Best Human Rights Grants

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

The CS Fund was created in 1981 by Maryanne Mott and Herman Warsh, who together endowed the Warsh-Mott Legacy in 1985. CS Fund and Warsh-Mott Legacy (CSF and WML) are private family foundations that share common program areas, staff, and boards of directors. Proposals to the two foundations are considered collectively, and grants are made by both entities. The boards of directors of CSF and WML also make recommendations to the donor-advised TOP Fund at the Marin Community Foundation.

CSF and WML’s grantmaking is forward thinking and evolves over time, yet is guided by a commitment to consistent, long-term support. Some organizations have received funding from the foundations for three decades. CSF and WML recognize the importance of general support and multi-year grants in building institutional strength and longevity and provide such support when appropriate. Project-restricted grants are also made in order to advance specific foundation objectives.

Program Areas

CSF and WML currently have three grantmaking focuses:

• Fighting False Solutions
• Food Sovereignty
• Just Transitions
• Rights and Governance

Fighting False Solutions

Stopping techno-fixes and securing precautionary assessment, regulation and oversight.

While technologies now being developed and commercialized may result in useful applications, they can also have serious negative social, environmental, economic and political impacts. 

Emerging technologies must therefore be subject to precautionary assessment, regulation and oversight – especially those that are fast tracked and marketed as “techno-fixes” or “green” panaceas to climate change and other crises, as they are often false solutions that perpetuate harmful systems.

CS Fund focuses on three emerging and converging technologies.

• Geoengineering - Intentional, large-scale climate manipulation through a range of methods, including Carbon Dioxide Removal and Solar Radiation Management.
• Synthetic Biology - The design, manufacture and release of artificially created DNA, including gene drives that force genetically engineered traits through populations for either conservation or agricultural purposes.
• Nanotechnology - The creation and commodification of tiny bits of matter (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter), especially in consumer products, which presents novel toxicity risks to human health and the environment.

Food Sovereignty

Building capacity and power in Indigenous communities, communities of color, and social movements.

Food Sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and to define their own food and agriculture systems.

Food sovereignty is deeply connected to global struggles for a more socially just and sustainable world and necessary for a just transition to a regenerative economy and food system. It is a real solution to the most critical issues facing humanity, including global food and water insecurity, climate change, and environmental degradation.

CS Fund’s grantmaking is grounded in traditional agricultural knowledge and agroecological practices, and focuses on three cornerstones of agrobiodiversity and food system resilience.

• Seeds - Preserving native and traditional seeds.
• Soils - Building healthy and fertile soils.
• Pollinators - Protecting and restoring the populations and diversity of native pollinators.

Just Transitions

Building translocal, transnational, interdependent community-level social and ecological justice.

CS Fund is inspired by movement leaders in environmental justice, worker justice, climate justice, Indigenous Sovereignty, Black Liberation and more in their collective framing of Just Transition: We launched our program at the end of 2023, with a core focus on community power building and community self-determination that transforms our current extractive, supremacist culture to one of justice, joy, belonging and liberation for all living beings. We acknowledge the many visions toward liberation that are grounded in cultures around the world, from Buen Vivir to Ubuntu to Ahimsa, and recognize that a pluralistic view of transformation is needed to build across our cultures. 

Rights & Governance

Protecting and advancing rights, democracy and equity.

The US Constitution never envisioned a multiracial democracy. In order to enact the promise of our Constitution for all people - and for the sake of our planet - we must follow the lead of movements and communities fighting for justice and equity, and help create conditions in which they can thrive.

We are especially focused on the areas of:

• Dissent – Protecting and advancing the rights to free speech and assembly.
• Open Government – Making the federal government more transparent, effective, and accountable.
• Rule of Law – Ensuring that US national security policies respect constitutional rights, domestic laws, and international treaties.
• The Constitution and the Courts – Building a progressive legal movement to counter conservative and corporate influence.

In the realm of international governance, CSF and WML have also long funded in the area of:

• Trade – Making the rules of global commerce more democratic, just, and sustainable.

