Ariadne's Thread

Share your grants data for 2024: Be part of building the world’s most comprehensive human rights funding dataset, a joint effort by HRFN, Candid, Ariadne, and Prospera. Every grant you share adds a vital piece to the puzzle, helping us create a more effective human rights funding landscape. Submit your fiscal year 2024 grants data to molly.mathews@ariadne-network.eu by June 30, 2025. We are also still accepting fiscal year 2023 grants data. 

Upcoming events

Save the Date: Grant Skills Day 2025 – September 30th, London

We’re excited to announce that Grant Skills Day 2025 will take place on September 30th in person, in London! This year, we’re working closely with our fantastic Planning Committee—Stephen Birtwistle (Laudes Foundation), Greg Leaney (Comic Relief), and Vinzenz Himmighofen (iac Berlin)—to shape a day that truly meets the moment. In a time of growing pressure on human rights and democratic values, this peer-to-peer workshop will bring together funders deeply committed to advancing human rights and social justice. It will be a dynamic, collaborative space to exchange effective practices and tools, and to challenge our assumptions about what this moment demands of us. Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to welcome you!

Ariadne’s 2026 Reconnect: Please mark 14-16 April 2026 in your calendars; the location is TBD, but we will make an announcement later this year.

All resources can be found on Ariadne’s website and Member-only Community Hub. Are you a member of Ariadne but don’t have access to the Community Hub? Sign-up here or email jana.stardelova@ariadne-network.eu.

Ariadne is taking a summer break! The next Thread will go out on Thursday 18th September. We would love to hear from you! Please contact us by Tuesday 16th September if you would like to share announcements, events, or resources for the next issue. 

The Center for Effective Philanthropy – “State of Nonprofits 2025” report:  Nonprofits report difficulty pursuing their missions in a complex environment shaped by the current political climate and future economic uncertainty. Learn more about the support funders can provide to nonprofits.

Article “Research: In France, funders juggle what it means to support a just transition”: In this article for Alliance Magazine, authors Anne Monier (Research Fellow at the ESSEC Philanthropy Chair), Anne Cornilleau (Head of Studies at Fondation de France’s Philanthropy & Society Observatory) and Kristy Romain (Research & Project Officer at Fondation de France’s Philanthropy & Society Observatory) share insights and research on environmental philanthropy. 

Europe Must Act – Artificial Intelligence and Border Technologies report: This report allows the readers to grasp how AI and technologies are being applied in the management of borders and interfere with the freedom to move and the right to relocate. Among other areas, it examines the current applications of AI in border and asylum procedures across Europe, and how AI is being used both to spread anti-migration narratives. 

Earthshot Prize – “Unlocking Critical Finance for Climate and Economic Resilience” report: over 2,200 innovations nominated for the Earthshot Prize and research of proven financial mechanisms were analysed in this report. It spotlight 25 solutions using strategic investment to deliver prosperity and resilience for communities around the world.

 Sursiendo and May First Movement Technology“Actions for environmental justice from autonomous and community-based technological infrastructures” report: Drawing on participatory methodology based on conversations with autonomous and community-based providers, this report documents current sustainable practices already in place, key obstacles, future projections and speculative ideas toward environmental justice.

ODI – “The case for development in 2025” report: This report looks at three related aspects:

• How narratives around official development assistance (ODA) have shifted in Europe.
• The narratives emerging with the EU’s new priorities and their implications for ODA.
• Which narratives might have most traction with policy-makers in maintaining robust developmental efforts and ODA spending.

Civic Space Report 2025: The report is made up of a horizontal, EU-wide analysis, written by the European Civic Forum (ECF), 16 country chapters and one regional Western Balkans analysis written by ECF members and partners on the ground. It documents  an “unprecedented and intensified attack” on civil society and civic freedoms, including restrictions on protest rights, challenges to non-profit funding, and smear campaigns.

Liberties – Messaging Guides for Communicators Fighting Violence Against Women: Liberties has created a messaging guide to help communicators avoid the common pitfalls when talking about fighting violence against women and how they should build a convincing narrative instead.

European Center for Not-for-Profit – 5 key resources for civil society that is on the move: Strategic Guide for CSOs on the move: Explore different scenarios for adapting your work to restrictive environments or when facing displacement; Global Nonprofits Guide: Find the right country to register your nonprofit organisation, tailored to your needs and operational requirements; Nonprofit Banking Guide: Compare how organisations can open and manage bank accounts across 38 European countries; Report on CSOs’ access to financial services: Having access to financial services is critical so that organisations on the move can continue their work, pay their bills or receive funds. Report on how activists access financial services: Learn from human rights defenders how they navigate banking or alternative financial services while on the move. 

