Human Rights Initiative Call for Proposals

The Human Rights Initiative (HRI) is pleased to announce a request for proposals for funding through the HRI Research Fund. HRI is a joint initiative of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs (HSPA). Our goal is to support human rights research and education at the University of Minnesota. HRI has received recurring funds from the Provost’s office to support nearly $140,000 each year in interdisciplinary human rights research. HRI seeks to support research that significantly addresses today’s human rights challenges. 

The HRI calls on faculty and P&A staff from all disciplines at the University of Minnesota to submit, by October 2, 2026, one-year funding proposals for grants between $10,000 and $50,000 that promote scholarly and artistic activities and that foster academic excellence in the field of human rights at the global and local levels. 

HRI is seeking proposals from researchers willing to write, produce or perform the results of their research in human rights terms. Thus, applicants must explain how their proposed research connects with recognized human rights debates, issues, treaties, processes, or activities. Learn more about the Human Rights Initiative, and review the call for proposals.