Ignite the Future of Human Rights Philanthropy
In a moment of unprecedented transformation around the world, we are being called upon to chart a different path for human rights funding. One that addresses the most pressing challenges and builds toward a more just future. Join us.
Grounded in South Africa’s rich history of resistance and organizing and connecting funders from around the world, the Festival will be a site for action and imagination.
With tracks dedicated to climate, democracy, and digital rights, and an open track to spark new ideas and collaborations, HRFN’s 2027 global gathering will bring together practitioners across sectors to ignite the future of funding for human rights.
Watch this space for registration details and opportunities to shape the Festival.
Access & Safety
At HRFN, we are committed to building inclusive, accessible, and vibrant spaces. We recognize that access is not equal and are here to support all LGBTQI people, people with disabilities, and participants from every region of the world.
We will be working closely with our advisors and local partners to support visa access, community security, and accessibility. Our community is stronger for its diversity.
About HRFN’s Festivals
HRFN’s Funding Futures Festivals bring together 300+ funders from over 70 countries. They are deeply rooted in place, connecting local movements to the global landscape of human rights funding. To learn more, see reflections from past Festivals.
Thank You to Our Advisors & Hosts
As we come together in Johannesburg, we are grateful to our host committee and local partners grounding the Festival in the region, our thematic track advisors bringing deep expertise, and HRFN’s Steering Committee guiding the network’s strategic vision.
2027 Festival Host Committee
- Briggs Bomba, TrustAfrica
- Audrey Elster, The Raith Foundation
- Diakhoumba Gassama, The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
- Mukami Marete, UHAI EASHRI
- Lusako Munyenyembe, Ford Foundation
Track Advisors
Democracy & Civic Space
- Maria Clara Araújo dos Passos, Black Feminist Fund
- Marissa Guerrero, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- Karen Karnicki, Rockefeller Brothers Fund
- Otto Saki, Ford Foundation
- Bryan Sims, Humanity United
- Lilian Muyambe Tamale, CIVFund
Climate
- Lisa Chamberlain, Environmental Justice Fund
- Pontso Mafethe, Global Greengrants Fund
- Boaventura “Boa” Monjane, Grassroots International
- Payal Patel, American Jewish World Service
Technology
- Naomi Alexander Naidoo, Luminate
- Billie Goodman, Access Now
- Ashnah Kalemera, Africa Digital Rights Fund
Thank You for Making the Funding Futures Festival Possible
The Funding Futures Festival is made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors, including a grant from the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation. We also gratefully acknowledge HRFN’s core supporters and dues-paying members, whose contributions sustain and embolden our work.
For information on how to support and sponsor the Festival, contact HRFN’s team at community@hrfn.org.
