Target Audience
- Readers who want to understand the origins, philosophy, history, and development of Open Society Foundations (OSF).
- Those interested in international philanthropy, NGOs, civil society, democracy, and human rights.
- Researchers, nonprofit professionals, and general readers seeking an overview of OSF's current activities, funding priorities, organizational reforms, and challenges.
Summary
- Open Society Foundations (OSF) traces its origins to philanthropic activities initiated by George Soros in 1979 and has developed into an international network supporting democracy, human rights, justice, and social inclusion.
- OSF goes beyond conventional grantmaking by combining financial support, policy advocacy, strategic litigation, research, education, and social impact investing to promote institutional change.
- George Soros has contributed more than $32 billion to OSF, and the organization reported approximately $1.2 billion in annual expenditures in 2024.
- Since 2023, OSF has undergone major organizational restructuring under a new governance structure centered on Alex Soros, shifting toward more focused, flexible, and long-term funding strategies.
- As of 2026, OSF faces significant challenges, including political and legal pressure from governments, the consequences of organizational downsizing, questions about the legitimacy of private influence on public policy, and the sustainability of its grantees.
1. What Is Open Society Foundations?
Open Society Foundations (OSF) is an international network of private philanthropic foundations established by American investor and philanthropist George Soros.
Its mission is to support democracy, human rights, justice, and social inclusion around the world.
The organization's origins date back to scholarship programs initiated in 1979. Its institutional development accelerated with the establishment of a foundation in Hungary in 1984, eventually expanding into a major global philanthropic network supporting civil society organizations across numerous countries.[1][2]
OSF is neither a government institution nor an international organization comparable to the United Nations.
Rather, it is an independent philanthropic organization that uses private resources to support civil society and influence public policies and institutional development.
Five Key Points About OSF
Five characteristics are particularly important for understanding OSF.
- Its founding philosophy is the concept of an "open society." Inspired by philosopher Karl Popper, OSF promotes societies in which power can be challenged, diverse perspectives are respected, and individual rights are protected.
- It is more than a conventional grantmaking foundation. In addition to funding NGOs, OSF employs policy advocacy, research, strategic litigation, and social impact investing to encourage institutional change.
- It operates with substantial financial resources. George Soros has contributed more than $32 billion, and OSF's annual expenditures reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2024.
- It underwent major organizational restructuring between 2023 and 2025. Governance leadership transitioned toward Alex Soros, George Soros's son, while the organization reduced staff and offices and adopted a more focused operating model.
- It faces significant political and organizational challenges. Government restrictions, political conflicts, funding uncertainty among grantees, and the effects of restructuring on regional networks remain important issues.[3][4][5]
Basic Information About OSF
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Open Society Foundations (OSF) |
| Origins | Philanthropic activities beginning in 1979; foundation established in Hungary in 1984 |
| Founder | George Soros |
| Current board chair | Alex Soros |
| Current president | Binaifer Nowrojee |
| Regions of activity | Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and the United States |
| Main beneficiaries | NGOs, civil society organizations, research institutions, educational institutions, activists, and public-interest organizations |
| Organizational structure | International network of foundations and affiliated organizations |
Source: OSF official materials.[2][6]
OSF's Financial Scale
OSF is one of the world's largest private philanthropic networks.
| Indicator | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cumulative contributions from George Soros | More than $32 billion |
| Cumulative expenditures | $24.2 billion |
| Annual expenditures in 2024 | Approximately $1.2 billion |
These figures are based on OSF's official publications.[2][7]
It is important to distinguish between cumulative contributions, cumulative expenditures, and annual expenditures, as these represent different financial measures and should not be compared as equivalent indicators.
2. The History of OSF: From Its Founding to the Present
OSF's history can be divided into four major periods.
Phase 1: 1979–1989 — Supporting Freedom During the Cold War
OSF originated in the philanthropic activities George Soros began in 1979.
Soros initially supported scholarship programs for Black South African students and dissident intellectuals in Eastern Europe.
At the time, much of Eastern Europe was under communist one-party rule during the Cold War.
Access to independent information, academic freedom, and unrestricted intellectual inquiry was limited in many of these societies.
In 1984, Soros established a foundation in Hungary, which was then governed by a communist one-party system.
The foundation supported independent information exchange, education, and research.
