Advancing Justice and Opportunity Since 1984

Investing in a World of
Justice, Democracy & Human Dignity

Open Society Foundations works across the globe to build transparent, inclusive democracies — empowering communities through education, justice initiatives, and support for civil society.

$32B+
Donated
120+
Countries
$1.2B
Annual Grants
40+
Years of Impact
Explore Our Impact Grant Verification

GRANT PROGRAMS: Open Society Foundations supports civil society organizations and individuals working to advance justice, education, and human rights worldwide. View Active Programs ↓

Active Grant Programs · 2024–2026

Supporting Communities
Around the World

Open Society Foundations provides grants to organizations and individuals working to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. Our programs support those who share our commitment to building open, democratic societies.

"We believe in the power of civil society to hold governments accountable, protect human rights, and build more just and equitable societies worldwide."

— Open Society Foundations Mission Statement

2,500+
Grant Recipients
120+
Countries Supported
$1.2B
Annual Grantmaking
40+
Years of Impact

Our Grant Application Process

Application Review

Applications are reviewed by our global network of program officers who assess alignment with OSF's mission and strategic priorities.

Demonstrated Impact

Grant recipients are organizations and individuals who have demonstrated commitment to advancing justice, education, or human rights.

Regional Focus

We prioritize support for underserved communities and regions where civil society faces significant challenges or restrictions.

Official Notification

Approved grant recipients receive official notification with a verification code to confirm their grant status through our secure portal.

Featured Grant Recipients

A sample of individuals and organizations supported through our grant programs.

Andrei M.
GRANTEE
Andrei M.
🇷🇴 Romania, Eastern Europe
Education $45,000

A first-generation university student from a Roma community, supported through our Education Equity Scholarship for his potential to transform educational access in his home region.

Code: OSF-2024-EDU-0012 ● Active
Amahle D.
GRANTEE
Amahle D.
🇿🇦 South Africa
Justice $120,000

A justice fellow whose tireless legal advocacy secured freedom for 47 wrongfully imprisoned individuals across South Africa's justice system.

Code: OSF-2023-JUS-0047 ● Active
Olena V.
GRANTEE
Olena V.
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Press Freedom $88,000

A journalist operating under conflict conditions, recognized through our Independent Media Support Fund for extraordinary courage in documenting human rights from inside a war zone.

Code: OSF-2023-UKR-0041 ● Active
Tariq M.
GRANTEE
Tariq M.
🇵🇸 Palestine
Humanitarian $92,000

A humanitarian medical worker supported through our Conflict Zone Humanitarian Fund for keeping a field clinic operational in Gaza, providing care to over 3,000 patients during active conflict.

Code: OSF-2024-HUM-0063 ● Active
Hassan A.
GRANTEE
Hassan A.
🇮🇶 Iraq
Legal Aid $65,000

A Baghdad-based legal advocate supported through our Middle East Legal Aid Programme, building a community justice centre that serves thousands of Iraqi families.

Code: OSF-2023-IRQ-0018 ● Active
Marcus T.
GRANTEE
Marcus T.
🇺🇸 United States
Governance $85,000

A government fellow supported through our Leadership in Government Fellowship for designing housing policy reform that directly benefited over 10,000 low-income families across three US states.

Code: OSF-2024-GOV-0089 ● Active

Verify Your Grant Status

If you have received official notification from Open Society Foundations or one of our regional coordinators about your grant approval, verify your status using your unique code or registered name.

  Verify Your Grant Status

This portal is secure and confidential. Unauthorized access attempts are logged and reported.

Our Core Pillars

What We Stand For

Six interlocking pillars — each essential to a flourishing open society where every person can participate freely and fully.

Democracy & Governance

Supporting accountable governments, free elections, and the rule of law in over 120 countries.

Education & Scholarship

Funding universities, scholarships, and learning programmes from South Africa to Eastern Europe since 1979.

Justice & Human Rights

Challenging systemic inequities through the Soros Justice Fellowships and legal reform campaigns worldwide.

Science & Public Health

Advancing scientific development and supporting evidence-based policy to improve quality of life globally.

Independent Media

Protecting press freedom and supporting investigative journalism so citizens have access to truth.

Economic Equity

Investing in development and entrepreneurship in underserved communities to bridge inequality.

Young George Soros 1950s London
George SorosEarly Life · 1950s London
George Soros Founder OSF
George SorosFounder · Open Society Foundations
"The open society is one in which people can live together in peace, with their differences acknowledged and respected."

— George Soros
The Founder

George Soros — Survivor, Thinker, Philanthropist

Born György Schwartz in Budapest in 1930, George Soros survived Nazi occupation and Communist rule before emigrating to London, where he studied philosophy under Karl Popper — the thinker who shaped his concept of the "open society."

