Empowering Global Communities Through Accessible Grants

Open Society World Empowerment Foundation provides grants from $500 to $10,000,000 for youth, women, students, and innovators worldwide. Simple applications, quick approvals.

2,500+

Grants Awarded

$18M+

Funding Distributed

150+

Countries Served

Global Community Empowerment
Student Success Grant

Up to $5,000.00 for educational projects

Students $5,000.00
Women's Entrepreneurship

$10,000.00 for women-led startups

Women $10,000.00

Our Empowerment Focus

Dedicated funding streams for underrepresented groups

Women Empowerment

Grants for women entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers. Special focus on developing regions.

Funding: $500 - $25,000

Youth Development

Funding for youth-led initiatives, skill development, and community projects (ages 15-30).

Funding: $300 - $10,000

Student Innovation

Grants for student projects, research, and innovation. Open to high school and university students.

Funding: $200 - $8,000

Community Projects

Funding for local community initiatives, environmental projects, and social impact ventures.

Funding: $1,000 - $50,000

Innovation & Development Areas

Supporting diverse projects that create positive impact

Sustainable Living

Eco-friendly projects, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green energy solutions.

Easy Eligibility

Digital Literacy

Tech education, coding bootcamps, digital skills training, and technology access initiatives.

Beginner Friendly

Creative Arts

Art projects, cultural preservation, music programs, and creative entrepreneurship.

No Experience Needed

Health & Wellness

Community health initiatives, mental health awareness, fitness programs, and wellness education.

Open to All

Tech for Good

Simple tech solutions, app development for social good, and accessible technology projects.

Idea Stage Welcome

Environmental Action

Tree planting, clean-up campaigns, conservation efforts, and environmental education.

Community-Led

Small Business

Micro-grants for small businesses, market vendors, home-based enterprises, and local shops.

Minimal Requirements

Education Access

Learning materials, tutoring programs, library development, and educational resources.

Students Welcome

Available Grants

Easy-to-apply grants with simple requirements

Simple Application Process

Get funded in 4 easy steps

1

Create Profile

Simple registration with basic information. No complex requirements.

2

Find Your Grant

Browse grants filtered by your interests, background, and funding needs.

3

Simple Application

Short forms with clear questions. Most applications take 15-30 minutes.

4

Quick Decision

Fast review process with decisions in 2-4 weeks for most grants.

About Our Support

Understanding our grant philosophy and approach

Flexible Funding Support

Open Society is able to provide both project and general support. When appropriate, we at the Open Society Foundations seek to provide grantees with flexibility on how to use the funds where appropriate, including but not limited to general support.

Flexible Funding General Support Available

Our Story & Approach

The Open Society World Empowerment Program (OSWEP) awards grants and fellowships throughout the year to organizations and individuals who share Open Society values. We look for grantees who have a vision and whose efforts will lead to lasting social change.

The vast majority of our grants are awarded to organizations and individuals that we approach directly, by email, phone, etc., but we do list some open opportunities below. Other funding opportunities are available through Open Society's network of national and regional foundations.

Vision-Driven Global Network

CDR Winners List

Community Development Revenue Grant Recipients

Winner Applied Status
Charles Mayer Applied Received
William Griffin Applied Received
Philippa Branthwaite Applied Pending
Bill Johnson Applied Received
Douglas Heather Applied Pending
PamBill Krueger Applied Received
Miriam Evers Applied Received
Martha Badsteen Applied Received
Debra Cheeley Bowles Applied Pending
Barbara Perry Applied Received
Jerrys Shepard Applied Received
Lorraine Elliott Applied Pending
Barbara Smith Applied Received
Dortha Stilts Applied Received
Larry Peterson Applied Received
Socorro Chris Applied Pending
Cindy Conway Applied Pending
Linda Durham Applied Received
Leanne Murphy Applied Pending
Nigel Clark Applied Received
James Bernardo Applied Received
Marilyn McMillan Applied Received
Barbara Clarke Applied Pending
Robin de Mandeeville Applied Received
Valda Tokona Applied Pending
Judy Dodwell Applied Received
Phil Buchanan Applied Pending
Aubrey Mulligan Applied Received
Georgina Knox Applied Received
Sue Fisher Applied Received
John Maydon Applied Pending
Nancy Parker Applied Received
Linda Ohia Applied Received
Ludovic Menard Applied Received
Patrick Pieri Applied Received
Jerome Cheval Applied Received
Sandra Vigneri Applied Pending
Dagmar Morrison Applied Received
George Kirschke Applied Received

Our Leadership

Visionary leaders driving global empowerment

George Soros

Founder

Visionary Founder

Philanthropist, investor, and founder of the Open Society Foundations. His vision for an open society has inspired global efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice worldwide.

30+
Years of Leadership
100+
Countries

Alex Soros

Chairman

Current Chairman

Leading the next generation of open society advocacy. As Chairman, he continues the legacy while bringing fresh perspectives to address contemporary global challenges and expand the foundation's impact.

Global
Network
Youth
Empowerment Focus

Shared Vision for Global Empowerment

Together, they lead the Open Society World Empowerment Foundation with a commitment to creating lasting social change, supporting innovative solutions, and empowering communities worldwide through accessible grants and strategic partnerships.

Our Global Partners

Organizations supporting empowerment worldwide

92%

Approval Rate for Eligible Applications

14

Days Average Processing Time

$18M

Distributed to Communities

65%

Awarded to Youth & Women

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