Front Line Defenders is a specialist human rights funder that supports human rights defenders who face threats, harassment, detention, or other risks because of their advocacy. Its support is highly protection-oriented and often combines emergency grants, wellbeing/recovery assistance, and visibility or advocacy support rather than general operating funding. The organization is distinctive for serving defenders worldwide through invite-only programs, with a strong emphasis on rapid response, safety, and international solidarity.
Invite-only, highly targeted grants and awards for at-risk human rights defenders and their organizations; support may include emergency protection funding, temporary respite/recovery placements, travel/participation support, and public recognition. Programs are generally responsive rather than open-call, with regional coordination and support tailored to urgent need.
Front Line Defenders appears to operate primarily through invite-only referrals and program-based selection, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be competitive. Organizations should focus on documenting immediate risk, protection needs, and the specific human rights work under threat; for regional programs, contact the relevant staff/region (for example, Asia or Canada) and be prepared to show how support would improve defender safety, recovery, or advocacy access.
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Current and upcoming funding from Front Line Defenders that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Supports human rights defenders at high risk facing difficult situations worldwide. Specific eligibility is determined by ProtectDefenders.eu.
Deadline: Rolling; support is application-based with no fixed deadline stated.
Who can apply: For human rights defenders at risk. Not available for retrospective funding, international organisations, organisations already receiving funding for the same purpose elsewhere, projects focused on broader human rights issues rather than the specific situation of HRDs, costs for HRDs already in exile, ongoing office running costs, armed security guards, purchase of vehicles, or general living costs. Grants are generally not awarded for 100% of the proposed budget.
Deadline: Rolling; no fixed deadline stated.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.