Best Human Rights Grants in Missouri

Missouri social justice and human rights organizations focused on grassroots community organizing can access funding through the Needmor Fund for general operating support. Eligible groups organize primarily low- and moderate-income people, use direct action, build long-term democratic leadership, and work on multi-issue agendas addressing race, economic justice, and civic participation across the Midwest.

Proteus Fund

Proteus Fund partners with foundations, individual donors, activists, and other allies to work strategically towards racial, gender, queer, and disability justice and an inclusive, fully-representative democracy. We curate an ecosystem of mutually reinforcing, aligned donor collaboratives and fiscally sponsored projects that deploy a creative array of strategies and tactics to further this vision.

RISE Together Fund: Small Grants

Call For Application

RISE Together Fund (RTF), an initiative of Proteus Fund, is announcing an open call for inquiries for our 2026 Small Grants Fund for U.S. public charity organizations or fiscally sponsored projects of such organizations, that support Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (BAMEMSA) communities.

As part of RTF’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and sustainability of the fields we collectively support, RTF will provide organizations with general operating grants to allow for organizational flexibility when possible. 

About RTF's Small Grants Fund

BAMEMSA movements have a strong history of organizing and collaboration, and are well poised with the knowledge, learning and experience to build an inclusive, multiracial democratic future and respond to the current unconstitutional threats facing the country. Through this fund, RTF aims to resource community power building organizations that use a multiplicity of approaches to create change rooted in the strength and leadership of BAMEMSA movements.

RTF supports groups that build community power, strengthen movement bases, defend civil and human rights including freedom of protest, speech, religion, and association, end the criminalization and surveillance of our communities, and respond to the rise in xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate. RTF values groups that are intersectional in their approach and have or are developing sustainable long-term strategies to support BAMEMSA communities and movements.

Priority Issue Areas

• Protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and refugee BAMEMSA communities by responding to harmful policies and practices, and strengthening community-led advocacy at the local, state, or federal level.

• Mobilizing BAMEMSA communities for nonpartisan civic engagement and election protection by increasing nonpartisan voter participation, combating voter suppression, and building sustained civic infrastructure ahead of, during, and between elections.

• Advocating for U.S. policy changes that end violence in Gaza and the West Bank by elevating Palestinian voices, influencing public discourse, and engaging in advocacy that shifts U.S. political, diplomatic, or funding decisions.

• Challenging harmful national security frameworks and their impacts on BAMEMSA communities by documenting, exposing, and organizing against surveillance, Islamophobia, and policies rooted in the War on Terror, particularly in the context of 9/11’s 25-year legacy.

• Responding to emerging opportunities and threats affecting BAMESMA communities such as influencing policy developments, addressing civic issues in the U.S., or developing narratives to change public discourse. This includes work addressing weaponizing issues around bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ identity to fracture movements and communities.

Priority Strategies

RTF values organizations that take an intersectional approach and are intentionally building long-term community power. We prioritize support for groups that strengthen movement ecosystems, deepen their base, and defend the rights of BAMEMSA communities through the following strategies:

• Convening, Collaboration, and Movement Coordination: Bringing together organizations, leaders, and coalitions to align shared goals, coordinate strategies to advance shared visions, and reduce fragmentation across the field. This includes facilitating strategic convenings, developing platforms for collaboration, building cross-issue or cross-regional partnerships, developing shared agendas or issue campaigns, and strengthening trust and alignment among movement actors.
• Community Power-Building, Base Building, Civic Engagement, and Organizing: Expanding and activating a grassroots base within BAMEMSA communities to drive collective action and policy change. This includes community leadership development, public education campaigns, community organizing, nonpartisan voter engagement and election protection, and ongoing nonpartisan civic participation efforts that build sustained community power.
• Legal and Policy Advocacy Infrastructure: Advancing legal strategies and policy advocacy that expand and protect the rights of BAMEMSA communities. This includes impact litigation, legal advocacy, know-your-rights efforts, policy development, and advocacy at a local, state, or federal level.
• Communications and Narrative Strategy: Shaping public discourse and advancing narratives that reflect the experiences, dignity, and demands of BAMEMSA communities. This includes developing messaging strategies, producing and amplifying media, countering harmful or divisive narratives (including those targeting immigrants, religious minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and reproductive rights), and increasing the voice share of BAMEMSA community members.
• Bolstering Movement Infrastructure: Strengthening the internal capacity and long-term sustainability of organizations and the broader movement ecosystem. This includes organizations supporting leadership development and pipelines, data and technology infrastructure, security and safety, and other core functions that enable groups to operate effectively and respond to evolving challenges.

Limited funding may be available for requests above $25,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects with national or broad reach can access funding for empathy-building work through Acton Family Giving, including groups based in Missouri. This opportunity may benefit human rights and social justice efforts that fit within their Stories, Animal Connection, Areas of Exploration, or Good Fight program areas.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting dissertation research on social justice, inequality, race, immigration, work, or related human rights issues in Missouri or elsewhere in the U.S. can apply for Russell Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grants, offering up to US $15,000. These one-year awards support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing on U.S.-focused social conditions.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, inequality, or human rights–related issues can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project support from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on strengthening social science methods and data, it invites Missouri and other U.S. scholars to study structural barriers, labor markets, education, criminal justice, immigration, and related topics.

Missouri schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support November activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and student walking or rolling to school, especially first-time and secondary school celebrations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice and education initiatives in Missouri may be eligible for funding that supports forward-thinking programs. Baskin Family Foundation supports human rights and related efforts across the U.S., so Missouri organizations with strong human rights or equity-focused work may be competitive applicants.