The underlying idea was that encouraging intellectual freedom and access to knowledge could help transform closed societies.[1]
Phase 2: 1990–2000s — From Eastern European Democratization to Global Human Rights
Beginning in 1989, communist governments across Eastern Europe collapsed, followed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
These developments changed the environment in which OSF operated.
Its activities expanded from supporting freedom under authoritarian governments to strengthening democratic institutions and civil society in countries undergoing political and economic transitions.
A major initiative was the establishment of Central European University (CEU), which opened in 1991.
CEU was created to support education and research and to help develop intellectual and professional communities committed to the principles of an open society.
OSF also expanded into scientific research support in former Soviet states, early childhood education, Roma rights, judicial reform, and public health.
Regional foundations were subsequently established in Africa and other regions, contributing to the development of its global network.[1]
Phase 3: 2010–2022 — Democratic Backsliding and Conflicts With Governments
During the 2010s, OSF continued supporting anti-corruption initiatives, refugee and migrant rights, racial justice, judicial independence, and freedom of the press.
At the same time, its activities increasingly encountered resistance from certain national governments.
Hungary became a particularly prominent example.
The Hungarian government introduced restrictions affecting foreign-funded civil society organizations and activities related to migration.
In 2018, OSF relocated its regional headquarters from Budapest to Berlin in response to the legal and political environment.[8]
This development illustrated how OSF's support for civil society could bring it into conflict with national governments and domestic political priorities.
Phase 4: 2023–Present — Generational Leadership Change and Strategic Restructuring
Beginning in 2023, OSF entered a major transitional period.
Governance leadership shifted from George Soros toward his son, Alex Soros.
At the same time, the organization undertook extensive restructuring.
OSF significantly reduced its global workforce and office network while shifting from a broad regional support model toward more concentrated priorities and longer-term, more flexible funding.
In 2024, Binaifer Nowrojee became president of OSF.
By 2025, OSF leadership described the transition to its new operating model as complete.[4][9]
Timeline of Major Developments
| Year | Major development | Historical significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Scholarship support begins in South Africa and elsewhere | Origins of Soros's philanthropic activities |
| 1984 | Soros Foundation established in Hungary | Beginning of more institutionalized operations |
| 1989 | Activities expand across Eastern Europe and the former Soviet region | Support during the end of the Cold War |
| 1991 | Central European University opens | Long-term social transformation through education |
| 1993 | Support for scientific research in former Soviet states and early childhood education | Expansion from democratization to broader institutional support |
| 1996 | Formal establishment of U.S. programs | Expansion into domestic human rights and justice issues |
| 1997 | Regional foundation established in Southern Africa | Development of a global regional network |
| 2000s | Support expands into drug policy, public health, and international justice | Greater specialization in thematic programs |
| 2018 | Regional headquarters relocated from Hungary to Berlin | Increasing political and legal constraints |
| 2023 | Major organizational restructuring and staff reductions | Transformation of the operating model |
| 2024 | Binaifer Nowrojee becomes president | Transition to new leadership |
| 2025 | OSF describes completion of its transition to a new operating model | Revised priorities and funding approaches |
Sources: OSF's official history and a Devex interview with OSF leadership published in April 2025.[1][4][9]
3. The Founding Philosophy: What Is an "Open Society"?
The name Open Society Foundations derives from the political philosophy of Karl Popper, particularly his book The Open Society and Its Enemies.
Popper argued that no individual or institution possesses absolute and unquestionable truth.
A healthy society must therefore allow criticism, debate, and the correction of errors in the exercise of power.
George Soros was influenced by this philosophy and developed it into a practical approach to philanthropy, using his financial resources to support civil society and institutional development.[10]
What Does an Open Society Mean?
In OSF's philosophy, an open society means more than a society where information is publicly available.
It refers to a society with characteristics such as the following:
- Democratic governance functions effectively.
- Governments and other centers of power can be criticized and held accountable.
- Individual freedoms and rights are respected.
- Minorities and marginalized communities are protected.
- Different beliefs and perspectives can coexist.
- Citizens can participate in political and social decision-making.
These principles form the philosophical foundation of OSF's activities.
4. Five Defining Characteristics of Open Society Foundations
Although OSF shares certain features with conventional philanthropic foundations, its approach has several distinctive characteristics.
Characteristic 1: Emphasis on Political and Institutional Change
Many philanthropic organizations support direct services in areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.
OSF also addresses the laws, policies, institutions, and power structures that contribute to social problems.
