Many nonprofit organizations operate internationally, tackling issues like global health, education, environmental protection, and social justice. For these organizations, identifying foundations that provide grants to out-of-country nonprofits is critical to securing sustainable funding. While most foundations focus on domestic organizations, a number of private foundations and international grantmakers actively support global initiatives.

For nonprofits seeking grants for nonprofits abroad, understanding how to identify and approach these funders is the first step toward successful international grantmaking.

Why Some Foundations Fund International Nonprofits

Foundations provide grants to out-of-country nonprofits for a variety of reasons:

• Global Impact: Many foundations aim to address pressing issues like poverty, disease, climate change, or education gaps worldwide.
• Mission Alignment: Foundations with missions tied to specific global causes often support organizations in multiple countries.
• Innovation and Replicability: Some foundations fund international programs to test solutions that could later be applied domestically or in other regions.

These grants for nonprofits are often highly competitive, as they combine the complexity of international operations with the need for measurable impact.

Types of Foundations That Fund International Work

Nonprofits seeking grants for international programs can approach several types of foundations.

Private family foundations often have a global perspective, funding nonprofits working in developing countries or specific regions. Corporate foundations sometimes support social responsibility initiatives in countries where they operate, focusing on education, health, environmental sustainability, or workforce development. International grantmaking foundations explicitly target global development, human rights, environmental conservation, or health. Finally, some government-linked foundations provide international grants for cultural exchange, humanitarian aid, or global education.

Well-Known Foundations That Provide Grants to International Nonprofits

There are several prominent foundations that provide grants to nonprofits operating outside the United States. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports global health, education, and poverty reduction initiatives. The Ford Foundation funds international programs in social justice, inequality, human rights, and economic empowerment.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation offers grants for peace and security, climate change, and other global initiatives. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation supports programs in global development, education, environment, and philanthropy. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation funds environmental conservation, science, and community development initiatives internationally.

Other foundations include the Open Society Foundations, which advance human rights, justice, and democratic governance globally, and the Mulago Foundation, focused on scalable solutions to poverty and climate challenges. The Global Greengrants Fund provides small grants to grassroots organizations worldwide, particularly for environmental justice and conservation. The Arcus Foundation supports international initiatives in social justice, LGBT rights, and conservation. The Mastercard Foundation funds programs in education, youth employment, and financial inclusion, particularly across Africa.

Eligibility Considerations for Out-of-Country Grants

International nonprofits may face additional eligibility requirements, including legal recognition in their home country, financial accountability, audited statements, and the ability to track and report outcomes. Foundations providing grants to out-of-country nonprofits often require rigorous reporting due to the added complexity of international operations.

Application Tips for International Grantseekers

To maximize success, nonprofits should:

Align mission and focus with the foundation’s priorities. Demonstrate local knowledge and expertise in the communities served. Provide measurable impact through metrics, evaluations, and success stories. Address logistical challenges such as currency exchange, legal compliance, and partnerships. Build relationships by reaching out to program officers to discuss eligibility and expectations before submitting a formal application.

Benefits and Challenges

Receiving grants from international foundations can provide reliable funding, multi-year partnerships, credibility with global partners, and access to technical assistance, training, and networking.

However, these grants also come with challenges such as currency fluctuations, additional reporting requirements, competitive selection, and logistical risks in remote or unstable regions. Strong financial systems, transparent reporting, and careful planning help mitigate these risks.

Building a Sustainable International Grants Strategy

Nonprofits seeking grants for nonprofits outside their home country should develop a strategic plan that includes mapping potential funders aligned with their mission, developing strong proposals and reporting systems, cultivating relationships with funders and partners, and tracking trends in international philanthropy.

By investing in research, alignment, and capacity, nonprofits can increase their chances of successfully securing grants from foundations that provide funding internationally. Working with these well-known global foundations can unlock opportunities for impactful, sustainable international programs.