OVERVIEW
WHO WE ARE
The Constitutionalism Fund (CF) oversees a joint investment of US$25 million that was made in 2015 to promote and advance constitutionalism in South Africa over a period of ten years. The CF was established by the Atlantic Philanthropies (represented by the Social Change Initiative), Ford Foundation, and Open Society Foundation.
Learn more
OUR WORK
The CF makes grants to civil society organisations across South Africa. This includes community organisations, social movements, and non-governmental organisations that are operating at a national level and use research, advocacy, and public interest law to pursue the promise of constitutional rights for all.
New Content Coming Soon
OUR PARTNERS
More than 60 diverse organisations in South Africa have received funding from the CF. Over the years, the CF partners have been at the forefront of human rights and social justice activism, using the Constitution to hold leaders to account, transform institutions, and pursue rights for those living on the margins of society.
New Content Coming Soon
LEGACY
In 2025, the CF will reach the end of its life span. The past 10 years have provided key lessons about joint funding for the advancement of constitutionalism.
New Content Coming Soon
"People come and go. Customs, fashions and preferences change. Yet the web of fundamental rights and justice which a nation proclaims must not be broken."
- Nelson Mandela
THE PREMISE OF OUR WORK
The Constitution of South Africa is the country's supreme law. It provides the legal foundation for the Republic's existence, sets out the rights and duties of its citizens, and defines the structure of government. The current constitution was approved by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996 and came into effect on 4 February 1997.
