ALBA/Puffin Human Rights Award

The ALBA/Puffin Human Rights Award, jointly administered by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives (ALBA) and The Puffin Foundation, is one of the largest monetary prizes for human rights in the world. With a generous annual award of $100,000, it aims to sustain the legacy and values of the nearly 3,000 Americans who fought against fascism in the Spanish Civil War as part of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. Established in 2010 through an endowed fund created by the late philanthropist Perry Rosenstein, the award honors contemporary activists and organizations who embody the same commitment to human dignity, justice, and resistance to authoritarianism. The prize is open to individuals or organizations whose work is aligned with the legacy of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade—emphasizing anti-fascism, racial and economic justice, and the defense of civil liberties. The scope of the award encompasses a broad range of human rights efforts, including but not limited to civil rights, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and anti-extremism advocacy. Past recipients reflect this diversity, including Indigenous Women Rising, Jews for Racial & Economic Justice Community, 18by Vote, and Life After Hate, each recognized for their substantial impact in fields ranging from voter engagement and anti-hate interventions to Indigenous and reproductive health rights. The award can support various uses, such as expanding organizational capacity, launching or scaling initiatives, or sustaining ongoing advocacy campaigns. Although the competition does not specify limitations on the use of funds, projects that maintain a clear connection to anti-fascist values and community-centered action are favored. The award does not require matching funds or cost share, and there are no indications of disallowed expenses in the provided guidance. Applicants must complete a submission via the provided Google Form by November 30, 2025. The application process appears straightforward, requiring a description of the nominee's work and its alignment with the values and legacy of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. No intermediate gating steps (such as Letters of Intent) are mentioned. While evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, past awardee selections suggest that the review committee prioritizes impact, clarity of mission, grassroots engagement, and a demonstrated commitment to social justice. The award is non-renewable but is issued annually, with one recipient selected each year. Notification and award ceremonies are typically held in the spring of the following year, as indicated by the timing of recent award ceremonies in May. No specific program officer is listed, but general contact for inquiries is available through ALBA at info@alba-valb.org or by phone at 212-674-5398. The program supports initiatives across the United States, without state-level restrictions, indicating a nationwide scope. The award reflects a continuing effort to recognize, celebrate, and materially support activism in the spirit of those who historically resisted fascism and championed human rights.