Rights Tracker: The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) is a unique collaborative venture between human rights practitioners, researchers, academics, and other human rights supporters. They aim to produce the first comprehensive set of measurements for tracking the human rights performance of countries. Explore human rights scores across countries, rights, and people.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation “Backbone: connecting social justice” article: Holly Donagh and Michelle Palmer of PHF reflect on their experience from the the first convening of organisations taking part in the Backbone Fund and share who the’re supporting through the Fund this year.

Robert Bosch Stiftung “Intersectionality: Understanding Multiple Discrimination, Transforming Power Structures” story: In this article, Jainaba Kurz, explores “Intersectionality is a term that has been gaining increasing attention in recent years. But what exactly does intersectionality mean? Who does it affect? And how can an intersectional perspective help move our society forward?”

HREA resources on the Right to Protest: HREA offers more than 40 resources on freedom of assembly and association and 80 resources on freedom of opinion and expression, all of which can be used to support educators, activists, and policymakers. These include lesson plans, toolkits, fictional stories, and other materials designed to promote civic participation and human rights education.

International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Playbooks: The Outspoken Majority Playbook is IPPF’s global action plan to protect what’s ours, push our freedoms forward, and do it together. IPPF invites you to “Access it. Study it. Use it to take action in your community—in lockstep with the 60% worldwide—to ignite unstoppable global power.”

European Community Foundations “The Epihany of Place” article:  “Place-based philanthropy is a particularly powerful way of addressing complex multi-faceted issues bringing about systems change at local level. What if the key to unlocking real, lasting change lies not in distant policies or top-down solutions – but right where we live?” Read more.

“Anti-gender funding in Europe has risen 300% – So why isn’t progressive philanthropy keeping pace?”: In this article for Alliance Magazine, Carli Keilholz (Associate Advisor, I.G. Advisors) and Nadège Lharaig (Senior Programme Manager, Alliance for Gender Equality in Europe) reflect on the state of funding for gender equality and share why Europe needs the will and financial commitment to turn gender justice into action.

Global Greengrants Fund 2024 Annual Report: Global Greengrants Fund mobilizes resources for communities worldwide to protect planet earth and work toward a more equitable world. They ensure climate funding reaches grassroots movements effectively and responsibly on a large scale, and support them to flourish. In 2024, the Fund distributed 24 million USD via 2,000 grants across 125 countries—their highest number of grants in one year yet.

Philea “How to Integrate Climate into Your Philanthropic Programmes: What Foundations Need to Know, and Where to Begin” report: The report explores how foundations can integrate climate into any and every level of decision-making, from far-reaching, strategic decisions to day-to-day activities. Produced by the European Philanthropy Coalition for Climate, this publication supports foundations to begin or deepen their climate integration journey, in a way that aligns with their organisational values, assets and experience.

filia.die frauenstiftung Annual Report 2024: In 2024 the Fund supported the feminist work of their partners with over 1 million EUR. The majority of the money went to Central and Eastern Europe, and for the first time, to Central Asia. 12 percent of the funding went to organisations in Germany and 11 percent to a partner in Chile: The Chilean women’s foundation Fondo Alquimia is a partner of On The Right Track. 

Global Philanthropy Project celebrates a historic achievement in the funding of LGBTI movements. With the commitments of 64 grantmakers from around the world, the oroignal goal for the Fund Our Futures Campaign was surpassed, securing 182 million USD in new pledged funding for global LGBTI movements.

Civitates 2024 Annual Report: Civitates is a pooled philanthropic fund which supports independent public interest media and civil society organisations in Europe. The latest report shows what’s possible when there’s investment in democratic resilience. From exposing political scandals in Hungary to holding Big Tech accountable, Civitates’s partners demonstrated the vital role civil society plays in defending democracy.

“The Power Shifting Shuffle: Mapping Power Dynamics and Practices Inside Human Rights Philanthropy” report, authored by Anna Levyand and Nonso Jideofor, commissioned by the Fund for Global Human Rights explores common power shifting and power reinforcing practices; spotlights key trends and findings; and shows key collective asks and opportunities.

Mama Cash 2024 Annual Report: In 2024, the Fund received a record number of applications to the Resilience Fund – nearly 2,500. Since 2022, they have seen a staggering 70% increase in applications, highlighting the urgent need for resources to advance women’s, trans, and intersex rights in the face of intensifying human rights challenges, rising authoritarianism, and a well-funded, severe anti-rights, anti-gender backlash. See the highlights here. 

Guerrilla Foundation “A Deeper Inquiry #16: Journeying Through Participatory Grantmaking”: In this Deeper Inquiry session we hear from the Guerrilla team about how they’ve implemented and evolved their participatory grantmaking strategy. They’ll be sharing the changes & challenges when implementing PGM, based on the evaluation conducted in 2024 after a two-year trial period using this model. 

