Best Grants for International Development

Nonprofits who want to win grants for international development include humanitarian aid organizations, research institutions, and organizations assisting in international health, economic development, and disaster relief. The funders that are offering these grants care about programs that advocate sustainable development in low-income countries, improve global living standards, promote economic growth, and support sustainable development. Many grants require applicants to be 501(c)(3) organizations and may prioritize those that implement projects in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation worldwide.

Grants in international development typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.8% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

Grants for international development are offered to nonprofit programs that aim to improve public health, enhance economic security, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen infrastructure in developing regions. More than 6,000 grants are available, with $2895 million in funding for nonprofit gropus aiming to reduce poverty, strengthen communities, and promote long-term social impact.

Funding for international development grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Of the more than 6,000 grant opportunities available, major funders of international development grants include federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the USDA, and the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition, there are many state and local government funders, including grants from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the New York State Office of Mental Health. Additionally, corporate initatives from Toyota and Bank of America, and thousands of private foundations like the Cooke Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Trust also provide funding for nonprofit international development groups.

A carefully planned approach is needed in order to successfully win grants for international development, so you will want to concentrate on all of these key areas:

• Align with funder priorities – Tailor proposals to match the funder’s mission and emulate programs with global development standards.
• Use measurable outcomes – Provide measurable impact data to demonstrate past impact and expected future success.
• Build strategic partnerships – Collaborate with local districts, NGOs, and multinational partners to improve their success rate.
• Develop a compelling narrative – Use real stories and case studies to highlight the significance of the program.