Funding Opportunities

The Commonwealth Secretariat has opened Round II of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator, offering grants of £20,000–£50,000 for government-led projects addressing major ocean challenges across all 56 Commonwealth member countries. The programme supports practical initiatives in marine pollution reduction, marine ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries, the sustainable blue economy and ocean-climate resilience. Projects may run for 6–18 months and can involve partnerships with NGOs, community organisations, academic institutions and private-sector actors. Approximately 10–15 projects are expected to be selected.

Oilwatch International, in partnership with the Global Greengrants Fund, is inviting eligible grassroots organisations, Indigenous Peoples' groups, community-based organisations, women-led and youth-led groups, environmental justice movements and local advocacy networks to apply for grants of up to US$5,000. The programme supports community-driven initiatives addressing fossil fuel expansion, environmental degradation, climate justice, energy democracy, ecosystem restoration and community resilience. Projects should run for 6–9 months and must align with Oilwatch's principles. Applicants must be active members or partners of the Oilwatch network.

The Global EbA Fund is accepting applications for its 2026 Medium-Size Grants Call for Proposals, offering up to US$500,000 for innovative and scalable Ecosystem-based Adaptation initiatives lasting up to 24 months. The call supports organisations working to overcome systemic barriers to climate adaptation through innovative financing, institutional strengthening, policy integration, local partnerships and practical approaches that connect climate resilience, biodiversity, sustainable land management and disaster risk reduction. Eligible organisations may apply for country-specific, regional or global thematic projects, subject to the Fund's geographic and partnership requirements.

The Rockefeller Foundation and OpenAI Foundation have launched Cities Deliver: AI Solutions for Public Services, a global US$50 million initiative offering grants of US$500,000–US$2 million to eligible organisations working with city governments to use frontier AI to improve public services for underserved communities. Projects may focus on public health, economic mobility, environmental resilience or civic engagement. Seed funding supports first city pilots, while Scale funding supports solutions that have already demonstrated early results in a city and are ready for expansion.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy is inviting eligible applicants to respond to specific addenda under the Advancing Global Health Annual Program Statement. The APS supports major global-health initiatives addressing country-specific and thematic priorities, with awards under the overall programme ranging from US$500,000 to US$250 million.

The Government of Japan, through the Embassy of Japan in Uganda, provides Grass-roots Human Security Project grants to eligible non-profit and development-oriented organisations implementing practical community projects in Uganda. Funding generally reaches up to approximately US$100,000 and prioritises construction, facilities and substantial equipment in areas such as education, vocational training, health, water and sanitation, agriculture and disaster reconstruction.

CFI — the French Media Development Agency — is offering grants of up to €13,000 through the EU-funded AGILE project for collaborative reporting initiatives that improve access to reliable, evidence-based information on human rights, freedom of expression and issues affecting marginalised or underserved communities. Applications must be submitted through a partnership involving at least one media organisation or professional journalist and at least one civil society organisation or community representative. Selected projects also receive editorial and technical support.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs is offering large-scale cooperative agreements of US$5 million to US$50 million under the U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program. The programme supports market-based, private-sector-led economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa through Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration.

The DIV Fund is accepting rolling applications for evidence-driven innovations that can cost-effectively improve the lives of people living in poverty. Funding ranges from up to US$200,000 for real-world pilots to US$1.5 million for proven innovations transitioning to scale, with opportunities open across sectors in low-, lower-middle- and upper-middle-income countries. Applicants must already have a post-prototype innovation that has been tested with real users.

The Van Doorn Foundation provides project grants of up to €5,000 to eligible educational institutions and local organisations in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia working to improve access to vocational training and employment opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people aged 14–28. Funding can support training equipment and materials, disability-inclusive vocational training, tuition assistance, apprenticeships, internships and tools that help young people move into employment or self-employment.

The Fast Forward Accelerator supports early-stage tech and AI-powered nonprofits worldwide with USD 25,000 or more in unrestricted funding, expert mentorship and a three-month programme covering technology, fundraising and nonprofit growth. Applications for the 2027 cohort are expected to open in late July 2026, but the exact deadline and application form have not yet been announced.

FID provides year-round grants for innovative, evidence-informed solutions that reduce poverty and inequality in low- and middle-income countries. Funding supports projects at different stages, from preparation and piloting to impact evaluation, public-policy adoption and scale-up.

Small seed funding for early-stage, volunteer-led projects creating compassionate and practical community change.

Simple microgrants awarded by independent local and thematic chapters to make creative community ideas happen.

Staged grants for early-career conservationists carrying out practical, field-based nature conservation work in developing countries.

Rapid funding for African women human rights defenders, organisations and movements responding to urgent, unanticipated and strategic situations.

Rapid practical support for human rights defenders and organisations facing risks connected to peaceful human rights work.

Short-term advocacy and resilience support for civil society responding to unexpected restrictions, attacks or opportunities affecting civic and democratic freedoms.