After building a legendary financial career in New York, Soros began his philanthropic journey in 1979 — funding scholarships for Black African students in apartheid South Africa. In 1984 he established the Open Society Foundations, starting in Hungary, to promote democratic values.

Over four decades he has donated more than $32 billion of his personal fortune. His son Alexander Soros now chairs the foundation, ensuring the mission endures generationally.

Survived the Holocaust as a teenager in Budapest — shaping his lifelong commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
Inspired by Karl Popper's "The Open Society and Its Enemies" — the philosophical foundation for all his philanthropy.
Family legacy — son Alexander Soros now chairs the Open Society Foundations globally.
First grant in 1979 — funding scholarships for Black South African students during apartheid.
Real Stories

Lives Changed Around the World

From Eastern Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa, Ukraine to Palestine — the Foundation's grants have transformed communities and opened doors for generations.

Andrei M. Romania
🇷🇴 Romania

Breaking Barriers in Roma Education

Andrei M. · 2022 Education Grant Recipient

"The OSF scholarship gave me university access when my family had no means. I now teach in my home village, breaking the cycle for the next generation."

EducationYouthEquity
Amahle D. South Africa
🇿🇦 South Africa

Legal Aid for the Wrongfully Convicted

Amahle D. · 2023 Soros Justice Fellow

"With OSF support, our team secured the release of 47 wrongfully imprisoned individuals. Justice was never supposed to be for the privileged alone."

JusticeLegal ReformRights
Olena V. Ukraine
🇺🇦 Ukraine

Press Freedom Under Fire

Olena V. · Independent Journalist, 2023

"When our newsroom was threatened, OSF's grant kept us alive. We published over 300 human rights reports directly from the war zone."

MediaDemocracyCourage
Tariq M. Palestine
🇵🇸 Palestine

Medical Care in a Conflict Zone

Tariq M. · 2024 Humanitarian Health Grant

"Even in the most difficult conditions, the OSF health grant kept our clinic open. We treated over 3,000 patients in one year. Hope is a form of resistance."

HealthHumanitarianConflict
Hassan A. Iraq
🇮🇶 Iraq

Legal Aid in Baghdad

Hassan A. · 2023 Middle East Legal Aid Fellow

"In Baghdad, justice felt impossible for ordinary people. OSF's programme gave our team the resources to serve thousands of families who had nowhere else to turn."

Legal AidJusticeIraq
Leila R. Iran
🇮🇷 Iran

Human Rights Research Under Pressure

Leila R. · 2024 Human Rights Research Fellow

"Conducting human rights research in Iran carries real risk. The OSF fellowship gave me an international platform and the protection I needed to continue this critical work."

Human RightsResearchIran
Voices of Impact

What Beneficiaries Say

Real testimonials from grant recipients and fellows spanning America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and conflict-affected regions including Iraq, Iran, Palestine, and Ukraine.

"

The Soros Justice Fellowship amplified my voice in rooms where real decisions are made. Justice requires resources — OSF provided both courage and capital.

Nadia B.
Nadia B.
Justice Fellow · Eastern Europe, 2023
"

As a young scientist in Ghana, international research was a luxury. The OSF scholarship changed that completely. I am now publishing in global journals.

Kwame O.
Kwame O.
Science Grant Recipient · Ghana, 2022
"

When our newsroom was targeted, OSF kept us alive. We published over 300 human rights reports from a war zone. The world needed to know the truth.

Olena V.
Olena V.
Independent Journalist · Ukraine, 2023
"

Education in my rural village existed only in name. OSF brought trained teachers, books, and digital tools — the transformation for our children was total.

Fatima S.
Fatima S.
Education Lead · West Africa, 2024
"

The Leadership in Government Fellowship gave me time and resources to redesign housing policy. The result benefited over 10,000 families across three US states.

Marcus T.
Marcus T.
Government Fellow · USA, 2024
"

In Baghdad, justice felt impossible for ordinary citizens. OSF's legal aid programme gave our team resources to serve thousands of Iraqi families with nowhere else to turn.

Hassan A.
Hassan A.
Legal Aid Advocate · Iraq, 2023
"

Conducting human rights research in Iran carries real risk. OSF gave me the academic platform and international visibility I needed to continue this work safely.

Leila R.
Leila R.
Human Rights Researcher · Iran, 2024
"

Even in the most difficult humanitarian conditions, the OSF health grant kept our clinic open. We treated over 3,000 patients in one year. Hope is resistance.

Tariq M.
Tariq M.
Medical Humanitarian · Palestine, 2024
"

With OSF support, our team secured the release of 47 wrongfully imprisoned South Africans. The law must serve every person — not just those who can afford it.

Amahle D.
Amahle D.
Justice Fellow · South Africa, 2023
"

The OSF scholarship gave me university access when my family had no means. I now teach in my home village, breaking the cycle for those who come after me.

