The Open Society Foundations are accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Soros Equality Fellowship. Specifically, this civil rights funding program helps mid-career advocates scale their impact through massive unrestricted capital. Consequently, selected activists work directly with legal and media experts to deploy systemic racial justice frameworks.
Program Overview This is a racial justice and advocacy enablement program. Therefore, it is ideal for organizers and legal scholars who need financial runway to serve marginalized groups. By joining, you get access to a $130,000 stipend and the Open Society global advocacy network.
Key Benefits Participants receive high-value financial and strategic support. Specifically, the benefits include:
- Stipend: A massive $130,000 unrestricted living stipend disbursed over 18 months.
- Flexibility: Freedom to incubate highly innovative advocacy, legal, or media projects without institutional constraints.
- Network: Access to cohort retreats and a powerful alumni network of global human rights defenders.
Eligibility Criteria To qualify, an applicant must be a mid-career professional or advocate. Crucially, you must have a highly innovative project designed to advance racial justice and equality.
- Experience: Must have at least 10 years of experience in your respective field (law, organizing, arts).
- Focus: The proposed project must challenge systemic discrimination and seek long-term structural change.
- Commitment: Must be able to dedicate at least 35 hours per week to the fellowship project.
Application Process
- Deadline: June 10, 2026.
- Submission: Apply via the Open Society Foundations grant portal.
- Requirements: Project proposal, professional resume, and letters of recommendation.
