Webs of Safety and Care Grants: $10,000 for Women, Trans & Non-Binary Human Rights Defenders

Grant Overview

Building Collective Safety Networks for Human Rights Activists in Asia & Pacific

Donor: Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights Asia and Pacific (UAF A&P)

About: In the high-stakes world of human rights activism, safety is a luxury and also a necessity. The Webs of Safety and Care (WSC) Grants recognize this fundamental truth. I’ve seen firsthand how activists in the Asia and Pacific region face incredible risks daily, yet often lack the support systems needed to sustain their vital work. That’s why these grants matter so much.

The WSC Grants, under UAF A&P’s Enabling Defenders Programme, aren’t your typical funding opportunity. They’re specifically designed to help women, trans, and non-binary activists’ organizations and networks create community-based structures that address their unique safety and care needs. Think of it less as a grant and more as a lifeline for those working on the frontlines of human rights defense.

What Makes These Grants Different?

Unlike traditional funding that often focuses on programmatic work, the WSC Grants take a holistic approach. They understand that effective activism requires sustainable support systems. The grants can be used in four key ways: Assess, Create, Build, and Connect.

When I first learned about these grants, what struck me was their flexibility. Whether your organization needs to conduct risk assessments, create new care systems, expand existing initiatives, or share learnings across movements the WSC Grants provide the resources to make it happen. This adaptability is crucial because no two activist communities face identical challenges.

The Real-World Impact

Picture this: a network of women human rights defenders in a remote area finally has the resources to establish a safe space where they can rest, recharge, and strategize. Or imagine trans activists being able to develop digital security protocols that protect their entire community. These aren’t hypotheticals, they’re the kinds of transformations the WSC Grants make possible.

What I find particularly powerful is how these grants recognize that safety and care are collective responsibilities. They’re not just about individual protection but about building resilient communities that can weather storms together. In a region where human rights defenders often work in isolation, this approach is nothing short of revolutionary.

Who Should Apply?

If you’re part of a women, trans, or non-binary-led organization or network working in human rights across Asia and the Pacific, these grants are designed with you in mind. The application process values lived experience over formal qualifications, understanding that those closest to the challenges often have the most innovative solutions.

One thing to note: these grants aren’t for cisgender male-led groups. This focus on women, trans, and non-binary activists is intentional, recognizing that they face unique risks and require specialized support systems. If your organization doesn’t meet this criterion, you might want to explore other opportunities like the Urgent Action Fund Grants for Women, Trans & Non-Binary activists that serve different regions.

Making Your Application Stand Out

Having worked with numerous grant applicants over the years, I’ve learned that successful WSC Grant applications share common traits. They demonstrate a clear understanding of community needs, propose practical solutions, and show how the requested funds will create lasting impact beyond the grant period.

The most compelling applications I’ve reviewed are those that view safety and care not as expenses but as investments in the sustainability of their movements. They recognize that when activists are well-supported, their work becomes more effective and far-reaching.

Beyond the Funding

What many applicants don’t realize is that the WSC Grants offer more than just financial support. They provide access to a network of like-minded organizations, assessment tools that can be adapted to local contexts, and the credibility that comes with being selected by a respected funder like UAF A&P.

At Grantaura, we’ve helped numerous organizations navigate the application process for these grants. Our team understands that securing funding is just the first step building sustainable safety networks requires ongoing strategic planning and resource management. That’s why we offer comprehensive support services, from initial application to post-award implementation.

As Imran Ahmad, founder of Grantaura, I’ve seen how the right funding at the right time can transform not just organizations but entire movements. With a background in communication and media studies, and experience working with over 300 clients, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced by human rights defenders in the Asia-Pacific region. My team and I are committed to helping you secure the resources you need to continue your vital work safely and sustainably.

Focus: Human rights, women’s rights, transgender rights, non-binary rights, safety and security, collective care, risk assessment, community building, resilience, activism, Asia-Pacific region

Region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, North Korea, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam

Eligibility:
-Must be women, trans, or non-binary-led organizations or networks
-Must focus on human rights defense
-Proposals must be based on holistic assessment of safety and care needs
-Cisgender male-led groups/organizations are not eligible
-Individuals not representing organizations are not eligible
-Proposals for humanitarian crises or natural disasters are not eligible
-Activities focused on development aid or charity assistance are not eligible
-Regular operating budgets and bridge funding are not eligible

Benefits:
-Up to USD 10,000 per grant
-Funding for holistic risk assessments
-Support for creating new safety and care systems
-Resources to expand existing well-being initiatives
-Opportunities to share learnings across movements
-Access to assessment tools and technical support
-Networking with other human rights defenders

Deadline: June 15, 2025

Terms:
-Webs of Safety and Care (WSC): A grant program under UAF A&P’s Enabling Defenders Programme
-Holistic assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of safety and care needs within a community or organization
-Collective safety: Shared systems and practices that protect groups rather than just individuals
-Human rights defenders: Individuals or groups working to protect and promote human rights
-Enabling Defenders Programme: UAF A&P’s initiative focused on supporting the sustainability of human rights activists