Cross-Program

Addressing emerging, intersectional issues

CS Fund addresses critical, emerging issues outside of our program areas with intersectional implications for our collective work, including transition mineralsand technofascism. These issues - brought to our attention by social movement partners - bridge several sectors that are often siloed and in need of more resources to develop strategy and organizing.

Aligning Philanthropy

Advancing a model of solidarity philanthropy

Through both our own practices and through grantmaking and organizing, CS Fund seeks to instead align philanthropy in solidarity with our movement parters.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.

The Issues Affecting Women Grant Programme aims to empower women and girls by supporting movements led by women that address violence and discrimination. By providing long-term support and connecting organizations, this program fosters solidarity and collaboration for systemic change. It envisions a world where women can thrive safely and freely, with equitable access to resources and opportunities. The program prioritizes rights-based approaches, ensuring that women's voices are at the forefront of advocacy and action.

Microsoft Nonprofit Grants Proposal aims to empower nonprofits globally by providing access to technology and resources. Eligible organizations, including nonprofits and public libraries, can register to receive grants and discounts on Microsoft products, such as Azure and Dynamics 365. This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters collaboration and security within the nonprofit sector, ensuring they can effectively achieve their missions for community benefit.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

The Qurate Retail Group Community & Social Impact Grant aims to empower women globally by investing in initiatives that enhance health and economic opportunities. The grant supports businesses that focus on women's entrepreneurship, health education, and removing barriers to financial security. By promoting gender equality and sustainable practices, QRG seeks to foster inclusive societies where women can thrive. Organizations aligned with these goals are encouraged to apply for partnership opportunities.

The Zegar Family Foundation Grant, established in 2007, focuses on improving lives through impactful charitable donations. The foundation prioritizes areas such as environment, justice, human rights, science, education, and community development. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, the foundation remains open to innovative ideas that align with its mission. Through targeted support, it aims to create lasting positive change in communities and promote social equity.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Wikimedia Foundation General Support Fund empowers organizations and volunteers to enhance free knowledge globally. It supports diverse projects that align with Wikimedia's mission, focusing on knowledge equity and regional engagement. Eligible applicants include Wikimedia Movement organizations that dedicate their efforts exclusively to Wikimedia projects. Funding can cover various expenses, including operational and programmatic costs, ensuring sustainable development in underrepresented communities.

The H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on peace, justice, and racial harmony. With a mission to support ecumenical efforts, the foundation has expanded its assets significantly since the passing of H. Robert Gemmer in 1992. The foundation prioritizes funding initiatives that promote peace education, human rights, and social justice, while providing grants to organizations that demonstrate financial stability and effective community impact.

The Permobil Foundation offers sponsorships and grants to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility limitations. Committed to promoting independent mobility as a basic human right, the Foundation supports organizations that align with its mission through event sponsorships, grant funding, employee engagement, and in-kind donations. Applications are accepted monthly, with an emphasis on initiatives that yield significant community impact. The Foundation prioritizes relationships with Permobil employees and critical community needs.

The Ronald W. Naito MD Foundation offers Sustainable Communities Grants aimed at fostering social equity and environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2019, the foundation supports nonprofits globally to address climate change, health disparities, and community transformation. With a trust-based approach, grants are unrestricted, enabling organizations to allocate funds according to their unique needs. The foundation values initiatives that promote social justice, economic empowerment, and environmental justice, particularly those benefiting historically marginalized communities.

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) supports projects aimed at strengthening civil society, promoting human rights, and enhancing democratic participation globally. With over 890 projects funded since 2006 in 120 countries and a budget exceeding $211 million, UNDEF prioritizes local civil society organizations. Projects focus on electoral processes, gender equality, media freedom, rule of law, civil society interaction with government, and youth engagement, ensuring diverse voices are included in democratic governance.

