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 Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services, including those serving New York, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support equitable care, education, and local community needs. Funding may benefit human rights and social justice efforts through healthcare access, food pantries, STEM education, and preventative health programs.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts education, and cultural access, with priority for organizations engaging Ameriprise employees or advisors as volunteers.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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) 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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in New York with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, so New York human rights and social justice nonprofits working through true partnerships may be competitive.

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.