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Grant ecosystem
Types of donors, how to read a call for proposals, and how to choose where to apply.
4 quiz questions
Who funds NGOs
The grant ecosystem is not a single "donor" but several distinct worlds, each with its own logic, vocabulary, and requirements. Understanding these differences is the first step to a focused fundraising strategy.
Main types of donors
•Multilateral organizations (UN, World Bank, EBRD) — big budgets, complex procedures, emphasis on systemic change and SDG alignment.
•Bilateral donors (USAID, GIZ, Sida, FCDO) — represent governments; priorities follow foreign policy; strict reporting requirements.
•EU funding (EU4Ukraine, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Creative Europe) — formalized competitions, high formatting standards, often consortia required.
•Private foundations (Open Society, Mott, Renaissance, Heinrich Böll, Konrad Adenauer) — more flexible, theme-focused; value partnership.
•Corporate funds — support themes close to the business; short cycles, attention to PR value.
•Re-granting agencies (ISAR Ednannia, UCBI, Pact, IREX) — receive a prime grant and seek local implementers via sub-grants.
How to read a Call for Proposals
A CfP is the instruction manual for the competition. Spend 30 minutes reading it carefully before you start writing anything.
What to check first
•Eligibility (who can apply): legal form, country of registration, minimum turnover, experience.
•Budget: minimum, maximum, mandatory matching (co-funding).
•Thematic priorities: your project must clearly fit one of them.
•Deadline: realistic for a quality application or rushed?
•Evaluation criteria: by which criteria and weights will they evaluate?
•Allowable costs: what may be funded and what may not?
The cheapest way to raise your chances is to apply for a grant you ideally fit by eligibility and theme, instead of trying to bend your project into a mismatched CfP.