In an ideal world, NGOs and non-profit associations would have easy and inexhaustible access to the financial resources they need to carry out their valuable missions. However, in the real world, these organizations often face major challenges in obtaining the funding they need for their operations and projects. Resources are limited, competition is fierce and application procedures can be complex and time-consuming.
That's why, for NGOs and associations, knowing the different sources of funding available and understanding how to navigate effectively in this often confusing world is a task they need to learn and carry out in the best possible conditions. Whether through European Union grants, UN funds, the programs of major foundations such as the Ford Foundation or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, or crowdfunding platforms such as GlobalGiving, the opportunities are numerous.
This article aims to provide an overview of the main sources of funding available to NGOs and associations. It offers precise information on each source, as well as practical advice on how to apply for funding. The road to funding can seem daunting, but with the right information and a clear strategy, NGOs and associations can increase their chances of securing the funds they need to make a difference.
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Contents
General advice on obtaining grants for your association
Whether you're looking to fund a new program, build organizational capacity or simply stabilize your cash flow, this section will guide you through best practices and strategies. The tips that follow will help you approach the grant application process with greater confidence and preparation.
Know your mission and objectives
Before you start looking for funding, you need to be clear about your organization's mission, your project goals and how funding will help you achieve them. This will help you target the most relevant funding sources and make motivating funding proposals.
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Do some in-depth research
NGOs and associations have many sources of funding. Take the time to research the various options, including government grants, private foundations, corporate donations, crowdfunding and others. Carefully read the eligibility criteria and objectives of each funding source to identify those best suited to your organization or project.
Prepare a solid application
Once you've identified a funding source, make sure you prepare a solid application. This usually includes a detailed description of your project, a budget, information on the expected impact and evidence of your organization's ability to manage the funds effectively. Follow all instructions and deadlines for submission.
Show the impact of your work
Donors want to be sure that their money is being used effectively to make a real difference to beneficiaries. Prepare clear and convincing reports on the impact of your work, with data, stories and testimonials to illustrate your success.
Maintaining relations with funding agencies
Fund-raising doesn't end with a grant. You need to maintain relationships with your funders by keeping them regularly informed about your work, thanking them for their support and involving them in your organization. This will increase your chances of receiving ongoing funding.
Diversifying sources of financing
Don't rely on a single source of funding. Diversify your funding sources to reduce your dependence on a single funder and improve your organization's financial stability.
Keep learning and adapting
Financing opportunities are constantly evolving, as are your organization's needs and priorities. Continue to learn, adapt and seek out new financing opportunities to ensure your organization's long-term success.
Exploring strategic partnerships
Partnerships with other organizations can open the door to new funding opportunities. This may involve collaborating on specific projects, applying for joint funding or sharing resources.
Use technology to your advantage
Technological tools can make fundraising easier. Crowdfunding platforms, for example, can help you reach a wide audience and collect donations online. Similarly, donor relationship management software can help you track and manage your interactions with funders.
Investing in skills development
Make sure your organization has the skills and resources it needs to succeed in fundraising. This may involve training staff, hiring consultants or attending fundraising workshops and conferences.
Ten key sources of funding for your association
For an association or NGO, finding its way in the world of financing can be a daunting challenge. But knowing the different possibilities available to you can make that journey a whole lot easier. In this section, we present ten sources of funding that every association should consider.
From international institutions such as the European Union and the United Nations, to world-renowned philanthropic foundations such as the Ford Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to participatory funding platforms such as GlobalGiving, these organizations offer a wide variety of grants to support development projects worldwide.
We'll also be looking at programs such as Google Ad Grants, which offers free advertising credits to help NGOs promote their missions, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which funds environmental projects. And let's not forget grants from national and local governments, which can provide valuable financial support.
Each source has its own eligibility criteria, application process and areas of focus. That's why it's important to examine each of them in detail, to determine which is best suited to your organization and your projects.
1. The European Union
The European Union (EU) is one of the most important sources of funding for associations and NGOs. Funds are divided between a multitude of programs, each with its own objectives, eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms. Some programs focus on specific themes, such as rural development, education, health, sustainable development, human rights and so on. Information on calls for proposals is generally available on the European Commission website and on the websites of the various EU agencies and institutions.
Applying for their grants can seem difficult because of the diversity of programs and application processes. Each funding program has specific objectives and distinct eligibility criteria. For example, the Erasmus+ program focuses on education and trainingwhile Horizon Europe funds research and innovation. Applicants are generally required to submit a detailed project proposal, including a provisional budget and implementation plan.
2. The United Nations
The United Nations (UN) offers a wide range of funding opportunities for NGOs and associations. Several UN agencies, such as UNICEF, WHO, UNDP and others, offer grants for projects related to their areas of interest. For example, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) supports projects on biodiversity, climate change, degraded lands, international waters and persistent organic pollutants.
To be eligible, your organization must generally be recognized as a legal entity in its country of origin, and have proven experience in the project field. Applications for funding often require a detailed project file, including clear objectives, a precise budget and an implementation plan.