The Cold Noses Foundation Grant aims to support organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, including domestic pets, wildlife, and farm animals. Grants are available to U.S. non-profits and selected international equivalents with an annual income of $200,000 or less. The foundation emphasizes accountability, requiring detailed financial reporting and adherence to ethical standards. Deadlines for applications vary by region, ensuring timely funding for impactful animal welfare projects.

The 100X Impact Accelerator Grant, based at the London School of Economics, seeks to empower social ventures aiming for transformative change. With a focus on innovation in crucial areas like climate, democracy, and well-being, this program supports visionary entrepreneurs with catalytic funding and mentorship. The 12-week hybrid accelerator fosters collaboration among like-minded social entrepreneurs, providing essential resources to scale impactful solutions. Eligible ventures must demonstrate a mission-driven approach and tangible impact, aiming to create scalable, sustainable solutions for global challenges.

The W. M. Keck Foundation's Research Grant Program funds innovative medical research and engineering projects that challenge existing paradigms and explore new territories. Eligible applicants include research universities and independent institutes. Grants support groundbreaking technologies and methodologies, with emphasis on high-risk projects that could lead to transformative impacts. However, funding excludes general operating expenses and grants to individuals. The Foundation awards grants biannually, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.

Mary's Pence Grants provide essential funding and support for women's social justice organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Established over 30 years ago, the program is dedicated to empowering women on the margins by funding grassroots initiatives that focus on community-centered, sustainable change. Organizations with budgets under $200,000 are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000, fostering relationships and collaborative efforts to address systemic issues and promote social justice.

The CPPS Heritage Mission Fund Grant supports initiatives aligned with Precious Blood Spirituality, focusing on dignity, healing, and community solidarity. Starting in 2026, applications will be accepted once a year, with a two-hour window for Letters of Inquiry. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, addressing unmet needs through various project types, including startup support and capital projects. This fund emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of serving the common good.

The FAWCO Foundation Development Grant funds impactful projects that promote sustainability and immediate assistance to communities. With over 50 years of support, FAWCO clubs nominate grassroots organizations lacking sponsorship. Key focus areas include education, human rights, and global issues, aiming to empower disadvantaged women and children through initiatives like literacy programs, vocational training, and cultural understanding. This grant fosters collaboration and ensures that local charities receive much-needed recognition and support on a global scale.

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) provides funding to organizations championing democratic values globally. With over 2,000 grants annually, NED supports initiatives that promote human rights, free media, and civic education in over 100 countries. They prioritize projects from independent, nonpartisan civic groups that foster accountability, transparency, and democratic processes, especially in newly democratic or repressive contexts. NED aims to strengthen civil society and democratic institutions worldwide.

NextWorldNow Community Investments aims to enhance community well-being through targeted funding for development projects. By supporting local initiatives, they ensure measurable social impact while fostering sustainable solutions. Their approach prioritizes direct engagement with communities, minimizing overhead to maximize the flow of resources. With a commitment to accountability and innovation, NWN invites proposals from diverse geographies, focused on long-term benefits for the communities. They believe small changes can lead to significant transformations, addressing unmet global needs.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing life quality in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, and educational initiatives, believing in the inherent dignity of all individuals. It supports projects that foster community trust and partnership while avoiding funding for basic research, scholarships, or sectarian activities. The foundation aims to inspire and uplift communities through strategic partnerships.

The William and Charlotte Parks Foundation for Animal Welfare offers grants to support projects and research aimed at improving animal welfare. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to reducing animal suffering and enhancing welfare through effective programs. Grants, typically not exceeding $10,000, may be awarded to organizations or individual researchers with proven track records. Eligible projects include adoption programs, education, and research initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission to promote animal rights and welfare.

The Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education, established in 1918, emphasizes humane education to foster kindness and respect for all living beings. With a focus on innovative programs for teenagers and animal-assisted activities, the foundation invites U.S. organizations, particularly nonprofits, to apply for grants. However, funding does not extend to capital projects, salaries, or conference travel. Latham aims to instill core values that promote compassion within communities and across nations.