For many years, large foreign financiers, such as foundations and multilateral funds, were the only source of funding for Brazilian human rights organizations. However, more recently, critics—such as conservative elements of society and government—have been questioning the dependence on these funders..
Reassessing their business models and, most importantly, diversifying sources of funding, could be the first steps that human rights NGOs need to take to achieve legitimate support for their cause. This shift could create benefits that go beyond financial sustainability, bolstering a human rights movement in Brazil that needs to be strengthened in light of the current complex political scenario.
Edwin Rekosh recently argued that the current human rights business model is not keeping up with trends in technology, philanthropy, business, and society. A change of business model and the diversification of sources of funding—exploring other means such as individual contributions—demand that an organization reinvent itself, moving away from traditional structures and processes. Such a change would also require remaining open to the new digital and communication trends that are becoming essential to mobilize and engage citizens.