3. GlobalGiving
GlobalGiving is a participatory financing platform that connects donors with development projects around the world. NGOs and associations can register on the site and create detailed project pages to solicit donations.. GlobalGiving also offers training and resources to help organizations improve their fundraising efforts.
To be eligible, an organization must be registered as a non-profit entity in its country of origin. Registration on GlobalGiving involves submitting a detailed project, which is then reviewed by the platform team. If the project is approved, the organization can start collecting donations. GlobalGiving also offers training and tools to help organizations improve their fundraising efforts.
4. The Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is an American philanthropic organization that makes grants to projects in a variety of fields, including education, democracy, culture, social justice and development. The foundation funds projects worldwide and accepts grant applications throughout the year. Organizations wishing to apply must describe their projects and demonstrate how they correspond to the Foundation's strategic objectives.
To be eligible, an organization must be registered as a non-profit entity and must submit a proposal detailing the project and how it aligns with the foundation's strategic objectives. The foundation favors projects that have a significant impact and are innovative in their approach.
5. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the world's largest private foundations. It funds projects in areas such as global health, education, poverty alleviation and access to information. The foundation has a results-driven approach, favoring innovative projects that can have a significant impact. Grant applications must be submitted via the foundation's website.
To apply, an organization must submit a project proposal via the Foundation's website. The proposal must clearly demonstrate how the project will contribute to the Foundation's objectives. Applicants must also provide evidence of their ability to carry out the project.
6. Google Ad Grants
Google Ad Grants is a program that offers NGOs and non-profit organizations free advertising credits on the Google Ads platform. Organizations can use this credit to promote their missions and initiatives in Google search results.
To be eligible, an organization must be registered as a non-profit entity and adhere to Google Ads rules and policies. This includes maintaining a minimum click-through rate, using text-only ads, and serving ads on Google Search. Organizations must also demonstrate how they will use the advertising credit to further their mission.
7. Global Environment Facility (GEF)
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a United Nations initiative that provides grants for projects aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. GEF focuses on biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, chemicals and waste.
To apply, organizations must submit a project proposal that clearly describes how the project will address these environmental challenges.
8. Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation based in the United States. It supports projects that promote the well-being of humanity, particularly in the areas of health, food, energy, labor and economic growth. Grant applicants must present projects that correspond to the foundation's areas of interest, and demonstrate how their initiatives can have a significant impact.
Link : rockefellerfoundation.org
9. Fondation de France
The Foundation of France is a private French organization which provides grants for projects in a variety of fields, including solidarity, health, culture, education and the environment. It mainly funds projects in France, but also supports a number of international projects. Grant applications must be submitted via the Foundation's website.
Link : fondationdefrance.org
10. State and local government subsidies
National and local governments often offer grants to support non-profit organizations. Eligibility criteria and areas of interest vary widely by country and region. Information on these grants can usually be found on government websites or relevant funding agencies. Grant applications usually require a detailed project proposal, a projected budget, and a demonstration of the organization's ability to carry out the project.
Alternative Financing Options for NGOs and Associations
While grant-seeking remains a common funding strategy for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations, there is also a wide range of alternative funding options. These funding sources can complement or sometimes even replace traditional funding, offering greater flexibility and opportunities for income diversification. These alternatives include individual donations, corporate donations, crowdfunding, partnerships, income-generating activities, public funding, endowments and impact financing. This section will detail each of these options, providing an overview of how they work, their benefits and the factors to consider for each option.
Individual donations: Valuable support from individuals
Individual donations are often the largest source of funding for NGOs and associations. These donations can come from wealthy philanthropists, regular donors who make regular contributions, or fundraising campaigns aimed at the general public. In addition, many online platforms facilitate individual donations, making it easy for donors to contribute to causes close to their hearts.
Corporate donations: The impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Many companies are committed to corporate social responsibility programs and make financial or in-kind donations to NGOs and associations. These contributions may be motivated by an alignment between the organization's mission and the company's CSR objectives, or by a direct request for support from the organization.
Crowdfunding: The power of online fundraising
Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe, Kickstarter and GlobalGiving have revolutionized the way NGOs and associations raise funds. These platforms enable organizations to solicit donations of any size from a wide audience, and can also be used as an awareness-raising tool for their causes.
Partnerships: Working together for greater impact
Partnerships with other NGOs, companies or governments can help share costs and increase the impact of projects. For example, an NGO focused on education might partner with a technology company to provide computers in schools.
Income-generating activities: Financing work through social enterprise
Some organizations create income-generating activities to support their work. This can include selling products or services, organizing fundraising events, or setting up a social enterprise model.
Public funding: Exploiting government funding opportunities
Governments at all levels - local, national and international - often offer funding for specific projects. This type of funding can be particularly relevant to organizations working on issues of public interest.
Endowment funds: a long-term investment in the future
An endowment fund is an investment whose income is used to support the organization. It is a long-term source of funding that can be particularly beneficial for large organizations.
