The Lighthouse Global Protection Fund provides urgent and strategic support to organisations that protect human rights. Also, defenders facing threats, harassment, and violence benefit from this grant. As risks to civic actors continue to rise, the fund strengthens frontline protection systems that allow defenders to continue their work safely. The programme focuses on practical, real-time, life-saving interventions provided through trusted partners.
About the Lighthouse Global Protection Fund
The Lighthouse Global Protection Fund operates as a collaborative global funding mechanism that channels resources to organisations already working directly with human rights defenders at risk. Rather than funding individual advocacy campaigns, the fund strengthens protection infrastructure by supporting emergency response, legal defence, digital security, and organisational resilience.
The fund prioritises rapid, flexible support that responds to real-time threats. It also invests in longer-term safety planning, which will benefit everyone. By working through experienced intermediaries, the programme ensures that funds reach defenders quickly, discreetly, and responsibly. This allows organisations to adapt to changing risk environments while maintaining accountability and impact. Grants of this nature help smooth operations in troubled communities.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: $30,000
- Maximum award: $150,000
- Project duration supported: six months to eighteen months
Funding supports emergency protection actions, legal assistance, relocation support, security upgrades, staff wellbeing, and organisational protection systems.
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Who Can Apply for the Lighthouse Global Protection Fund
Eligible organisation types
- Civil society organisations protect human rights defenders in troubled regions
- Regional or national protection networks and coalitions
- Intermediary organisations with a protection mandate
Registration or legal documents
- Proof of organisational registration or legal standing
- Demonstrated experience in defender protection work
- Financial and governance documentation
Project focus requirements
- Activities that reduce risk and promote safety
- Emergency response and long-term protection strategies
- Clear protection solutions and accountability methods
Geographic eligibility
- Organisations operating globally
- Priority for regions experiencing shrinking civic space and heightened repression
Sector or thematic focus
- Human rights defender protection
- Legal, physical, and digital security
- Psychosocial support and wellbeing
- Organisational resilience and continuity
Application Process
- Review the fund’s protection priorities and eligibility criteria
- Prepare a protection-focused project plan
- Submit an application through the designated fund partner
- Participate in security and risk validation if requested
- Receive funding decision and implementation guidance
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Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Organisational profile and protection track record
- Project description with risk analysis
- Budget aligned to protection activities
Key Dates
- Application cycle opens: March 2026
- First review period: April to May 2026
- Second review period: September to October 2026
- Funding decisions announced: June 2026 and November 2026
- Project start period: within four weeks of approval
Selection Notes
- The fund remains highly competitive due to limited resources
- Reviewers prioritise projects focused on defender safety, emergency response, and protection systems
- Organisations that do not work directly on human rights defender protection or are for-profit entities are not eligible
Official Source Of the Lighthouse Global Protection Fund
Application Page: https://frontlinedefenders.org/secure/grant-new.php