Graduate students from Kauai pursuing degrees in social justice, public or human service, education, or health can receive scholarship support for full-time master’s or doctoral study. Focused on these human rights–related fields, the Hawai'i Community Foundation prioritizes Hawaii residents with financial need who plan to work in Kauai or elsewhere in Hawaii.

Education unions and affiliates working on racial justice initiatives in Missouri can seek funding to advance awareness, capacity-building, and action in K–12 education. Grants from National Education Association Staff Organization support projects that address racial equity, develop leaders of color, build multiracial solidarity, and transform organizational policies, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $75,000.

Missouri education unions and affiliates working on K–12 student achievement and racial justice in education can seek support for community advocacy and partnership projects. With a mission to strengthen union-led community engagement, National Education Association provides funding to mobilize community partners, expand leadership-driven social justice initiatives, and build ongoing roles for parent and community involvement in schools.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Missouri can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects. Funding supports educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that strengthen AE programs and partnerships, with three submission cycles each year.

Education union affiliates working on student-centered human rights and social justice advocacy in Missouri can seek grants to support collective bargaining or other advocacy initiatives. National Education Association Staff Organization funds local and state affiliates representing teachers, education support professionals, and higher education staff to advance equitable, safe, and healthy learning environments, with awards up to US $50,000.

Recent humanities or interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S., including Missouri-based scholars, can receive multi-year fellowship support for social justice work with nonprofit organizations. American Council of Learned Societies’ Leading Edge Fellowships fund substantive roles using advanced research, communication, and project management skills to advance human rights and equity-focused community programs.

Missouri social justice and human rights organizations can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to support STEM education, basic human needs like hunger and housing, and equity-focused programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) charities, public entities, or qualifying foundations located in AEP’s multistate service territory or serving its customers, with invitations secured through local AEP operating companies.

Missouri social justice and human rights nonprofits working on fair justice systems, rehabilitation, and anti-recidivism can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program. Colorado- and Bay Area–focused but open to other areas, it supports civic engagement, legal education, and programs advancing equal opportunity and individual empowerment.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with budgets under $500,000 can access capacity-building training and up to US $4,000 in funding to strengthen their organizations. Mockingbird Incubator’s eight-week cohort program supports emerging founders, including social justice and human rights organizers, with workshops, fundraising support, and access to a national peer network.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing social justice and human rights in Missouri can access funding through B.W. Bastian Foundation, with typical awards of US $100 - US $15,000 for general operating or project support. Eligible groups must explicitly affirm equality for all Americans, including the gay and lesbian community, and may also work on broader LGBTQIA+ and related rights issues.

Researchers studying community-led development and human rights issues in Missouri or eligible countries can receive US $20,000 fellowships to conduct rigorous, field-based research. Social Science Research Council and the Inter-American Foundation support projects on social inclusion, violence prevention, migration, sustainable agriculture, disaster resilience, and related community development topics in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects focused on transformative organizing for systemic change can apply for Arch Community Fund’s Transformative Organizing Grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $30,000 in general operating support. Missouri grassroots groups advancing social justice and human rights, especially those with limited mainstream funding access, may be strong candidates.

U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and fiscally sponsored projects advancing pop culture–driven social justice and human rights work can apply for Pop Culture Collaborative’s Infrastructure Grants, with awards of US $20,000 - US $200,000. Missouri organizations centering people of color, immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, or Muslims, especially with intersectional gender, LGBTQIA, disability, or economic justice goals, may be eligible.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Theresa Earenfight Scholarship

The purpose of the Theresa Earenfight Scholarship is to support undergrad or graduate students who are passionate about the intersection of social justice and animal welfare within a historical context. Applicants should be studying history, in particular how history intersects with animal activism, animal rights, animal liberation, and other related topics. Preference will be given to students with strong financial need, students of color and those from historically marginalized communities, and/or students who may face barriers to receiving other scholarships. This is a $10,000 annual scholarship renewable through the completion of the student’s degree, assuming the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship may be applied to tuition and fees, or other academic expenses payable to the college or university.

Deb & John Quirk Memorial Scholarship

The Hastings Community Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Deb and John Quirk Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $10,000 annual scholarship and is renewable for a total award of up to $40,000. One scholarship will be awarded each year. This scholarship is only available to graduating seniors from Hastings High, Adams Central, or Hastings Catholic Schools. Applicants must be focused on impacting social justice through their education and future employment, as illustrated through an essay submitted to the scholarship committee.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.

Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship

The yearlong Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship offers training and mentorship for early-career and mid-career faculty with a focus on developing scholarly writing skills for academic advancement and leadership.

Mid-Career Fellows

Mid-career fellows will benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance to reach the next milestone in their careers, including:

• Receive 1:1 mentorship specific to their challenges or roadblocks to promotion or leadership
• Participate in a detailed CV review to determine edits for promotion
• Work as a group with mentor faculty on challenges in scholarship to move forward with stuck projects
• Learn how to navigate mid-career leadership challenges

The tuition cost for fellows is $1200. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the fellowship tuition due to a generous gift from Drs Marjorie Bowman and Robert Choplin.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Duane Roberts Scholarship

The Duane Roberts Scholarship was established in memory of Duane Roberts, a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate, community activist, and KPS Board of Education member, to provide scholarship support to KPS minority students.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.