Grants open outside the United States
12 of the 77 programmes in our catalogue accept applicants from outside the US. These are those.
Check your eligibility — free, no accountEvery international programme we track
Global Innovation Fund
Funds innovations that improve life for people living on under $5 a day, anywhere in the world. Takes nonprofits and for-profits alike.
Funder page →Grand Challenges Canada
Bold ideas in global health and humanitarian settings, primarily in low- and middle-income countries.
Funder page →Wellcome Trust grants
One of the largest health research funders in the world. Many schemes are open to researchers outside the UK — check each scheme's eligibility.
Funder page →Global Fund for Women
Funds women-led and feminist organizations worldwide. A large share is identified through partners rather than open application, so read their current guidance before writing.
Funder page →Global Fund for Children
Backs small grassroots organizations serving children. Mostly scouted rather than applied to, so treat this as a funder to get known by.
Funder page →United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF)
One of the few UN funds that takes direct applications from civil society organizations. The window is short — watch for the annual call.
Funder page →Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
For entrepreneurs based in Africa, at early stage. One of the largest open-application programmes on the continent.
Funder page →African Women's Development Fund
Funds African women's rights organizations. Calls are thematic, so the fit question is which call is open, not whether you qualify in general.
Funder page →Segal Family Foundation
Backs locally-led organizations in sub-Saharan Africa with unrestricted multi-year money — rare and worth building a relationship toward.
Funder page →DAAD scholarships
For individuals studying or researching in Germany. Open to applicants from most countries.
Funder page →Erasmus+
Education, training and youth funding across Europe, with some actions open to partner countries outside it.
Funder page →Echoing Green Fellowship
For founders with decision-making power over their own early-stage organization. Open to any nationality, working in any country. Full-time commitment required.
Funder page →Why the list is this short
Because it is honest. 65 of our 77 programmes are US-only: American private foundations overwhelmingly fund US charities, and federal grants need US registration no applicant abroad can get. Listing them anyway is how an NGO in Nairobi spends a fortnight on an application it was never eligible for.
By region
Amounts and deadlines change every cycle, and several of these funders scout rather than take applications. Every listing links to the funder's own page — verify there before committing time.
Score these against your organisation