Andrei M.
Andrei M.
Education Recipient · Romania, 2022
Investment Areas

Education, Science & Development

These four investment pillars reflect Soros's conviction that lasting change begins with knowledge, capable institutions, and open scientific inquiry.

Education Investment

From the first scholarship in 1979 to the Central European University — education is the foundation's most enduring legacy.

Full university scholarships across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia
Central European University (CEU) — founded 1991 in Budapest and Vienna
After-school programmes for underprivileged youth in New York City
Teacher training and curriculum reform in post-communist states
Digital literacy and access-to-technology in rural communities

Science & Research

Scientific progress and evidence-based policymaking are cornerstones of any functioning open society.

Research grants combating "brain drain" in developing nations
Public health funding including disease prevention and medicine access
Environmental science and climate policy research programmes
Science journalism and communication of evidence-based findings
Support for academic freedom and independent universities

Democratic Institutions

Strong, transparent institutions are the backbone of societies where rights are protected.

Electoral reform and anti-corruption monitoring in emerging democracies
Legal aid and judicial reform in over 50 countries
Civil society capacity building — training advocates and watchdogs
Youth political participation and democratic engagement programmes
Open government data connecting citizens to decision-makers

Geographic Expansion

From Hungary in 1984 to 120+ countries today — OSF grows wherever open societies face challenge.

Sub-Saharan Africa: democratic governance, health, and economic reform
Central & Eastern Europe: post-communist transition and EU integration
Middle East: Iraq, Iran, Palestine — rights, aid, and civil society
Latin America: judicial independence and indigenous rights
United States: racial justice, housing equity, and civic participation
Live Tracking

Ongoing Projects & Progress

Follow real-time progress of our most significant active programmes — from funding deployment to measurable outcomes.

● Active

Democracy Forward Initiative

Supporting civil society and election monitors across 38 countries to strengthen democratic resilience.

Funding Deployed78%
Countries Reached29/38
2022–2026$180MGlobal
● Ongoing

Education Equity Scholarships

Annual fellowships enabling talented individuals from under-resourced backgrounds to access world-class education.

2024 Cohort Placed94%
Alumni in Public Service67%
Perpetual$95M/yr40+ Countries
● Active

Soros Justice Fellowships 2026

Outstanding advocates funded to pursue bold criminal justice reform worldwide.

Fellows Deployed88%
Policy Wins Achieved42%
2024–2026$12MUSA-focused
⬆ Expanding

Africa Science & Health Initiative

Combating brain drain by funding research positions and lab infrastructure across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Research Positions Filled61%
Lab Infrastructure Built45%
2023–2027$220M22 Nations
● Ongoing

Independent Media Support Fund

Emergency grants keeping independent newsrooms alive where press freedom is under active threat.

Newsrooms Sustained83%
Journalists Protected72%
Perpetual$68M/yr55+ Countries
● Active

Conflict Zone Humanitarian Fund

Direct humanitarian and legal aid grants to civil society actors in Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Ukraine, and conflict-affected regions.

Grants Disbursed91%
Beneficiaries Reached76%
2023–2026$145MConflict Zones
Global Footprint

Where We Work

From a single foundation in Hungary in 1984, the Open Society network now spans every region — always led by local voices and expertise.

🌍
22

Sub-Saharan Africa

Democracy, health, and education reform since 1979

🇪🇺
30+

Europe

Post-communist transition, rule of law, EU integration

🌏
18

Asia Pacific

Rights, media freedom, and minority protections

🌎
15

Latin America

Judicial independence and indigenous rights

🇺🇸
50

United States

Racial justice, civic participation, housing equity

🕌
12

Middle East & MENA

Iraq, Iran, Palestine — rights, aid, civil society

Our Shared Vision

A World of Open Societies

Soros's vision — rooted in Popper's philosophy and his own lived experience — is a world where no person is above the law, every individual can participate, and governments serve their people.

"I have always believed in an open society — a society where people hold different views, and the role of government is not to impose one particular view but to protect the rights of all."

— George Soros

Freedom

Every person deserves freedom of thought, speech, and belief — protected by law.

Justice

Equal access to justice regardless of wealth, race, or origin.

Solidarity

Mutual care and protection of the most vulnerable underpins every open society.

Knowledge

Education and science are humanity's greatest tools for building a better world.

Latest Updates

News & Insights from OSF

Updates and perspectives from Open Society Foundations on democracy, justice, and our global grant programs.

March 2026

The Future of Democracy in an Age of AI and Misinformation

AI presents both threat and extraordinary promise for open societies. The battle for truth has never been more urgent.

January 2026

Leadership Transition: Alexander Soros Takes the Helm of OSF

As Alexander Soros takes leadership of Open Society Foundations, we reflect on our ongoing commitment to building open, just societies worldwide.

October 2024

Why Africa Remains Central to the Open Society Vision

OSF's philanthropic work began in Africa in 1979. Africa continues to represent both the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity this century.