The Open Society Justice Initiative has launched the Democracy Anchor Grants 2026—a major funding opportunity designed to support organisations using strategic litigation to protect democratic space.
This initiative seeks to strengthen a global network of legal actors working to counter threats such as electoral interference, judicial repression, and executive overreach, while advancing human rights and the rule of law.
Selected organisations can receive up to $500,000 over three years, alongside opportunities to contribute to a broader ecosystem of legal innovation and systemic reform.
About the Grant
The Democracy Anchor Grants aim to support organisations that use litigation not only to win cases, but to drive long-term systemic change.
Funded projects should demonstrate how legal action contributes to broader outcomes such as:
- Establishing legal precedents
- Influencing policy and institutional reform
- Raising public awareness
- Protecting vulnerable or marginalised communities
Priority Areas
Proposals should address one or more of the following:
- Interference in democratic processes: Including restrictions on voting rights, candidacy, campaigning, or election integrity
- Threats against judicial actors: Including intimidation, repression, or violence targeting judges and legal professionals
- Executive overreach: Including abuse of power, suppression of dissent, or misuse of emergency powers
Programme Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Financial Support: Grants of up to $500,000
- Ecosystem Strengthening: Opportunities to collaborate with a global network of strategic litigators and Support to strengthen legal systems and democratic institutions
- Impact and Learning: Support for sharing knowledge, legal insights, and best practices
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Organisational Requirements
- Be a nonprofit or charitable organisation (or equivalent)
- Have a proven track record in strategic litigation
- Have litigated cases within the past four years
- Employ at least two legal staff
- Demonstrate strong governance and financial management systems
Financial Requirements
- Annual operating budget of less than $5 million
- Must not have an active Open Society litigation grant exceeding $150,000 or 50% of budget
- Must show additional or pending funding from other sources
Additional Considerations
- Commitment to gender and intersectional approaches
- Strong collaboration with communities and stakeholders
- Clear plans for measuring and sharing impact
