Call for Grant Proposals from Non-Profits: Social Justice through Philanthropy (05/06/26)
Posted: 4/23/2026 (Funding)
The University of Washington is currently inviting nonprofit organizations to submit grant proposals for a practice-based UW course called Social Justice through Philanthropy, in which students develop critical thinking skills and practical knowledge regarding philanthropic giving in support of international issues. The course represents a unique partnership between The University of Washington’s Law, Societies & Justice Department, and the Philanthropy Lab, a Texas-based foundation that promotes philanthropy education in universities and colleges throughout the United States. This year, Social Justice through Philanthropy will be providing $75,000 worth of grants to international NGOs doing human rights, development, and humanitarian work. The $75,000 will be awarded through one $30,000 grant, two $15,000 grants, and two $7,500 grants in order to support five organizations in total.
This year, the students in Social Justice through Philanthropy have decided to focus their giving to organizations and initiatives broadly promoting five of the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3, Good Health & Well-Being; SDG 4, Quality Education; SDG 5, Gender Equality; SDG 13, Climate Action; SDG 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The deadline for proposals is May 6, 2026. To participate, please upload your application here as a single PDF file.
Please note that these goals will be interpreted broadly. For example, projects as diverse as providing communities with clean water and sanitation through to increasing agricultural production for food security could be included under SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being. Similarly, initiatives supporting democracy and press freedom through to organizations promoting refugee rights could be included under SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In short, organizations are encouraged to apply and creatively make the case that they connect to one or more of the SDGs listed above.
Organizations are welcome to use any common format for their proposals so long as they include the following basic key components: Executive Summary, Background/Problem Statement, Goals & Objectives, Method/Activities, Work Plan & Timeline, Organizational History & Experience, and Budget & Justification. Proposals do not need to provide extensive supporting documentation (i.e. audits, staff resumes, board member lists, etc.) beyond proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status. Budgets should be made for the $30,000 grant.
You will also be asked to indicate dates when a representative from your organization can come to the class on the University of Washington campus in Seattle to meet the students and provide a fifteen-minute presentation and answer questions. We encourage all organization to apply, including organization who have received grants from the Social Justice through Philanthropy course in the past (i.e. everyone is eligible). Your participation is essential for students to learn about diverse the type of work organizations on the ground carry out every day to promote human rights, development, and humanitarian assistance and to gain hands-on experience as by making important philanthropic decisions regarding how to address important global issues.
Date: 05/04/2026