Mission/Giving Statement: The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check. We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.
Grantmaking Program Areas: Education & Youth; Governance & Accountability; Health; Media & Information; Rights & Justice
Grantmaking Program Area Descriptions:
Education & Youth: The Open Society Foundations are committed to empowering young people by supporting efforts to increase access to quality education. From early childhood to higher education, we work to ensure young people from different backgrounds have equal access to education and to promote critical thinking, respect for diverse opinions, and free and open intellectual inquiry.
Governance & Accountability:A government accountable to its citizens is one of the cornerstones of an open society—helping to ensure fairness, economic equality, and civic participation. The Open Society Foundations work with governments and businesses to advance transparency, rule of law, and good governance around the world.
Health: Throughout the world, people who face stigma and discrimination are often left with substandard or no health care. The Open Society Foundations work to establish health policies and practices that are based on evidence and promote social inclusion, human rights, and justice.
Media & Information: A free and independent press is vital to any democracy, ensuring government accountability and a diversity of viewpoints. The Open Society Foundations support efforts that expand and protect press freedoms, increase public access to knowledge and information, include minority voices in media, and use the arts to address pressing social issues.
Rights & Justice: The Open Society Foundations advance human rights and justice around the world by advocating equality for minorities and women, supporting international war crimes tribunals, and helping institute national legal reforms to ensure freedom of information, promote sentencing alternatives, and protect the rights of criminal defendants.
Types of Funding/Funding Restrictions: Eligibility requirements and restrictions vary by program area.
Application Instructions: LOI instructions vary by program area.
