Human rights are under threat around the globe, but bold grassroots organizations are leading the fight for justice, equality, and freedom. In this episode of The Guide to Good Series, Brandolon Barnett, Head of Innovation and Philanthropy at Giving Compass, and Rona Peligal, Vice President of Development and Communications at the Fund for Global Human Rights, share how these local changemakers are tackling today’s toughest challenges—and how donors can amplify their impact.

 

Get to Know the Fund for Global Human Rights

Founded in 2002 with an initial $1 million investment, the Fund for Global Human Rights began as a vision shared by a small group of activists and donors. They sought to amplify the impact of smaller, often unrecognized grassroots groups that larger organizations relied on but couldn’t adequately support. Fast forward 22 years, and the Fund has distributed an astounding $165 million to fuel impactful, local-level advocacy.

 

How the Fund Makes an Impact on Human Rights

The Fund’s approach isn’t just about resources, it’s about empowering local groups to tackle challenges head-on. A few examples Peligal shared include:

  1. Fighting Corruption and Terrorism in Nigeria
    Spaces for Change, a Nigerian organization supported by the Fund, protects free civic space while combating corruption and terrorism financing in the country. Their investigative work exposed harmful practices, prompting government action to address these issues.
  2. Justice for Indigenous Women in Guatemala
    Indigenous women who survived sexual violence during Guatemala’s civil war pursued justice with the Fund’s support. They won a landmark case in the country, showcasing the power of courage and solidarity.
  3. Artivism: Bridging Culture and Justice
    The Fund also champions “artivism,” merging art and activism. In Morocco, youth-focused theater, music, and humor open dialogues about social justice, making challenging issues more approachable.

 

Uniting Advocates for Greater Impact

The Fund goes beyond financial aid, fostering connections among groups to amplify their collective voice. This intersectional strategy bridges causes and geographies, empowering advocates to tackle global challenges together.

For instance, the organization brought together migration activists along the U.S.-Mexico and Spanish-Moroccan borders to share strategies to aid unaccompanied minors and navigate legal systems. This collaboration builds solidarity across borders, strengthening their fight for human rights.

 

How Donors Can Support Human Rights

The scale of global challenges like authoritarianism and conflict may feel overwhelming, but donors play a vital role in driving change. Here’s how you can help:

  • Support Grassroots Organizing: Local organizing is the antidote to authoritarianism. Find community-led nonprofits working on the front lines, often at great personal risk.
  • Stay Informed: Be an informed donor. Read widely from diverse news sources to understand global and local contexts. Awareness sharpens donors’ ability to make meaningful contributions.
  • Advocate Locally and Globally: Individuals can engage with their government to improve domestic and international policy. Advocacy at home, on issues from trade and intellectual property to climate commitments and roles in places of conflict, can drive global impact.

In a world increasingly interconnected by global challenges, funding local human rights groups is essential for sustainable change. By understanding the work of organizations like the Fund for Global Human Rights, donors can make informed decisions that drive meaningful, lasting impact. Whether through donations, advocacy, volunteering, or staying informed, your actions can help create a more just and equitable world.

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