Soros pledges ongoing support for human rights movements globally

The Open Society Foundations, led by billionaire investor George Soros and his son Alex Soros, announced their ongoing commitment to human rights funding on December 10, 2024. This statement comes in the aftermath of significant internal changes, which included the closure of some programs and staff reductions that began in 2021. Those changes generated apprehension within the human rights community, as many grantees were uncertain about the future direction and support from the foundation. Alex Soros's leadership marks a reimagination of the organization's strategies, with particular focus on human rights, equity, and justice. There has been a notable effort to alleviate fears among partners and recipients about the foundation's reduced engagement in these crucial areas. The new director of programs, Sharan Srinvias, indicated that a fresh initiative focused on environmental defenders will span several countries including Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, designed to conclude over a five-year period. This strategic shift was informed by an assessment of gaps left by other donors, especially regarding individuals defending natural resources and facing threats as a result. The foundation's commitment entails longer grant durations of three to five years, which may provide grantees greater flexibility amid uncertain circumstances. In addition to this, the broader philanthropic landscape is shifting, highlighted by the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund's announcement to cease its operations by 2028, thereby solidifying the sense of unpredictability in support for various human rights initiatives. The need for reallocation of resources became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when funding from OSF's public health program was diverted to meet immediate needs. The historical importance of programs like the Network of Sex Work Projects underscores the foundation's longstanding support for diverse movements. Conversations with former contributors shed light on both the challenges that have emerged due to funding changes and the resilience of the human rights movements that OSF has backed over the years.