Role of Human Rights Internet in the funding ecosystem
Human Rights Internet (HRI) is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to advancing human rights and social justice. Founded in 1976, it has long supported education, documentation, advocacy and dialogue on human rights in Canada and beyond. In recent years, HRI has complemented its knowledge and networking role with direct financial support through a national Small Grants Competition.
The Small Grants Competition provides modest but catalytic funding to individuals, schools, community associations and not-for-profit organizations across Canada. Applicants can request up to $3,500 for initiatives that clearly relate to specific human rights, such as those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Past projects have included community education, anti-racism initiatives, disability inclusion, refugee support, housing and food security, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, Indigenous cultural revitalization, and youth empowerment.
General funding approach and eligibility
HRI’s grants are open to non-commercial, non-partisan applicants based in Canada, for activities carried out in Canada. The competition guidelines specify who can apply, the maximum amount available, and the need for a clear budget breakdown. HRI sets out examples of what it will fund and an explicit list of ineligible costs, such as bursaries, scholarships, awards, student research, conference travel and ongoing operational expenses like salaries.
Applications can be submitted in English or French via an online form. After each competition deadline, all proposals are reviewed by HRI’s board and a selection committee. The organization reserves the right not to award grants if no suitable proposals are received, and it publishes the names and brief descriptions of successful initiatives on its website as a transparency and learning mechanism.
Supported audiences and impact
Successful applicants span a wide range of sectors and communities: grassroots groups, schools, Indigenous communities, immigrant and refugee organizations, disability and health rights advocates, anti-poverty coalitions, arts and culture organizations, and human rights education initiatives. Many projects focus on marginalized or vulnerable populations and aim to reduce barriers to rights such as housing, education, health, freedom from discrimination, and participation in community life.
By providing relatively small, flexible grants, HRI enables local actors to test new ideas, respond quickly to emerging human rights issues, and build capacity within their communities. Projects frequently use tools such as workshops, community events, creative arts, accessible media, and peer-led support to translate human rights principles into concrete improvements in people’s lives.
Governance and sustainability
HRI is governed by a volunteer board with experience in human rights, community work, research, communications, and finance. Board members participate directly in assessing applications to the Small Grants Competition. Funding for the grant program is sustained in part through the annual sale of special library collections focused on human rights, linking the organization’s documentation heritage with its contemporary grantmaking activities.
