Stories from the front lines of COVID-19

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, daily life has come to a standstill for millions—but for local leaders and grassroots organizers, their work is just beginning.

From Latin America to Sub-Saharan Africa, Fund-backed activists and organizations are working tirelessly to protect the health, safety, and rights of their communities. Below, you can read their inspiring stories #fromthefrontlines of the pandemic in the Global South.

The Fund was built for a moment like this. Our model of flexible funding and strategic assistance enables our partners to adapt their work, reallocate resources, and provide the support their communities need.

Help us ensure frontline activists and community leaders have the resources necessary to safeguard fundamental human rights and defend vulnerable or marginalized populations. With your support, we will weather this storm—together.

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Publications

Stories from the front lines of COVID-19

From the Front Lines: Grantees Share Strategies, Challenges, and Feedback

Three Social Justice Movements to Watch Now

Sustaining grassroots activism through COVID-19 and beyond

How to Finance a Gender-Equal Recovery to COVID-19

India in Crisis: The Fund Launches Campaign to Support Grassroots Response to COVID-19

India in Crisis: Izad Foundation

India in Crisis: National Network of Sex Workers

India in Crisis: Samarthan

India in Crisis: DISHA

Helping Communities in Uganda Hold Onto Their Home

6 Essential Reads (and 1 Podcast) About Human Rights and Philanthropy

Tuning In to Human Rights Radio

Three Lessons for Preventing Youth Incarceration

Remembering Our Colleagues Ana Paula Hernández and Sally O’Neill

COVID-19 Has Changed Philanthropy Forever

COVID-19 and Human Rights: One Year Later

The Dangerous Impact COVID-19 Is Having on Human Rights

What We’re Looking Forward to in 2021

Hunger Is A Human Rights Issue

The Piece Of Paper That Can Save Migrants’ Lives

Meet The Woman Protecting Ethnic Minorities From COVID-19

Where Breaking Curfew Can Mean Being Beaten By Police

How One Woman In Uganda Escaped Domestic Abuse During COVID-19

Art, Activism, and NGO Storytelling: Highlights from a Discussion Between James Logan and Ekow Eshun

Fund-supported Groups Are Tackling Hunger On World Food Day

What Kind of Support Do Human Rights Activists Need During COVID-19?

Civic Space Another of COVID-19’s Victims

In Uganda, Community Radio Educates People About COVID-19—and Human Rights

West Africa Beat Ebola. But Did It Learn From It?

Meet the Nationwide Coalition Supporting Human Rights Defenders in Kenya

A Hotline Providing Hope for Women Facing Abuse in El Salvador

UPDATE: Frontline Activists Step Up for the Sex Worker Community

Working to Address Remote Learning Gaps in Uganda

Dismantling Inequality Must Be Part of the Pandemic Response

Nepali Laborers Win a Decisive Victory in Northern India

Opening Doors of Dialogue during COVID-19

Announcing the COVID-19 Grassroots Justice Fund

How Are Human Rights Defenders Responding to COVID-19?

Three Ways to Create Hope During COVID-19

Celebrate Pride With This Tunisian Comic about LGBTQ Life in Lockdown

Creating a Lifeline for Domestic Workers in India

How Civil Society is Fighting Back Against Coronavirus Crackdowns

Inspired by the Garifuna, Honduran Activists Offer Community Meals in the Capital

UPDATE: Ugandan Activists Rally to Defend Arrested LGBTQ Youth

Ensuring Answers for Families of Migrants Lost to the Pandemic

Local Activists Play a Vital Role in Public Health

What Covid-19 Means For Equity And Inclusion

Nigerian Civil Society Pushes Back on Draconian Disease Bill

In Sierra Leone, Community Leaders Are Learning from the Ebola Crisis to Safeguard Children

As Myanmar’s Military Advances, Karen Groups Call for Peace—and Offer Relief

Local Activists Support Women Living in Lockdown with Their Abusers

Local Leaders Fight for Rights and Relief on India’s Tea Plantations

Ensuring the Well-Being and Rights of Children in the DRC Through the Pandemic

Philanthropists Must Step Up and Adapt to Support Local Community Action

Local Leaders Combat Food Insecurity in Honduras

As a Global Food Crisis Looms, Local Leaders Offer Solutions

Facing Restrictive Emergency Measures, Nigerian Activists Unite To Overcome

Meet the Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines Helping Communities Face the Pandemic

Community Activists and Action are Key to the COVID-19 Response

Pivoting to Protect the Health and Rights of Migrants in Morocco

Honduran Police Abuse Pandemic Powers, Local Activists Push Back

Supporting Indian Workers Whose Livelihoods Disappeared Overnight

Kenya’s Coastal Community Comes Together to Form COVID-19 Response Team

Human Rights and COVID-19: A Message from our CEO