Examples include:
- Improving transparency in judicial systems
- Reforming discriminatory laws affecting minority groups
- Supporting independent media organizations
- Strengthening mechanisms for public participation in policymaking
- Funding organizations that monitor government accountability
In other words, OSF seeks to address not only the symptoms of social problems but also the institutional conditions that create them.
Characteristic 2: Combining Grants With Multiple Methods of Intervention
OSF uses several complementary methods rather than relying exclusively on financial grants.[11]
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Grantmaking | Providing project funding and operating support to NGOs and civil society organizations |
| Policy advocacy | Engaging governments and international institutions to influence policy |
| Strategic litigation | Using legal proceedings to protect rights and improve legal frameworks |
| Impact investing | Investing in businesses and projects intended to generate social outcomes |
| Research and education | Supporting researchers, universities, intellectual communities, and independent debate |
For example, when addressing a human rights issue, OSF may provide funding to a local advocacy organization while also supporting policy reform efforts and legal challenges.
This combination of approaches is one of the organization's defining characteristics.
Characteristic 3: Working Through Local Organizations
OSF places significant emphasis on working with NGOs and civil society groups that understand local circumstances.
Its partners and beneficiaries may include:
- Local human rights organizations
- Independent news organizations
- Educators
- Legal professionals
- Civil society activists
- Community-based public-interest organizations
In 2023, OSF's grants benefited organizations and individuals across more than 100 countries, with more than 2,350 grants awarded.[12]
OSF also explains that most grantees are approached directly by the foundation.
Consequently, its funding decisions are not based exclusively on open grant applications.
Characteristic 4: Engagement in Politically Contested Areas
OSF supports activities in areas that can generate significant political and social disagreement.
These have included civil liberties, migrant and refugee rights, LGBTQ rights, drug policy reform, and criminal justice reform.
Supporters view such efforts as important for protecting rights and strengthening democratic institutions.
Critics in some countries argue that funding from foreign philanthropic organizations can influence domestic policies and political priorities.
OSF is therefore not a politically neutral organization in the sense of having no normative commitments.
It explicitly supports democracy, human rights, and justice and participates in policy processes intended to advance these principles.[6][13]
However, it is important not to automatically equate every activity undertaken by an OSF grantee with a direct decision or position of OSF itself.
Characteristic 5: Substantial Financial Resources and a Flexible Funding Model
OSF's financial resources are a major feature of its operating model.
However, the scale of its spending does not, by itself, establish the extent of its social impact.
OSF has also explained that, for many grantees, it generally seeks to avoid providing more than one-third of their organizational budgets.[14]
The purpose of this approach is to help grantees maintain institutional independence and avoid excessive reliance on a single donor.
5. OSF's Current Priority Areas
OSF organizes its global activities into four major areas.[3]
Priority Area 1: Democratic Practice
This area focuses on strengthening the institutions and civic activities necessary for democracy to function effectively.
Major themes include:
- Elections and civic participation
- Independent media
- Freedom of expression
- Oversight of political power
- Democratic accountability
The central objective is to support an environment in which governments can be held accountable and citizens can participate in political and social decision-making.
Priority Area 2: Rights and Dignity
This area focuses on protecting individual rights and human dignity.
Its activities address issues such as:
- Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, and other characteristics
- Protection of migrants and refugees
- Access to justice
- Individual freedom
- Protection of human dignity
Protecting the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations is a central concern.
Priority Area 3: Equity in Governance
This area addresses fairness in political and economic institutions, including how resources and opportunities are distributed.
Major themes include:
- Economic inequality
- Unequal resource distribution
- Global power imbalances
- Social exclusion
- Relationships between economic policy and democracy
OSF considers how economic disparities can affect political participation and democratic governance.
The goal is to support more equitable institutional arrangements.
Priority Area 4: Future Worlds
This area examines structural changes likely to shape societies in the coming decades.
Major themes include:
- Climate change
- Technological innovation
- Demographic change
- Economic transformation
- Future institutional arrangements
- Sustainable economic development
Through this work, OSF extends its focus beyond established human rights and democracy issues to emerging challenges affecting future societies.
