Resources > Open Society Foundations
25 Jun 2011

Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. The Foundations:

seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.
help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.
implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.
build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Programmes





AfriMAP works with national partners and civil society groups to compile systematic country reports on governance issues, using a framework linking respect for human rights to progress in development.









Through grants and exhibitions, the Documentary Photography Project supports photography to engage and mobilize people around issues of justice and human rights.









The Open Society Early Childhood Program promotes the healthy development of young children through parent and community engagement, professional development, and government accountability.









The Education Support Program works to make the right to education meaningful by combating inequality and discrimination in education and exposing structural inequalities that reproduce education disadvantage and exclusion.









The Eurasia Program advance democratic governance and accountability through grantmaking, advocacy and research, regional initiatives, and close engagement with local foundations.









The Fiscal Governance Program works to ensure that public resources are used efficiently, effectively, and accountably to benefit those who need them most.









Prohibition-based policies have led to a rise in drug-related violence, prison overcrowding, and an increase in HIV epidemics. The Global Drug Policy Program supports organizations that put forward alternatives.









The Human Rights Initiative helps ensure that people can exercise their rights and seek redress for violations by supporting the strength and vitality of the global human rights movement.









The Program on Independent Journalism enables independent media to deliver quality content for the public good by promoting freedom of expression, professional and ethical standards, watchdog journalism, and diverse voices.









The Information Program works to increase access to knowledge, empower civil society groups, and protect civil liberties in the digital environment.









The International Higher Education Support Program nurtures capacity and leadership at universities to enable well-informed, vigorous social deliberation.







The International Migration Initiative seeks to address systemic exploitation, discrimination, and violence against migrants at every stage of their journey.






Through grantmaking and advocacy efforts, the Latin America Program supports the work of civil society organizations and their constructive engagement in the development, implementation, and oversight of public policies.








Making the Most of EU Funds for Roma seeks to create a critical mass of concerned actors at all levels who keep Roma inclusion high on the policy agenda.









The New Executives Fund provides key support to new nonprofit heads to help organizations navigate leadership transitions.









The Open Society Fellowship selects leading practitioners in journalism, advocacy, public policy, academia, and the arts who are able to engage productively with the Foundations.









The Open Society Initiative for Europe aims to contribute to more vibrant and legitimate democracies in the European Union by supporting the activists and civil society organizations confronting Europe’s many challenges.









The Open Society Internship for Rights and Governance supports students from top graduate-level programs to work at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, and human rights.









Through litigation, advocacy, research, and technical assistance, the Open Society Justice Initiative promotes human rights and builds legal capacity for open societies.









The Open Society Presidential Fellowship is awarded yearly to recent graduates from law, public policy, and business schools.









The Public Health Program works to strengthen the capacity of marginalized populations to advocate for better health policies and practices. We also push for greater government accountability in health care.









The Regional Policy Initiative on Afghanistan & Pakistan provides targeted, expert research and advocacy support to address the unique challenges to open society values arising from conflict and insecurity in the region.









The Roma Initiatives Office provides grants, fellowships, and training to stimulate Roma community participation and active citizenship, empower Roma women and youth, and combat anti-Roma discrimination.









The Open Society Scholarship Programs aim to promote critical thinking, free and open intellectual inquiry, and cross-cultural tolerance and respect.









The Soros Economic Development Fund promotes economic opportunities and access to affordable and essential goods and services for underserved populations in post-conflict or less developed countries and communities.









The Think Tank Fund supports democratic processes through grantmaking; research projects to improve governance and tackle intolerance; and a variety of fellowship, internship, and peer exchange opportunities.









U.S. Programs supports efforts to advance equality, fairness, and justice with a focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized communities and the most significant threats to open society in the United States today.









Through grant making and advocacy, the Women’s Rights Program supports efforts to strengthen women’s rights organizations and movements, advance sexual and reproductive rights and justice, and promote economic rights.