Open Society Foundations
The first international donor of emergency grants for Ukrainian NGOs after 2022; more than 1,000 projects supported.
About the fund
Open Society Foundations is one of the largest private philanthropic networks in the world, founded by financier and philanthropist George Soros in 1993. Its mission is to build open, democratic societies that respect human rights, the rule of law, and government accountability.
The network operates in dozens of countries, supporting civil society, independent media, human-rights organisations, and justice and education reforms. Total spending by the network since its founding has exceeded USD 24 billion.
In Ukraine, the network's interests have historically been represented by the International Renaissance Foundation (Kyiv) - one of the country's largest charitable foundations, which has supported the development of civil society, democracy and European integration since 1990.
Focus areas
- Human rights and justice
- Democratic governance and government accountability
- Civil society development
- Independent media and freedom of speech
- Equality and countering discrimination
- Education and reform
Interesting facts
The network's total grants and spending since 1993 have exceeded USD 24 billion.
In 2023, George Soros handed leadership of the network to his son, Alexander Soros.
The network's interests in Ukraine are represented by the International Renaissance Foundation, founded in 1990.
How to apply
The foundation generally does not run open competitions for a broad pool of applicants. In Ukraine, NGOs should look for grants through the partner International Renaissance Foundation (irf.ua).
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Similar donors
International Renaissance Foundation
Ukraine's oldest private grant-maker (since 1990), part of the Open Society network: democracy, human rights, EU integration, civil society.
East Europe Foundation
Community development, local self-government, recovery and support for IDPs through grant competitions.
National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
A US foundation supporting democracy: grants for NGOs, independent media and civil society initiatives.
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