Notable Initiatives in 2025–2026
Although the four priority areas can appear abstract, recent funding announcements and initiatives provide more concrete examples.
| Announcement date | Initiative | Scale and focus |
|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Critical minerals and development in Africa | Devex reported an initiative worth approximately $80 million, focused on connecting mineral development with more equitable economic outcomes. |
| May 13, 2026 | Addressing antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred | A planned commitment of $30 million over three years |
| May 20, 2026 | Economic security and civil liberties in the United States | Announcement of a new $300 million initiative |
| August 2026 | International criminal justice | Participation in a legal challenge concerning U.S. sanctions targeting International Criminal Court officials |
Sources: OSF announcements, Devex, and related reporting.[4][15][16][17]
An increasingly important feature of OSF's strategy is the idea that protecting democracy requires more than defending elections and freedom of expression.
It may also require addressing economic inequality.
In September 2025, the Associated Press reported statements from OSF leadership identifying inequality as a significant factor undermining democracy.[18]
6. Where Does OSF Spend Its Money?
OSF operates across numerous regions, but its financial resources are not distributed equally.
Its 2024 regional expenditures provide insight into the geographic structure of its activities.
Regional Expenditures in 2024
| Region | Expenditure (USD millions) |
|---|---|
| Global | 631.9 |
| United States | 242.0 |
| Latin America and the Caribbean | 117.1 |
| Europe and Central Asia | 83.7 |
| Africa | 69.9 |
| Asia-Pacific | 26.0 |
| Middle East and North Africa | 19.4 |
Source: OSF official financial data.[7]
The "Global" category is a separate category for activities with worldwide scope. It is not the sum of the regional expenditure categories.
What the Expenditure Data Reveals
First, the Global category accounted for approximately $632 million, more than half of annual expenditures.
This category includes international programs and support not assigned to a specific region.
Second, among geographically defined categories, the United States represented a substantial share of spending.
By comparison, expenditures assigned to the Asia-Pacific region totaled approximately $26 million, a relatively small amount.
However, these figures describe expenditures in 2024.
They do not directly establish OSF's budget allocations or regional priorities in 2026.
7. Five Major Challenges Facing OSF
OSF's current challenges can be divided into those arising from external political and social conditions and those related to its internal organizational structure.
Challenge 1: Political and Legal Conflicts With Governments
Because OSF supports activities involving political institutions, human rights, the judiciary, and media freedom, its work can bring it into conflict with national governments.
One prominent example was the relocation of OSF's regional headquarters from Budapest to Berlin in 2018.
The move followed legal restrictions introduced by the Hungarian government.[8]
In 2026, OSF officials were denied entry into Kenya, prompting the foundation to raise concerns about the rule of law.[17]
Tensions have also intensified in the United States.
In September 2025, ABC News reported that senior U.S. Justice Department officials had instructed several federal prosecutors to prepare an investigation involving OSF.
OSF responded by arguing that the action was politically motivated.[19][20]
It is essential to distinguish reports of preparations for an investigation from any determination that unlawful conduct occurred.
These developments create risks beyond public reputation.
They may affect operating permissions, international grant transfers, local partner safety, and exposure to legal disputes.
Challenge 2: The Impact of Major Restructuring on Local Support Networks
OSF began organizational restructuring in 2021.
The process included substantial workforce reductions in 2023, and by 2025 OSF described its transition to a new operating model as complete.
In an April 2025 interview with Devex, OSF's president discussed the approximate scale of these changes.[4]
| Indicator | Before restructuring | After restructuring |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce | Approximately 2,000 | Approximately 500 |
| Global offices | Approximately 40 | 13 |
These are approximate figures discussed in April 2025 and should not be interpreted as verified current staffing levels for 2026.
OSF leadership described the restructuring as an effort to increase organizational agility and make funding more flexible and sustainable over longer periods.
However, the Associated Press and specialized philanthropy publications reported that reductions in existing programs, including activities in Europe and public health, created uncertainty for organizations that had relied on OSF support.[21][22]
A major question is whether a substantially smaller organization can maintain or improve its local knowledge, relationships, and social impact.
Challenge 3: The Influence of Private Wealth on Public Policy
Organizations such as OSF can provide important financial support to independent civil society groups.
However, decisions about which organizations to fund and which objectives to prioritize can have substantial social and political consequences.
Different perspectives exist on this issue.
| Perspective | Main argument |
|---|---|
| OSF and its supporters | Supporting civil society independently of governments and markets can strengthen democratic oversight and protect minority rights. |
| Critics | Foundations controlled by individuals with substantial private wealth may influence public policy and social values despite not being democratically elected. |
| Organizational governance perspective | Greater clarity may be needed regarding grant selection, financial transparency, conflicts of interest, and the evaluation of social outcomes. |
The issue extends beyond whether philanthropic organizations should engage in public policy advocacy.
