Company Directory - Open Society Foundations
Company Details - Open Society Foundations
Open Society Foundations
WebsiteNew York City, United States
Open Society Foundations is a nonprofit organization established by George Soros that supports democracy, human rights, and a range of progressive initiatives around the world.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Open Society Foundations
27.31
-0.01%
Latest Event
Open Society Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights
On International Human Rights Day 2024, Open Society Foundations announced a series of multiyear commitments to support a wide array of human rights actors and forge strategic partnerships with like-minded governments and organizations. The initiative emphasizes rights protection, inclusion, public safety, accountability, political participation, and economic rights, underpinning a robust anti-authoritarian and progressive stance.
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DISSENTER
Open Society Foundations is currently rated as a Dissenter.
Latest Events
- DEC102024
On International Human Rights Day 2024, Open Society Foundations announced a series of multiyear commitments to support a wide array of human rights actors and forge strategic partnerships with like-minded governments and organizations. The initiative emphasizes rights protection, inclusion, public safety, accountability, political participation, and economic rights, underpinning a robust anti-authoritarian and progressive stance.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 30
The event demonstrates strong public and political engagement by reaffirming support for human rights and forging new strategic alliances aligned with progressive values. This commitment directly counters authoritarian practices and supports democracy and equity, earning a high positive score.
- DEC102024
On International Human Rights Day, Open Society Foundations announced multiyear commitments to support a wide range of human rights actors—from grassroots activists to international organizations. The announcement highlighted strategic partnerships with governments, multilateral bodies, and other progressive allies, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to promoting rights, equity, and justice.
+75
Executive Political Engagement
March 30
The announcement under the leadership of Chair Alex Soros and President Binaifer Nowrojee demonstrates strong executive political engagement by reaffirming OSF’s commitment to human rights and progressive democratic values. This proactive stance on promoting inclusive governance and supporting marginalized communities is a clear anti-authoritarian act.
- MAR112024
Open Society Foundations announced a leadership transition with its president Mark Malloch-Brown stepping down in June and the appointment of Binaifer Nowrojee as the new president. In tandem with this shift, OSF plans to lay off up to 40% of its staff worldwide and implement a new operating model, marking a significant restructuring phase.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 30
The planned layoffs of up to 40% of global staff represent a serious blow to worker security and rights, undermining labor relations. This decision has a negative impact on the organization’s ethical business practices despite its progressive mission.
George Soros’ Open Society Foundations name new president after years of layoffs and transition
-30
Economic and Structural Influence
March 30
The scheduled restructuring and shift to a new operating model indicate significant changes in the organization’s economic and structural dynamics. This move may disrupt community ties and organizational stability, reflecting a negative impact from an economic perspective.
George Soros’ Open Society Foundations name new president after years of layoffs and transition
- MAR112024
Open Society Foundations announced a leadership change with Binaifer Nowrojee set to assume the presidency, marking a historic appointment as the first woman from the global south to lead OSF. At the same time, the organization outlined a restructuring plan that includes layoffs affecting up to 40% of its global staff and a temporary pause on new grant making.
+70
Executive Political Engagement
March 30
The appointment of Binaifer Nowrojee, known for her extensive experience in human rights and international program management, reinforces OSF’s commitment to progressive values and democratic principles, aligning with an anti-authoritarian orientation.
George Soros’s Open Society Foundations Names New President After Years of Layoffs and Transition
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 30
The planned layoffs, affecting up to 40% of OSF's workforce, represent a significant negative impact on labor relations and workers’ rights, undermining the foundation’s otherwise progressive human rights agenda.
George Soros’s Open Society Foundations Names New President After Years of Layoffs and Transition
- DEC312023
Open Society Foundations spent $11,520,000 on lobbying during 2023 as reported by OpenSecrets, demonstrating its active role in political engagement to support transparency and progressive democratic policies.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 30
Open Society Foundations’ significant lobbying expenditure of $11.52 million in 2023 is indicative of its commitment to influencing policy in support of democratic values and transparency. This investment in political lobbying is aligned with its mission to counter authoritarian influences and promote progressive initiatives, marking a positive anti-authoritarian political engagement.
- OCT202023
Open Society Foundations has announced a major restructuring of its global operations to refocus on fighting authoritarianism by dedicating additional funds to its international network. The reorganization includes consolidating grant-making programs and potential job cuts of around 200 positions, which has raised concerns among union members regarding labor practices and transparency.
+75
Public and Political Behavior
March 30
The restructuring emphasizes OSF's renewed commitment to fighting authoritarianism by allocating additional resources to empower local and regional actors. This strategic focus supports democracy and human rights, aligning with anti-authoritarian values.
Soros’s Open Society Returns More Focus to Fight Authoritarianism Around the Globe
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 30
The planned job cuts and concerns raised by the union regarding reduced transparency and potential anti-union motives suggest shortcomings in labor practices. While the strategic mission is positive, the negative impact on workers’ rights and job security detracts from OSF's overall ethical business practice.
Soros’s Open Society Returns More Focus to Fight Authoritarianism Around the Globe
- OCT012023
Open Society Foundations outlined a strategic update to its grant-making model, emphasizing time-bound, locally driven programs and politically engaged initiatives. The organization reiterates its commitment to supporting democratic movements, human rights, and progressive economic reforms through innovative and integrated approaches.
