Leaders at the foundations said they remain committed to supporting key parts of the human rights ecosystem. They now provide long term, unrestricted funding to human rights organizations as part of what they call "network grants." One new program focuses on protecting human rights defenders, especially those that advocate against environmental destruction. "George Soros and Alex Soros see this place as a political philanthropy and that means a more active participation in questions over power," said Benardo. The U.S. had long been among the largest funders of human rights.