On the Scene at IHRFG in 2016

Even though most of us are glad that 2016 is over, we’re thankful for all of the positive energy, great ideas, and enthusiastic collaboration of our members. Last year, IHRFG members wrote 30 blog posts, organized 28 conference sessions, gave 12 lightning talks, and participated in 21 webinars. Here’s a quick run-down of what IHRFG … Continue reading →

Preventing and Addressing Forced Migration: The Role of Human Rights Philanthropy

IHRFG and Ariadne’s 2016 Funder Learning Visit brought a group of 25 funders to Amman, Jordan, for three days of critical exchange with local, regional, and international practitioners. The visit focused on the question, “What are effective funding strategies to ensure that the rights of refugees and internally displaced people are respected?” According to IHRFG’s … Continue reading →

Learning Visit Reflection: The Value of Coordinated Support for Refugees

Contributed by Shoshana Smolen, Advocacy and Editorial Officer at The Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights Driving up to the Zataari refugee camp is overwhelming. The massive size of the camp is visible from afar, with a wide expanse of prefabricated homes, or informal tented settlements, lined up along the side of … Continue reading →

4 Ways Human Rights Funders Can Use Impact Investments

Originally published on Greater Good on August 15, 2016, Cynthia Muller and Rachel Reichenbach of Arabella Advisors argue that human rights funders should consider impact investing as a powerful complement to grant making and other forms of philanthropic support.  “How can funders support the sustainability of human rights?” This question was the topic of last … Continue reading →

Moving Beyond a Movement Moment

Contributed by Radha Friedman, Director of Programs at the World Justice Project. Conferences don’t usually begin with tears. But given the last few weeks, it wasn’t surprising. The killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castille, followed by more shootings in Texas, the brutal stabbing and shooting of a member of Britain’s Parliament for being too … Continue reading →

Universal Human Rights: What Are We Sharing Across Borders?

Contributed by Natalie Ross, Director of Global Philanthropy at the Council on Foundations.  It was clear from the opening plenary of IHRFG’s 2016 conference that those of us working to protect human rights are increasingly feeling the impact of recent world events on our personal lives. It was this weight that motivated speakers to change … Continue reading →

“Are you okay?”: Embracing Vulnerability to Sustain the Human Rights Movement

Contributed By Luis F. Vivaldi, Program Associate at the Foundation for a Just Society. “Are you okay?” It seems like a simple question, but it asks so much of us. Recalling the recent tragic events in Orlando, Baghdad, Dallas, and Istanbul during the opening of the International Human Rights Funders Group conference in New York City, executive director … Continue reading →

IHRFG Shows Funders Aren’t Sitting on the SDG Sidelines

Contributed by Don Cipriani, Strategic Advisor to the Elevate Children Funders Group’s Agenda 2030 Working Group and former Director of Communities for Just Schools Fund. On July 11, 2016, the International Human Rights Funders Group (IHRFG) brought thirty-seven grantmakers together for their thought-provoking Institute on “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Why They Matter for Human Rights … Continue reading →

Let’s Be Innovative: Radical Thinking and Action

Contributed by Claudia Samcam, Development and Strategic Alliances Coordinator, Central American Women’s Fund (FCAM)- I attended my second IHRFG conference from January 20-21 and, as in my first experience, I had the opportunity to share, learn, meet and connect with a diversity of people working in the philanthropic sector. This year, the theme of the … Continue reading →

The Responsible Data Forum: An Eye Opener- Yet Blurring to the Imagination

IHRFG recently held its semi-annual institute in San Francisco in the form of a Responsible Data Forum (RDF) for funders, organized by the Engine Room. The Forum brought together program officers and grants managers to identify and discuss responsible data related to grantmaking and management, ultimately developing tools and strategies for dealing with sensitive information. Following the … Continue reading →