It raises a broader governance question: how should privately funded public-interest activities relate to democratic decision-making?
Challenge 4: Grantee Dependence and Organizational Sustainability
OSF has provided long-term financial support to numerous civil society organizations.
As a result, changes in OSF's geographic priorities or thematic programs can significantly affect existing grantees.
During the reduction of European operations in 2023, some existing grantees expressed concerns about the clarity of OSF's communications regarding future funding and strategic changes.[21]
OSF's revised strategy in 2025 emphasized longer-term and more flexible grantmaking.[4]
Nevertheless, continued evaluation is necessary to determine whether this approach has improved the financial stability of grantees.
Challenge 5: Increasingly Complex Relationships Among Democracy, Rights, Economics, and Technology
During OSF's early years, challenges such as censorship and restrictions on political freedom under Cold War governments were relatively clear areas of concern.
Today, social challenges are increasingly interconnected.
Examples include:
- Information manipulation
- Economic inequality
- Migration
- Climate change
- Technological developments, including artificial intelligence
- Geopolitical conflicts
These issues cannot always be addressed independently.
For example, protecting freedom of expression may sometimes create tensions with efforts to combat online discrimination or misinformation.
OSF therefore faces the challenge of supporting not only individual causes but also processes for balancing competing rights and social interests.
8. Future Directions and Outlook
OSF's activities and management policies in 2025–2026 suggest several important issues to monitor.
Strategic Changes and Key Questions
| Area | Observed direction | Key question |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | Greater concentration on selected priority areas | Will more focused support produce stronger outcomes? |
| Funding | Emphasis on longer-term, more flexible grants | Will this improve grantee stability? |
| Economics | Greater attention to the relationship between inequality and democracy | Will investment in economic equity expand? |
| Regional operations | Maintaining a global support network with fewer offices | Can OSF preserve strong relationships with local partners? |
| Governance | Generational transition centered on Alex Soros | How will family influence relate to independent organizational decision-making? |
| Political and legal environment | Government restrictions and political disputes across multiple countries | Can OSF manage legal risks while continuing civil society support? |
These are analytical questions based on developments observed so far, not definitive predictions about future outcomes.
A Growing Emphasis on the Relationship Between Democracy and Economic Inequality
One notable feature of OSF's recent activities is its increasing emphasis on the relationship between democratic governance and economic inequality.
Even when political freedoms are formally guaranteed, substantial economic disparities may create inequalities in citizens' practical ability to participate in political life.
OSF increasingly views such inequalities as relevant to the long-term sustainability of democracy.
The $300 million U.S. initiative announced in May 2026 combines economic security with the protection of civil liberties.[16]
This suggests that OSF is expanding its attention beyond political institutions to include the economic and social conditions that support them.
Evaluating the Results of Organizational Restructuring
Another important issue is the outcome of OSF's organizational reforms.
The foundation significantly reduced its global workforce and office network.
At the same time, it announced a stronger emphasis on focused priorities and longer-term funding arrangements.
Important evaluation questions include:
- Has a smaller organizational structure improved decision-making speed?
- Has OSF maintained strong relationships with local communities and partners?
- Have funding changes improved grantee sustainability?
- Has the revised strategy produced measurable social outcomes?
The answers will help determine how effectively OSF's new operating model supports its mission.
9. What OSF's History and Current Direction Tell Us
Looking across its history, OSF's activities can be understood as evolving through three broad stages.
Stage 1: 1979–1989 — Opening Closed Societies
During this period, OSF's early activities focused on expanding political and intellectual freedom through scholarships, education, and access to independent information.
Much of this work took place in societies where civic and intellectual freedoms were restricted, particularly in Cold War Eastern Europe.
Stage 2: 1990–2022 — Institutionalizing Open Societies
Following the end of the Cold War, OSF expanded its support for the institutions needed to sustain democratic societies.
Its work increasingly covered civil society, the judiciary, human rights, education, and public health.
During this period, OSF developed into a global philanthropic network.
Stage 3: 2023–Present — Making Open Societies Sustainable
OSF's current direction places greater emphasis on the economic and social conditions needed to sustain democracy and human rights over time.
The organization has also undertaken major restructuring to improve agility and focus its financial resources.
How Has OSF Evolved?
Viewed across these stages, OSF has developed from an organization primarily associated with democratization support into a global philanthropic network addressing relationships among political institutions, economic systems, and social structures.
