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Support Programs for Social Movements and Human Rights Defenders

At HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement, we are committed to empowering social movements, grassroots organizations, and at-risk human rights defenders across the MENA region and in exile.
Recognizing their vital role in the fight for social change, justice, and democracy—often under repressive conditions—we provide targeted financial assistance through small grants and emergency support to sustain their efforts and amplify their impact.

Small Grants for Social Movements and Grassroots Initiatives

Our small grants program supports social movements and grassroots organizations committed to social justice, civic engagement, and human rights. Whether registered or not, we aim to empower these groups to drive meaningful change, overcome barriers, and achieve their objectives.
Download the application
Here

Emergency Grants for Human Rights Defenders at Risk

Recognizing the dangers faced by human rights defenders (HRDs) in the MENA region and in exile, HuMENA offers emergency grants as a lifeline to ensure they can continue their vital work despite severe threats.
Download the application
Here

Who Can Apply?

Pride 2020. Lebanon
Registered social movements, grassroots organizations, and initiatives within the MENA region and in exile.
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Non-registered organizations are also eligible to apply, but they must have a fiscal sponsor to qualify for funding.
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Human Rights Defenders who are facing threats, harassment, or other forms of persecution due to their human rights work, both within the MENA region and in exile.
Nakba at 60 Concert, San Francisco’s Civic Center. By: Hossam el-Hamalawy
Individuals and groups dedicated to defending human rights who require urgent support to ensure their safety and the continuation of their work.

Eligible Activities for Social Movements

Initiatives that raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize communities around critical issues.

Projects that encourage active civic participation and foster community solidarity.

Efforts aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of activists and organizations to enhance their effectiveness.

Creative and strategic initiatives that tackle the root causes of inequality, injustice, and oppression.

Projects that leverage the power of art to inspire social change, raise awareness, and challenge oppression through creative expression.

Eligible Activities for Human Rights Defenders

Assistance to Help HRDs relocate to safer environments or secure housing in the face of imminent threats.

Support for HRDs needing legal defense or help navigating complex legal challenges related to their Activism.

Coverage for medical expenses or psychological counseling for HRDs who have experienced trauma or injury due to their activism.

Provision of protective gear and resources, such as security alarms, personal protection equipment, or surveillance countermeasures, to safeguard HRDs in high-risk environments.

Any other immediate needs that ensure the safety and security of HRDs, enabling them to continue their activism without interruption. 

Application Process

Complete the application form and send it to HuMENA at:

ESG@humena.org

To apply for a grant, whether you are a social movement, grassroots organization, or human rights defender, please complete the relevant application form. We ask that you provide detailed information about your situation and needs to help us assess your application thoroughly. 

Review Process: Our team will carefully review each application, and if it is approved, you will be contacted by HuMENA or one of our partner organizations. We strive to process applications as quickly as possible, particularly for emergency grants, where time is often of the essence.

Non-Registered Organizations: If you are a non-registered organization, please ensure you have a fiscal sponsor before applying. This ensures compliance with funding requirements and facilitates the smooth processing of grants.

We are deeply committed to supporting those on the frontlines of social justice and human rights advocacy. Through our grants, we empower social movements, grassroots organizations, and human rights defenders to continue their crucial work, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions valued. Our financial assistance creates the conditions for impactful activism, whether within the MENA region or from the safety of exile. At HuMENA, we believe that real change is driven by grassroots efforts—by individuals and movements challenging the status quo to create a more just world. Our support program is carefully aligned with HuMENA’s themes of work, strategically designed to foster transformative change. We are dedicated to equipping visionaries with the resources they need to achieve their objectives while also protecting those who stand against repression. By empowering these courageous advocates, we ensure that every facet of our support contributes to building a fairer and more just society.

Through these grants, HuMENA seeks to support a wide range of activities that contribute to the growth and sustainability of social movements, recognizing that by investing in grassroots initiatives, we are investing in the future of the MENA region and the resilience of those in exile. Our emergency grants program further reflects HuMENA’s unwavering commitment to protecting those who risk their lives to defend human rights. We understand the urgency of these situations and are dedicated to providing swift support to those in need. e growth and sustainability of social movements, recognizing that by investing in grassroots initiatives, we are investing in the future of the MENA region and the resilience of those in exile. Our emergency grants program further reflects HuMENA’s unwavering commitment to protecting those who risk their lives to defend human rights. We understand the urgency of these situations and are dedicated to providing swift support to those in need.