+90
Public and Political Behavior
March 30
By reformatting its grant-making processes to focus on locally informed, politically engaged initiatives, OSF underscores its commitment to progressive and democratic change. This approach directly supports open society values against authoritarian tendencies and enhances civic engagement in repressive contexts.
+75
Economic and Structural Influence
March 30
The update also highlights OSF's support for broader economic reforms, including initiatives such as proposals for a global tax on billionaires and measures to curb tax avoidance. These actions signal a commitment to structural change that challenges concentrated wealth and promotes economic fairness.
- AUG312023
On August 31, 2023, Open Society Foundations announced a significant curtailment of its long-standing European funding and programs. This shift is aimed at reallocating resources to advance civil society initiatives in the global south and to more effectively counter emerging authoritarian threats. The move comes in response to criticisms of its earlier neoliberal funding model in Europe, which some argue inadvertently bolstered populist and authoritarian regimes.
+60
Public and Political Behavior
March 30
The decision to reallocate funding to better address emerging authoritarian threats and support robust civil society reflects proactive public and political behavior. Despite historical missteps in Europe, this move is aimed at reinforcing democratic values and countering far‐right, anti-democratic trends.
Why Soros and the Open Society Foundation Is Retreating From Europe
+20
Economic and Structural Influence
March 30
The restructuring of OSF’s funding approach signifies a shift in economic and structural influence. By reducing support to European programs that had previously faced criticism for inadvertently fueling neoliberal policies, OSF is attempting to correct past oversights and reallocate resources to areas with a potentially stronger impact against authoritarian influences.
Why Soros and the Open Society Foundation Is Retreating From Europe
- JUL202023
Open Society Foundations announced a strategic shift resulting in significant program cutbacks and massive staff layoffs in Europe. The move, revealed in internal communications, indicates a reduced commitment to supporting civil society and democracy, potentially opening a vacuum for far‐right and authoritarian influences.
-25
Public and Political Behavior
March 30
The decision to withdraw a substantial part of OSF’s operations in Europe reflects a reduction in their traditional public political engagement. By stepping back from active support for civil society and democratic institutions, OSF risks diminishing its influence as a counterweight to authoritarian forces.
George Soros’ Open Society Foundations intend to cut programs in Europe, worrying grantees
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 30
The announcement of massive layoffs in OSF’s European offices—cutting as much as 80% of the Berlin staff and significant reductions in Brussels and London—signals a disregard for the stability and rights of employees. This undermines OSF’s broader commitment to human rights and proper labor practices, which are integral to resisting authoritarian and repressive tendencies.
George Soros’ Open Society Foundations intend to cut programs in Europe, worrying grantees
- JUL062023
Open Society Foundations announced that its board approved significant changes to its operating model, which includes laying off 40% of its global staff as part of a restructuring under new leadership from Alex Soros. This move, the second major staff reduction in three years, has raised concerns among human rights organizations about its impact on social justice movements and worker stability.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 30
The decision to cut 40% of the workforce at Open Society Foundations undermines the organization’s long-standing commitment to human rights and progressive initiatives by negatively affecting employee welfare and organizational stability. Such a drastic reduction in staff not only disrupts services and local community engagement but also raises questions about the ethical labor practices at an institution that has traditionally supported marginalized groups.
George Soros' Open Society Foundations to lay off 40% of staff under son’s new leadership
- JUL052023
Open Society Foundations announced a series of cost-cutting measures including laying off at least 40% of its workforce, closing numerous international offices, and restructuring its governance by consolidating power among a few family members. The changes have raised concerns over worker rights and reduced democratic oversight at a time when the organization is pivotal in funding progressive and democratic causes.
-30
Executive Political Engagement
March 30
The restructuring involves a reconstitution of the board that concentrates decision-making power within a limited circle of family members and longtime advisors, undermining transparency and broader democratic engagement. This centralization has potential negative implications for democratic accountability and progressive governance.
More Cuts at Open Society Foundations: Nearly Half of Staff to Depart, Offices Close
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 30
The announcement of laying off at least 40% of the workforce represents a severe blow to worker job security and morale. Such extensive staff cuts undermine fair labor practices and human rights, particularly at an organization that has been a significant supporter in championing democratic values.
More Cuts at Open Society Foundations: Nearly Half of Staff to Depart, Offices Close
- JAN012023
Tax records reveal that Open Society Foundations donated $1.25 million in 2023 to an affiliate of the Vera Institute of Justice. This funding helped support efforts to defeat constitutional amendments perceived as paving the way for authoritarian policies in Louisiana.
- JAN012023
Open Society Foundations spent $11,520,000 on lobbying activities in 2023, indicating its proactive engagement in shaping policy debates through financial political action.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 30
The reported $11.52M expenditure on lobbying demonstrates OSF's active political engagement. Given OSF's commitment to democracy, human rights, and progressive causes, this lobbying effort is interpreted as a proactive use of resources aimed at influencing policy in a way that counters authoritarianism and supports anti-fascist initiatives.
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