At the same time, its international scale and influence have brought increased scrutiny.
Important questions include:
- The legitimacy of private philanthropic involvement in public policy
- The independence of grantees
- Transparency in funding decisions
- Accountability for social outcomes
- Responsiveness to local priorities and communities
- Continuity of support amid political and legal conflicts
As of 2026, a particularly important challenge is whether OSF can demonstrate meaningful results from its revised strategy while maintaining relationships with local organizations and ensuring continuity of support.
10. Conclusion
Open Society Foundations originated in philanthropic activities initiated by George Soros in 1979 and has developed into a global network supporting democracy, human rights, justice, and social inclusion.
Its history can be understood as a progression from supporting freedom during the Cold War, to strengthening democratic institutions after the Cold War, and more recently to addressing economic inequality and the challenges facing future societies.
A defining characteristic of OSF is its emphasis on changing not only the immediate conditions of social problems but also the policies and institutions that contribute to them.
Consequently, OSF is more than a conventional grantmaking foundation.
It combines grants, policy advocacy, strategic litigation, research, education, and social investment to pursue its objectives.
However, its activities also generate political debate.
The legitimacy of private philanthropic influence over public policy, conflicts with national governments, and the financial dependence of grantees remain important issues.
Furthermore, major restructuring since 2023 has substantially changed how OSF operates.
Understanding OSF as of 2026 therefore requires examining not only its founding philosophy but also what the organization has chosen to continue, reduce, or prioritize through its reforms.
Its future development will need to be assessed through more than financial scale alone.
Relationships with local communities, grantee sustainability, measurable social outcomes, and organizational accountability will remain essential considerations.
References
[1] Open Society Foundations, "Our History," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/who-we-are/our-history
[2] Open Society Foundations, "Who We Are," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/who-we-are
[3] Open Society Foundations, "What We Do," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/what-we-do
[4] Devex, "OSF's new strategy bets on longer-term, more flexible funding," Devex, 2025. https://www.devex.com/news/osf-s-new-strategy-bets-on-longer-term-more-flexible-funding-109708
[5] Alliance Magazine, "Has OSF's big bet paid off?," Alliance Magazine, 2025. https://www.alliancemagazine.org/analysis/has-osfs-big-bet-paid-off/
[6] Open Society Foundations, "Who We Are," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/who-we-are
[7] Open Society Foundations, "Financials," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/who-we-are/financials
[8] Open Society Foundations, "Our History," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/who-we-are/our-history
[9] Devex, "OSF's new strategy bets on longer-term, more flexible funding," Devex, 2025. https://www.devex.com/news/osf-s-new-strategy-bets-on-longer-term-more-flexible-funding-109708
[10] Open Society Foundations, "Our History," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/who-we-are/our-history
[11] Open Society Foundations, "How We Work," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/how-we-work
[12] Open Society Foundations, "Grants and Fellowships," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants
[13] Open Society Foundations, "What We Do," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/what-we-do
[14] Open Society Foundations, "Grants and Fellowships," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants
[15] Devex, "OSF's new strategy bets on longer-term, more flexible funding," Devex, 2025. https://www.devex.com/news/osf-s-new-strategy-bets-on-longer-term-more-flexible-funding-109708
[16] Open Society Foundations, "Open Society Foundations Launch $300 Million Initiative to Advance Economic Security and Defend Civil Liberties in the United States," Open Society Foundations, 2026. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/open-society-foundations-launch-300-million-initiative-to-advance-economic-security-and-defend-civil-liberties-in-the-united-states
[17] Open Society Foundations, "Newsroom," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom
[18] Associated Press, reporting on OSF leadership's statements regarding economic inequality and democracy, September 2025. Specific article URL not provided.
[19] ABC News, reporting on U.S. Department of Justice preparations for an investigation involving OSF, September 2025. https://abcnews.go.com/
[20] Open Society Foundations, "Newsroom," Open Society Foundations. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom
[21] Associated Press, reporting on OSF restructuring and its impact on grantees. https://apnews.com/
[22] Alliance Magazine, "Has OSF's big bet paid off?," Alliance Magazine, 2025. https://www.alliancemagazine.org/analysis/has-osfs-big-bet-paid-off/
[23] OECD, "Open Society Foundations," Development Co-operation Profiles, 2025. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/development-co-operation-profiles_04b376d7-en/open-society-foundations_19516b58-en.html