Mission: The Human Rights Foundation promotes and protects human rights globally, focusing on closed societies.

About the organization: Established in 2005 by Venezuelan film producer and human rights advocate Thor Halvorssen Mendoza, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) promotes liberal democracy in authoritarian regimes and supports activists by providing resources, skills, and contacts, aiming to raise awareness about freedom globally. In addition to aiding grassroots activists, HRF provides information about free societies through legal reports, public letters, and op-eds, relying on donations for support.

Current programs:  HRF’s programs include an Art in Protest program, which works to elevate artists whose work is connected to their struggle for democracy and human rights, and the Belarus Solidarity Fund, which provides extensive assistance to individuals and organizations who support democracy in Belarus. The Bitcoin Development Fund helps software developers who are making the Bitcoin network more private, decentralized, and resilient; the Chinese Communist Disruption Initiative aims to expose how the CCP’s global influence threatens human rights and freedoms across the world; the Flash Drives for Freedom campaign travels the world inspiring people to donate their own memory drives; the Ukraine Solidarity Fund works to provide aid to Ukrainians in need; HRF’s microgrants program offers funding for activists on the front lines; the Wear Your Values program encourages dialogue about human rights in the fashion industry; the Celebrities & Dictators program aims to motivate celebrities, athletes, and other public figures to show solidarity with people living under authoritarian regimes; the Havel Prize is given in honor of the late poet, playwright, philosopher, statesman, and Human Rights Foundation chairman, Václav Havel; and the Freedom Fellowship awards up to 10 human rights advocates, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders the unique opportunity to dramatically increase the impact of their work. Other programs include digital campaigns, the Combating Kleptocracy program, and the Dissidents & Dictators podcast.

Website: The HRF website offers visitors information about its team and financials and the ability to read about its anti-corruption initiative, impact litigation, and reports. Visitors can also find information about the 2024 Oslo Freedom Forum and past events. In addition, visitors can take action by shopping at the HRF store, following on social media, watching activist’s stories and testimonials, donating bitcoin, making a gift, or donating a flash drive.

Funding:  HRF is supported by individual contributions, investment income, program services, and direct sales.