Grant opportunity
Human Rights Advocates Program Fall 2027 and Spring 2028
Columbia University's Human Rights Advocates Program is accepting applications from experienced grassroots advocates for its 2027-2028 residential training cohorts.
- Funder
- Columbia University Institute for the Study of Human Rights
- Applications close 15 October 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time
- Applications close 15 October 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time: Oct 15, 2026
- Award
- Programme support is sought for shortlisted advocates but funding is not guaranteed
- Applicant
- Grassroots human rights advocates working full time with NGOs; applicants from high-income countries are considered only when representing marginalised communities.
- Discipline
- Law, Governance and Human Rights
- Region
- Global South / Marginalised communities
- Posted
- Jul 24, 2026
Call summary
Overview
HRAP is a capacity-building programme for grassroots human rights advocates who want to strengthen practical skills, networks and strategies through study and engagement at Columbia University.
Who can apply
Applicants must be active advocates with NGO experience, English proficiency, institutional endorsement and a clear plan to return to their organisation. Full-time students, academics and government officials are not eligible.
What it supports
- Human rights advocacy, strategic planning and leadership.
- Issues including gender-based violence, minority and LGBTQI+ rights, labour, migration, health, environmental justice and disability rights.
- University courses, workshops, networking and professional development.
Funding and duration
- The Institute seeks funding for shortlisted advocates.
- Applicants should understand that full financial support is not guaranteed and some may need supplementary resources.
Applications close 15 October 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time
Applications close 15 October 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time: Oct 15, 2026
How to apply
Read the official admissions requirements and submit the online application with institutional endorsement by 15 October 2026.
Call details
Source-based overview
Columbia University's Institute for the Study of Human Rights invites experienced grassroots advocates to apply for the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 Human Rights Advocates Program. The programme combines academic study, skills workshops and engagement with human rights organisations in New York.
Eligibility
Applicants must be active advocates with NGO experience, English proficiency, institutional endorsement and a clear plan to return to their organisation. Full-time students, academics and government officials are not eligible.
Funding and benefits
The Institute seeks funding for shortlisted advocates.
Applicants should understand that full financial support is not guaranteed and some may need supplementary resources.
Themes and supported activities
Human rights advocacy, strategic planning and leadership.
Issues including gender-based violence, minority and LGBTQI+ rights, labour, migration, health, environmental justice and disability rights.
University courses, workshops, networking and professional development.
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 15 October 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time: Applications close 15 October 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time: Oct 15, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Read the official admissions requirements and submit the online application with institutional endorsement by 15 October 2026.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.