Open Society Foundations Fellowships
Fellowships offered by the Open Society Foundations to support public intellectuals, researchers, and individuals working on human rights, social justice, climate change, and inequality. Funded opportunities vary by program and track, supporting global change-makers through an international network.
About the Open Society Foundations Fellowships
The Open Society Foundations award grants and fellowships throughout the year to individuals and organizations that share core values of promoting democratic practice, advancing rights, and working for equitable governance. Founded by George Soros, the foundations operate globally across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, and the United States.
The Open Society Fellowship supports public intellectuals from seven global cities that are home to a dynamic circle of thinkers and cultural producers engaged in high-level critical debate. In addition, the organization offers limited grants to individuals through fellowships across multiple programs, reflecting work ranging from human rights and social justice to climate change and inequality.
The vast majority of grants are awarded to organizations approached directly by the foundations, but open opportunities and individual fellowships are listed through official channels. Other funding opportunities remain available through Open Society's network of national and regional foundations.
Grants and fellowships range in amount from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars, addressing intractable problems rooted in deep social and economic inequalities. Over the past three decades, total expenditures have reached $24.2 billion, supporting individuals and groups trying to make their communities fairer and freer.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Global reach spanning multiple continents and regions
Direct backing from a major international philanthropic organization founded by George Soros
Opportunities for public intellectuals, thinkers, and cultural producers in major global cities
Commitment to addressing deep social and economic inequalities
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Global
Open globally across multiple regions including Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, and the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
3 requirements
Documents Checklist
1 document required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Review open fellowship opportunities on the Open Society Foundations grants page
Check eligibility criteria for specific programs or regional foundation networks
Submit application or proposal materials through the designated online channels when calls for applications are open
Application Timeline
Varies by program
Application Window
Check specific fellowship pages for exact dates
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Monitor the Open Society Foundations grants and fellowships page regularly since many deadlines pass quickly or require direct invitation
Explore regional and national Open Society foundation networks for additional local funding opportunities
Align fellowship proposals closely with core themes of democratic practice, human rights, and social justice
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
Eligibility varies by program, but typically targets individuals, public intellectuals, and researchers working on human rights, social justice, and democratic governance.
Funding amounts and types vary by specific fellowship program, ranging from a few thousand dollars to larger awards.
You can view open opportunities and application instructions directly through the Open Society Foundations grants and fellowships web portal.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around Varies - confirm on official site. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
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