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How
we work

Every year, the Open Society Foundations give grants to groups and individuals that work on the issues we focus on—promoting justice, transparency, and open debate. We also engage in strategic human rights litigation and impact investing, while incubating new ideas and engaging directly with governments and policymakers through advocacy to advance positive change.

Choosing Priorities

Our six geographic regions draw on the voices and expertise of local partners to forge priorities for action. At the global level, we reinforce and amplify the common strands of our regional work. We identify and prioritize our regional, global, and cross-program collaboration in a manner that has maximum impact where it is most needed, and where we can bring support not available from other funders. The creative dialogue between these local and global voices is an essential part of who we are.

Decision-Making

Our president Binaifer Nowrojee and an executive leadership team oversee the day-to-day working of the Foundations.

The Open Society Board of Directors, chaired by Alexander Soros, works with our leadership to develop and review strategies.

Our Approach

Building Partnerships

Grant giving is at the heart of what we do—supporting an array of independent groups whose work is aligned with our values.

When appropriate, and in consultation with partners, we engage in direct advocacy with governments and policymakers to promote inclusive and just public policy at the national, regional, and international levels.

Advocating for Change

Drawing on input from across our network, and in close cooperation with partners, our global advocacy team engages with governments and institutions on key issues of regional or national concern. 

Impact Investing

Our social impact investment arm, the Soros Economic Development Fund, has deployed over $400 million in private-sector investments to advance the Foundations’ work.

$400M+ Impact investments made since 1997

Strategic Litigation

The Open Society Justice Initiative provides us with the expert capacity to develop and pursue legal action to counter abuses of rights by both state and corporate actors, in support of our broader goals. 

Ideas Workshop

The Ideas Workshop funds unconventional and often heterodox ideas globally, supporting individuals, initiatives, and institutions. Its sweet spot is at the intersection of ideas, expression, and culture.  The Ideas Workshop also stewards the Foundations' flagship fellowship program, the Open Society Fellowship, and publishes The Ideas Letter, an online magazine devoted to political and cultural thought.

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