A virtual organization that started in Coquitlam is hoping to give interested residents and groups an opportunity to grow local advocacy for human rights.
Human Rights Internet (HRI) is offering grants to help turn ideas into reality aimed to create education and dialogue in continued efforts for social justice.
In a statement to the Tri-City News, grants of up to $2,500 are available.
Passionate individuals, community associations, schools and non-profits are encouraged to apply for the Canada-wide funds.
HRI chair Hazel Postma explains the money has helped promote human rights access in different corners of the country through a variety of people and organizations.
"We are open to any initiative that focuses on one of the articles in the UN Declaration of Human Rights," the Coquitlam resident says.
"We've deliberately kept the application process simple so that anyone with a plan that focuses on human rights can apply."
Postma herself garnered an interest in advocating for human rights through "the first half of her career" as a journalist before entering the philanthropic world.
According to her profile, she continues to volunteer on such assignments, which has taken her to places like the Northwest Territories, Honduras and Vietnam.
And during that time, she helped launch HRI in 1976 to help promote social justice causes, events, opportunities and projects among others that share the same passion.
Postma's also previously served as Douglas College's associate vice president of advancement and alumni relations, as well as executive director of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.
She's also a recipient of the 2013 Queen's Jubliee Medal for community service.
Tri-Cities residents, groups or non-profits interested in applying for HRI's grant is encouraged to visit the organization's website.
Postma notes the money, however, can not be used for conference travel or registrations, bursaries or scholarships, prizes or international work.
