Welcome

Where Human Rights Matter

The David D. Dodge Foundation is dedicated to advancing global human rights. Through partnerships with trusted organizations, we provide grants that protect dignity, freedom, and justice worldwide.

Foundation

The David D. Dodge Foundation funds nonprofit organizations defending human rights worldwide.

The David D. Dodge Foundation is where human rights matter. Established in 2018, the foundation partners with trusted nonprofits across the U.S. and globally to defend dignity, freedom, and equality. Through targeted grants, we support changemakers working to abolish the death penalty, protect women’s rights in the Middle East and immigrants’ rights in detention centers in the U.S., expand access to education, protect freedom of the press, and bring clean water to communities in need. Our mission is rooted in both action and hope—driving meaningful change while inspiring a vision of a world where human rights are universally respected.

Visitors to our home page will discover our mission and vision, explore the global impact of our grantees, and meet the changemakers making a difference. With stories of resilience and empowerment, the home page sets the tone for advocacy, transparency, and hope.

Number of Grants Made

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Nonprofits Supported

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Years of Non-Profit Support

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How the David D. Dodge Foundation Advances Human Rights

How does the Foundation choose the causes it supports?

We align with organizations whose missions reflect our vision of justice, dignity, and equality. We focus on initiatives that empower individuals and create sustainable, long-term change.

What is the core purpose of the David D. Dodge Foundation?

Our purpose is to ensure that human rights are protected and advanced globally by supporting nonprofit organizations with a proven record of meaningful impact.

How does the Foundation measure its impact?

We track the progress of grantee organizations, highlight changemaker stories, and look for tangible improvements in the lives of those served—such as access to justice, education, or basic human needs.

Advocacy

Changemakers

Meet the Changemakers supported by the David D. Dodge Foundation

Human Rights Watch

Freedom of the Press Foundation

Southern Poverty Law Center

Death Penalty Action

Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation

Project Sheluka

Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty

South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

Testimonials

Experiences

David has been one of our most steadfast supporters for nearly a decade. He made a special grant to establish a sports and recreation program, to bring joy and physical well-being to our girls. When things became further complicated in Afghanistan recently, and many funders started questioning their commitment to girls education in our country — he was first to ask: How can I help? He has sponsored a student for many years, with whom he shares a special bond, and gone above and beyond to make sure she — and, critically, her whole family — have the support they need for their collective health, and her ongoing education. David is a true champion for Afghan girls, and I count him among my dearest friends.

At the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), we are unwavering in confronting racism in all its forms. We are guided by a deep commitment to building a future where hate and extremism, poverty, and mass incarceration are relics of the past. This work could not have been done without the support of supporters like the David D. Dodge Foundation. We are grateful for the David D. Dodge Foundation's partnership in this critical work and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the future.

The David D. Dodge Foundation has been a steady ally for years now, empowering key on-the-ground projects which are making a difference in the struggle to oppose executions and end the death penalty. David Dodge is not the only funder of ours who pays close attention to our work, but he shows up and joins in the work too. We appreciate that Mr. Dodge puts his money where his mouth is.

For nearly a decade, the David D. Dodge Foundation has stood beside Human Rights Watch as a steadfast partner. Through mutual trust and respect, the Foundation provides reassurance and stability to public outreach programs and to life-saving work. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the David D. Dodge Foundation in making a real and lasting impact together.

"It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. Never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is insignificant."

Desmond Tutu