Impact financing: Innovating with social investments
Impact financing is an innovative approach that links investors, non-profit organizations and "payers by results". If the organization achieves a specific social or environmental objective, the investor is reimbursed by the payer-by-results, often a government or other public entity.
Not all funding sources are suitable for all organizations. Each NGO or association must assess its own needs, capabilities and objectives to determine the best sources of funding for its work.
Case studies: Successful funding strategies for NGOs and associations
To help clarify this process, we present below several hypothetical case studies, inspired by realistic situations. These examples illustrate how different organizations have succeeded in securing funding for their projects using different strategies, ranging from grant-seeking to online fundraising. By examining these examples, readers will gain a better understanding of potentially successful approaches to securing funding, and how these strategies can be adapted to their own needs and contexts.
- Clean Water for All" association"Clean Water for All" is a small NGO working to provide access to clean drinking water in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. When they decided to launch a new project to build wells in a particularly hard-hit region, they identified the "Ford Foundation" as a potential source of funding, given its interest in sustainable development projects.They prepared a strong grant application, detailing their plan for the project, the budget required, and how this aligned with the "Ford Foundation's" objectives. Despite fierce competition, their application was successful, thanks in large part to their clear understanding of the Ford Foundation's mission and their ability to demonstrate how their project would contribute to these goals.
- Save The Bees" NGO"Save The Bees" is a European-based NGO working to protect local bee populations. Before submitting their proposal, the NGO spent a lot of time understanding the specific funding criteria of the LIFE program. They ensured that their project aligned with the European Union's environmental priorities and demonstrated the significant impact their project would have on bee conservation and, consequently, on local biodiversity. In addition to the funding, obtaining this grant has also enabled Save The Bees to gain in visibility and credibility.
- Education First Association"Education First" is an association that aims to improve access to education for children in disadvantaged regions. When they sought to fund a project to provide educational materials to schools in a rural area, they turned to crowdfunding on the GlobalGiving platform.By using personal stories and clearly showing the impact of every dollar donated, "Education First" managed to exceed its fundraising target. In addition to funding the project, they also succeeded in raising public awareness of their cause and attracting new long-term supporters.
Each of these cases demonstrates effective and different strategies for obtaining successful financing.
YouTube video: 50 ways for associations to raise funds
50 financing solutions for associations: a conference organized by ASAH with the contribution of Michael Paita, head of international solidarity projects at La Gerbe.
The ASAH collective offers 50 avenues to explore in order to meet the financing challenges that solidarity associations face when implementing their initiatives: an opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, discover new ideas and learn approach strategies that will increase your chances of success.
10 Responses
hello, my name is Ahmed Ahmoudou Fayçal, I answer on behalf of the NGO Al-wafa for Education and Relief, our organization intervenes in the following areas: education, health and food security.
We have a program that we stopped due to lack of funding.
We would also like to obtain a fund to finance a project. How can we do this?
I am very satisfied with all the information you have made available to us. You are doing a highly social job. Thank you very much.
Our NGO is looking for partners to support refugees from Darfur.for this reason it is urgent and time to come and support them.the situation is very precarious tale of little assistance collected during these 3 months.
Very satisfied with the notes of clarification we are an association we have a vocation committed in the field of health, education; we seek peace and sustainable development; we seek partners and help to realize a project in sight.
our association for the development of the garaytou environment in gobaad needs funding to empower women and girls in difficulty in rural africa, more specifically in Djibouti.
Hello, we're Sarah's Hand, a Franco-Congolese non-profit association working for the well-being of disadvantaged children in the Congo, in the fields of nutrition, education, health and development. This year, for the first time, we're organizing a Christmas of solidarity for African children in the Congo. This project is important to us because it creates positive and warm memories for children who face considerable challenges on a daily basis, and we believe that every child deserves to have a real and good Christmas like all the other children.We are asking for grants to help us carry out this project.
Good evening, my question is: do you provide aid abroad, more specifically in Niger?
Since I have a project to implement in this case I am looking for funding if you can help me?
Sincerely Mr Ibrahim Issoufou, I am writing to you from Niger.
Thank you and enjoy!
My name is Robert KALUNGA KASONGO Coordinator of the NGO BEDERCA Bureau d'Encadrement pour le Développement Rural ,Communautaire et Agricole, we are based in Kalemie in the Province of Tanganyika in R D Congo in the east of the country where we welcome our brothers and sisters fleeing the atrocities of war in North AND South KIVU.We work in the agro-industrial field, supporting internally displaced people who have abandoned their villages to seek refuge in secure centers. We also supervise and support unemployed young people who have dropped out of school, helping them to integrate into working life by learning trades.
Hello,
Thank you very much for this valuable information.
We are an international organization focusing on education, child protection and humanitarian action.
We're looking for funding to help people, mainly children and women, who are victims of multi-dimensional crises in the Sahel, specifically in the central regions of Mali.