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Description The Open Society Justice Initiative has launched the Democracy Anchor Grants to support organizations using strategic litigation to defend democratic space and uphold the rule of law. This initiative focuses on key priority areas including interference in the democratic process such as restrictions on the right to vote, campaign, or assume office, threats or violence against judicial actors, and egregious instances of executive overreach affecting the balance of power, freedom of expression, and political dissent. The Open Society Justice Initiative has a long-standing commitment to advancing open societies, human rights, and the rule of law through legal action. Building on this legacy, the Democracy Anchor Grants aim to strengthen organizations that are at the forefront of using strategic litigation to address growing threats to democratic systems worldwide. At a time when democratic institutions face increasing pressure, this initiative seeks to support legal efforts that can counteract these challenges and safeguard fundamental freedoms. The grant will support organizations that demonstrate innovative approaches to litigation that go beyond individual cases and contribute to broader systemic change. Applicants are expected to show how their work can build legal precedents, raise public awareness, promote institutional reform, and protect marginalized communities. Emphasis is also placed on organizations that are closely connected to the communities they serve and actively involve them in shaping legal strategies and solutions. Additionally, the initiative aims to strengthen the broader strategic litigation ecosystem by encouraging collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among organizations. Applicants should present a clear vision of how their work will contribute to long-term democratic resilience and collective legal action. The program will award approximately six to twelve grants, each with funding of up to $500,000 over a period of up to three years. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit or equivalent entities with a proven track record in strategic litigation related to democracy and the rule of law. They must have actively litigated cases within the past four years and possess the internal legal capacity to carry cases through to completion. Strong governance, financial management, and safeguarding policies are also required, along with demonstrated collaboration within the field. Financially, applicants must have an annual operating budget of less than $5 million and should have secured or be seeking funding from non-Open Society sources. Organizations currently receiving significant litigation funding from Open Society may not be eligible under specified limits. Grant funds are intended strictly for programmatic purposes and cannot be used for debt servicing, deficit coverage, or insolvency prevention.

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