About Us

The Fund for Global Human Rights is founded on the belief that securing basic freedoms worldwide requires effective, frontline organizations challenging abuse wherever it occurs. Thus the Fund for Global Human Rights works to ensure a strong, effective human rights community worldwide.  Grants are awarded through a competitive and transparent grants process in areas strategically chosen to maximize the impact of funders' dollars and advancement of human rights everywhere.

Our grants support campaigns that otherwise might falter for lack of resources, bring financial stability to groups, and help organizations take their work to the next level in terms of visibility and impact. For example, the Fund’s support has brought education, social assistance, health care and human rights training to former child soldiers in both Sierra Leone and Liberia. And, with support from the Fund, a group of Liberian human rights and environmental lawyers brought to light gross abuses by several corporations mining for timber and diamonds. In response to the outcry, these corporations have all but ceased operations in the affected areas.

The Fund for Global Human Rights is governed and advised by a distinguished, international board of directors and chaired by Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Fund's operations are directed by Executive Director Regan Ralph, a veteran human rights activist with years of experience developing effective advocacy, policy and educational strategies.

Please meet our board, our staff and find out more about our program. Also learn more about specific regions and grants in our Grantee Profiles section and help us carry out our mission by making a donation to the Fund.