Porticus – Senior Programme Manager, Building Future Generations. Porticus is seeking a Senior Programme Manager with deep experience in education systems strengthening, crisis-affected contexts, and locally grounded development work, ideally with a strong background in Haiti or similar fragile environments. This role will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of a complex, multi-stakeholder education programme in Haiti, aligning with both Porticus’s strategy and Haiti’s national education priorities. Location: New York, USA. Salary: 108,000 – 150,000 USD. Deadline for applications is 18 July.  

Open Society Foundations – Associate Director, Global. Open Society Foundations seeks an Associate Director to oversee global strategies and grantmaking supporting human rights, democracy, and justice. The role involves managing complex programs, supervising teams, building partnerships, and ensuring alignment with OSF’s mission and impact goals. Location: London, UK. Deadline for applications is 29 July.  

Ford Foundation – Strategic Communications Officer. The Ford Foundation seeks a Strategic Communications Officer (SCO) to play a key role on a dynamic team that is harnessing strategic communications to expand the influence and global impact of the Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest social justice philanthropies. The SCO would join a small, specialized team of communication officers that serves as the brain trust for the foundation’s strategic communications efforts. Location: New York, USA (Hybrid). Salary: 150,000 USD. Deadline for applications is 15 August.  

Mama Cash – Senior Risk and Compliance Officer. Mama Cash is looking for a Senior Risk & Compliance Officer to help them strengthen the internal systems, ensure compliance with donor and sector standards, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. This is a new and exciting role for someone who is detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to feminist values. Location: Remote or Hybrid office in Central Amsterdam, or Global. Salary: Salary in scale 11 of the Dutch CAO Social Work, including 8% holiday allowance and a 13th month. Deadline for applications is 17 August.  

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) – Operations Specialist. The Operations Specialist position fulfills the critical function of maintaining safe and productive work spaces in all AJWS locations with smooth and efficient support to the organisation. This position reports to the Director of Risk Management. Location: This role is based in-person at AJWS’ NYC Headquarters office. Salary: 60,000 – 62,500 USD. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Omidyar Network – Principal, Responsible Technology. Omidyar Network seeks a Principal to lead its Responsible Technology strategy, focusing on shaping policy, funding initiatives, and building coalitions that promote accountability and equity in technology ecosystems. The role includes strategic grantmaking, thought leadership, and partnership management to advance systemic change in tech. Location: Washington DC, USA (Hybrid). Salary: 160,080 – 200,100 USD. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

19 July, Online 
Counter Narritives: Storytelling is Power with Laura Camacho: Hosted by TechSoup Talks, this interactive online session explores how counter-narratives and storytelling can shift power and challenge harmful narratives within your advocacy and communications work. Learn more and register here. 

22 July, Online
WINGS: Session 2 of the Transformation Dialogue Series: This session will spotlight the transformation journeys of two foundations: Focus Central America and Oak Foundation. Though different in size and scale, both are reshaping their grantmaking by embracing core, flexible, long-term support that centres local actors while also supporting the growth of philanthropy support ecosystems. Learn more and register.

23 July, Online
CIVICUS: Shifting Resourcing Landscapes – Solidarity Call Series: Since March, the Shifting Resourcing Landscapes Solidarity Calls have brought together colleagues and allies from around the world to connect, collaborate, and strengthen our collective resilience. Register here. 

29-31 August, Detroit, USA
People’s Conference for Palestine 2025: A grassroots conference uniting activists, trade unions, and community organisers to build solidarity with Palestine. The event features workshops, panels, cultural activities, and strategy discussions to advance Palestinian rights globally. Date and location: 29-31 August in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Learn more, register, and organise with others here.  

30 September, Brussels, Belgium 
Privacy Camp 25: Resilience and Resistance in Times of Deregulation and Authoritarianism. Privacy Camp is organised by European Digital Rights (EDRi), in collaboration with its partners the Research Group on Law, Science, Technology & Society at Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Privacy Salon vzw , the Institute for European Studies at Université Saint-Louis – Bruxelles,  and the Racism and Technology Center. The event brings together digital rights advocates, activists as well as academics and policy-makers from all around Europe and beyond to discuss the most pressing issues facing human rights online. Date and location: 30 September in Brussels, Belgium. Learn more and register here.  

7-9 November, Barcelona, Spain 
Mozilla Festival 2026. Mozilla Festival is a space for exploration, collaboration, and bold ideas. Whether you’re here to learn a new skill, challenge assumptions, or connect with innovators shaping the future, there’s something for you. Here’s a look at the different ways you can engage. Date and location: 7-9 November in Barcelona, Spain. Learn more and register here.