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 while connecting funders from around the world, the Festival will be a site for action and imagination.
With tracks dedicated to climate, technology, democracy and civic space, 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.
REGISTRATION AND CALL FOR PROPOSALS OPEN 5 OCTOBER 2026
Four Thematic Tracks
To tackle complex global challenges, HRFN’s 2027 Funding Futures Festival is anchored in four thematic tracks. These tracks offer focused entry points to explore critical questions shaping the future and will be woven together for cross-issue action at the Festival.
Climate Justice
How climate funding can bridge big picture climate action and grassroots strategies to align resources for a climate-just future.
Technology
How human rights philanthropy navigates AI, government surveillance, and the digital divide while advancing funding for equitable tech ecosystems.
Democracy
& Civic Space
Grounded in the Better Preparedness Initiative, how human rights philanthropy can anticipate, collaborate, and invest to protect the future of democracy and civic space.
Open Track
An incubator for transformative ideas and urgent intersectional issues that transcend a specific track theme, shaping the next generation of human rights philanthropy.
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.
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
Hawa Ba, Open Society Foundations
Briggs Bomba, TrustAfrica
Audrey Elster, The RAITH Foundation
Diakhoumba Gassama, The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
B. Caroline Kouassiaman, Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO)
Mukami Marete, UHAI EASHRI
Lusako Munyenyembe, Ford Foundation
Jabulani Pereira, Nurture Retreat and Wellness Center
Track Advisors
Lisa Chamberlain, Environmental Justice Fund
Pontso Mafethe, Global Greengrants Fund
Boaventura “Boa” Monjane, Grassroots International
Payal Patel, American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
Billie Goodman, Access Now
Ashnah Kalemera, The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
Jan Moolman, Numun Fund
Naomi Alexander Naidoo, Luminate
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
Lillian Muyambe Tamale, CIVFund
Festival Sponsors
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 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.
Community Care
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 are working closely with our advisors and local partners to support visa access, community security, and accessibility. Our community is stronger for its diversity.