Best Human Rights Grants in North Dakota

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored projects with national or broad multi-region reach working on empathy-building programs can access funding via Acton Family Giving, including work in North Dakota. Grants support initiatives in areas like social justice and human rights, storytelling, animal connection, and social-emotional learning that align with its Empathy Building Initiative.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting social science dissertation research on social justice, human rights, inequality, work, or immigration in the U.S., including North Dakota, can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation. Awards up to US $15,000 support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing, with priority for underrepresented scholars and projects on inequality.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, opportunity, or systemic inequality can apply for funding from the Russell Sage Foundation, including scholars in North Dakota. Focused on social justice and human rights, this program offers US $35,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects and pairs grantees with senior research mentors.

North Dakota local governments, public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and Safe Routes to School programs 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 student-led activities promoting activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and youth civic engagement around walking, biking, or rolling to school.

501(c)(3) organizations working on education or social justice in North Dakota can seek funding to support forward-thinking programs that advance human rights and equity. The Baskin Family Foundation accepts submissions from qualifying U.S. nonprofits, which may benefit North Dakota human rights initiatives within these focus areas.

Graduate students focused on social justice, public or human service, education, or health who are residents of Kauai in Hawaii can receive scholarship support for master’s or doctoral studies. Funded by Hawai'i Community Foundation, this award may benefit those pursuing human rights–related careers, including students who plan to work in Hawaii after completing their degrees.

State and local education affiliates working on racial justice in education can apply for US $5,000 - US $75,000 from the National Education Association Staff Organization to advance awareness, capacity-building, and action. Grants from National Education Association Staff Organization help North Dakota human rights and social justice efforts that explicitly address racial equity, develop leaders of color, and promote multiracial solidarity.

Education-focused organizations working to advance social justice and human rights in North Dakota can seek support for community advocacy and partnership initiatives. With a mission to strengthen racial justice in education, National Education Association provides funding to improve student achievement for students of color, build union-community partnerships, and deepen parent and community engagement around K–12 equity.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in North Dakota can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects that strengthen AE programs and partnerships. Funding can support educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that advance human rights and educational equity.

Education unions and NEA affiliates working on student-centered bargaining and advocacy in North Dakota can seek funding to advance social justice, human rights, and equitable K–12 education. National Education Association supports initiatives that engage communities, influence board policies, and use collective action to improve student learning conditions and educator workplaces across the U.S., with awards up to US $50,000.

Recent humanities or interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S., including North Dakota, can receive more than US $142,000 in fellowship support for social justice work with nonprofits. American Council of Learned Societies places fellows in substantive roles that use advanced research, communication, and project management skills to promote human rights and equity.

North Dakota social justice and human rights nonprofits 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 or public institutions within AEP’s multistate service territory or with regional or national reach benefiting its customers.

North Dakota human rights and legal advocacy nonprofits can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program to support fair justice initiatives, rehabilitation, and anti-recidivism efforts. Organizations focused on civic engagement or educating future attorneys and social justice workers may also be considered, with typical funding concentrated in Colorado and the Bay Area.

Nonprofit founders of small 501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice or human rights in North Dakota can access training and up to US $4,000 in funding to grow their impact. Mockingbird Incubator’s eight-week cohort program combines workshops, fundraising support through Givebutter, and a chance at additional matching and seed funding for U.S.-based groups.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice and human rights in North Dakota can access funding through the B.W. Bastian Foundation for general operating support, projects, advocacy, and capacity building. Typical grants range from US $100 - US $15,000, and applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to equality, including LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Researchers studying community-led human rights and social justice issues in Latin America, the Caribbean, or the U.S. can receive US $20,000 fellowships to conduct rigorous, field-based studies on community-led development. Grants from the Social Science Research Council and Inter-American Foundation may benefit North Dakota–based scholars focused on topics like social inclusion, violence prevention, migration, or sustainable livelihoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects doing 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. North Dakota grassroots groups advancing social justice and human rights with anti-capitalist, intersectional approaches may be especially competitive if their budgets are under $1,000,000.

U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and fiscally sponsored projects using pop culture strategies for social justice and human rights work, including in North Dakota, can apply for Pop Culture Collaborative’s Infrastructure Grants, which offer US $20,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports narrative change initiatives, research, and mass audience campaigns centered on marginalized communities.

The A.J. Muste Memorial Institute's Social Justice Fund Grant supports grassroots activist projects in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on those with limited funding access. Prioritizing efforts to dismantle systemic injustices, the grant seeks proposals from organizations lacking mainstream support, especially those addressing issues like immigration violence, racial inequalities, and economic exploitation. The fund emphasizes direct activism and diverse leadership, making it a vital resource for community-driven initiatives in the pursuit of social justice.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored projects supporting BAMEMSA communities with human rights and civic engagement work can seek general operating grants up to US $25,000. With a mission to advance racial, gender, queer, and disability justice, Proteus Fund’s RISE Together Fund backs community power-building and advocacy efforts, including groups serving North Dakota.

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.