in New York communities where PNC has a significant presence. With a mission to strengthen and enrich local communities, PNC Foundation provides funding for education, affordable housing, community services, arts and culture, and revitalization benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on youth education, housing, hunger, or environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Human rights and social justice initiatives serving underserved young people and families may be eligible across the program’s four focus categories.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

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.