NEW YORK—The Open Society Foundations support individuals’ right to engage in free speech, express political beliefs, and engage in nonviolent public protests. These are the hallmarks of any vibrant society, and these freedoms are guaranteed in the United States by the Constitution. The Open Society Foundations help fund an array of nonprofit civil society groups across the United States that work to advance human rights, freedom, and justice and to defend democracy. Some of these groups also undertake peaceful civic engagement, which is critical to the strength of our democracy.
We do not pay people to protest or directly train or coordinate protestors. All Open Society grantees are required to comply with the law and we expect our grantees to uphold our shared commitment to human rights, dignity, and nonviolence. The Open Society Foundations oppose all forms of violence, including violent protests.
This statement was updated in August 2025.
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Online Hate Speech
New SEC Complaint Says Meta Misled Shareholders over Myanmar Hate
A whistleblower complaint to the SEC argues that the social media giant Meta misrepresented its role in fueling violence against Myanmar’s Rohingya—highlighting the need for more platform accountability for online hate.
Civic Engagement
Bolstering Women and Youth, Linchpins of Democracy
Philanthropy has historically underfunded women and youth. Open Society’s new $50 million investment in their engagement addresses that imbalance—and builds on recent surges in civic engagement crucial to the future of American democracy.
Art and Activism
Reimagining January 6th
The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol left him in a cold sweat. Creating a comic book seemed like one way to reach people not obsessively following the news and spark activism to help defend a multicultural democracy.