Best Human Rights Grants in Washington

Visual artists in Washington working primarily in the visual arts can receive up to US $25,000 for debt relief and career advancement, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and social justice. Focused on social justice and human rights, the Robert B McMillen Foundation invites artists to demonstrate artistic excellence and community impact through their practice.

Grassroots nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups hosting social justice, human rights, cultural, or collective action events in Washington can seek sponsorship for public events or projects. Social Justice Fund Northwest supports recent or current grantees, funding community-led fundraisers, art events, rallies, vigils, and marches within its five-state Northwest region.

Nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Washington working on carceral systems organizing and human rights can apply for US $25,000 to support community organizing efforts. Grants from Social Justice Fund Northwest help groups challenging criminalization of BIPOC and low-income communities, including abolition, alternatives to incarceration, youth incarceration, immigration detention, and related systemic reforms.

Grassroots organizations focused on human rights and carceral systems reform in Washington can access funding through Social Justice Fund Northwest, with awards up to US $25,000. Eligible groups include small-budget, BIPOC-led 501(c)(3)/(c)(4), tribal, or fiscally sponsored organizations using community organizing to challenge criminalization and build alternative justice solutions.

Washington community-led campaigns advancing racial justice, human rights, and public policy change can access funding through Inatai Foundation’s CLIP Fund. Eligible efforts include ballot measures, litigation, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, and polling that build political power for communities most impacted by structural inequities, with a focus on campaigns across Washington, including rural and overlooked regions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on social justice, human rights, or related community and environmental initiatives can seek sponsorship funding for programs, capital campaigns, or events. Focused on transformative social and environmental change, Beneficial State Foundation prioritizes existing clients and partners in California, Oregon, and Washington, with awards up to US $1,000.

Nonprofit organizations, tribal agencies, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups doing community organizing in Washington and other Northwest states can receive US $10,000 in unrestricted, one-year support for urgent and emerging justice needs. Social Justice Fund Northwest prioritizes human rights-focused organizing led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color and smaller-budget organizations.

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

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 Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

Washington youth ages 13–23 leading human rights or social justice projects can access funding and a yearlong leadership fellowship through the Call for Kindness program. Riley's Way Foundation offers up to US $5,000 plus coaching, retreats, and peer support to launch or expand youth-led initiatives grounded in kindness and community impact.

Focused on empathy-building, Acton Family Giving invites Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects with statewide or multi-region reach to share their work in storytelling, human-animal connection, and social-emotional development. Human rights and social justice organizations may be considered for future funding opportunities within the Empathy Building Initiative portfolio.

Focused on social justice and human rights, this program invites grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Oregon and SW Washington to seek one-time support for work benefiting BIPOC communities. Eligible organizations with net income under $600,000 can receive US $2,500 - US $5,000 from Black United Fund of Oregon’s Community Impact Grants.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting social science dissertation research on social justice, human rights, inequality, work, or immigration may be eligible for up to US $15,000 to support data collection, analysis, and writing. Grants from Russell Sage Foundation help researchers, including those studying Washington-related issues, advance policy-relevant work on U.S. social and living conditions.

Early-career social science faculty researching human rights, social justice, or systemic inequality in the U.S. can receive US $35,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects, including those based in Washington. Russell Sage Foundation supports work on economic mobility, structural barriers, civic engagement, criminal justice, immigration, education, and related equity issues, with priority for underrepresented scholars and under-resourced institutions.

Schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington and nationwide can seek US $500 - US $1,000 to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events promoting activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Focused on youth human rights and social justice, Safe Routes to School National Parternship supports activities like educational workshops, speakers, art contests, and walk-to-school campaigns.

501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on education or social justice can apply for the Baskin Family Foundation’s national grants to support forward-thinking programs. Human rights and related social justice initiatives may be eligible, with funding available to strengthen impactful, mission-driven work in these areas.

Kauai graduate students pursuing degrees in social justice, public or human service, education, or health can apply for the Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund, administered by Hawai'i Community Foundation. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents studying full-time for a master’s or doctoral degree; human rights–focused students in Washington may find this relevant if originally from Kauai.

State and local education affiliates in Washington advancing racial justice in K–12 education can apply for National Education Association funding; awards US $5,000 - US $75,000 for one-year or multi-year projects. Grants support awareness, capacity-building, and action to address racial inequities, develop leaders of color, and transform policies for human and civil rights.

Washington K–12 education organizations focused on student achievement and racial justice can access funding through the National Education Association Staff Organization to strengthen community advocacy and partnerships. This grant supports initiatives in communities of color, leadership-driven social justice or professional activism, and new union roles that deepen parent and community engagement in education and human rights.

Washington aspiring educator organizations and campus chapters can seek funding for social justice and human rights projects, educator preparation, and community engagement. Focused on strengthening educator quality and equity, National Education Association Staff Organization offers up to US $2,000 to support initiatives like culturally responsive practice, advocacy on education policy, and partnerships with P–12 schools.

The National Education Association's Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy Department offers grants to support affiliates in creating student-centered initiatives through collective bargaining and advocacy. These grants aim to unite educators with communities, enhance transparency in negotiations, and advocate for students' rights, focusing on improving education funding, working conditions, and student outcomes. Affiliates can apply for funding to develop strategies that foster collaboration and promote positive learning environments.

The ACLS Leading Edge Fellowships provide recent humanities PhDs with the opportunity to work with nonprofit organizations focused on social justice. Over 24 months, fellows receive a stipend of $70,000 in the first year and $72,000 in the second, along with relocation funds and health insurance. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all eligible scholars to enhance their professional skills in meaningful roles.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Indigo Oak Fund, based in Colorado, is dedicated to enhancing education, the arts, and social justice, particularly through its Equal Justice Under the Law Grant Program. This initiative supports organizations that promote fairness in the justice system, rehabilitation, and civic engagement. By funding programs focused on personal empowerment and equal opportunities, the fund aims to foster lifelong learning and improve lives, particularly for women and children in need.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.