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 Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

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.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or human rights-related services can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible tax-exempt organizations should demonstrate strong management, broad service reach, and substantial impact on their target populations and overall community welfare.

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 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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

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.

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.

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.