In this section, I will provide some of the key resources for obtainingfunding for on the ground work. Please also take a look at the posting 12 Key Steps to Obtaining Funding for on the Ground Work which provides overall conceptual strategies.
Please note that we do not allow any requests for funding on this site as the network would be deluged.
Funding for peace and conflict work can come from a number of general
resources, including self-generated funds, foundations, governments and
inter-governmental organizations, and private sector. Obtaining funds
for work can be challenging and thus it is critical to try and diversify
funding streams. One of the more recent trends in funding has been the
field of social-entreprenuership, which combines social change with
business approaches, in which organizations often try to find means to
generate their own funds. For example a non-profit engaged in community
peacebuilding work, might try establishing a business and then use the
profits from the business to reinvest in their community work. One of
the best resources for learning about social entrepreneurship is the
Skoll Foundation’s Social Edge site.
Also see the Guide to to Fundraising for Community Based Organizations from Women Thrive Worldwide.
Another trend in recent years has been funding sites that allow
organizations to directly post their projects to the Internet to try and
attract funding. While there are many of these sites, the most reliable
sites provide some type of verification to ensure that postings are
legitimate and regular reporting to donors.
Below find some key resources for funding. Feel free to suggest additional resources/tools.
21 Key Funding Sources
1) Key Internet Based Funding Sites
– a href=”http://www.globalgiving.com”>Global Giving – is a
marketplace for goodness – where you can browse ways to help others
around the world, pick the ones you are most passionate about, and give
to the solution. GlobalGiving works with experienced, respected
nonprofit organizations to source high-quality international social,
economic development, and environmental projects. Project Sponsors vouch
for the projects they post on globalgiving.com, working with Project
Leaders to ensure that projects meet high standards, are well run, etc.
They do occasionally invite new organizations to submit projects.
Other Online Giving Sites include the following:
Kickstarter
– People who use Kickstarter to fund their projects (“project
creators”) keep 100% ownership and control. Currently only open to
organizations in the US and by invitation (although this may change in
the future)
TechSoup – Provides excellent resources and support for nonprofits regarding technology and guides for fundraising online.
Network for Good – Offers useful tips for how nonprofits can build their capacity to raise fund online.
2) Peace and Security Funders Group
– is an association of private and public foundations, operating
foundations, charitable trusts, grantmaking programs, and individual
philanthropists who make grants or expenditures that contribute to peace
and global security. Our purpose is to enhance the effectiveness of
philanthropic activity across this broad area of shared interests and
commitments. Note the group does not provide grants, but the individual
members do. This a great resource to identify potential foundation
support.
3) Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group
– The Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (AGAG) is a membership network
of foundations that are currently funding in Africa or are interested
in funding in Africa. AGAG was established as a forum for foundations to
exchange information and work together in an effort to amplify current
foundation funding and promote increased and more effective grantmaking
in Africa to better address Africa’s development challenges. The Group
does not provide direct funding, but the members organizations do
provide support.
4) International Human Rights Funders Group
is an association of grantmakers devoted to supporting efforts to
achieve the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and the treaties and laws it has generated so that all people may
enjoy a truly and fully human existence. The group does not provide
direct funding, but the member organizations do provide support.
5) FedGrants
Grants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal government
grants. You can sign up on the site to receive daily postings of new
grant opportunities (particular for international funding USAID and DOS
offer many relevant opportunities).
6) Global Giving
– is a marketplace for goodness – where you can browse ways to help
others around the world, pick the ones you are most passionate about,
and give to the solution. GlobalGiving works with experienced, respected
nonprofit organizations to source high-quality international social,
economic development, and environmental projects. Project Sponsors vouch
for the projects they post on globalgiving.com, working with Project
Leaders to ensure that projects meet high standards, are well run, etc.
They do occasionally invite new organizations to submit projects.
7) Funders Online in Europe
is an initiative of the European Foundation Centre. The mission of the
European Foundation Centre (EFC) is to promote and underpin the work of
foundations and corporate funders in the New Europe. The Information and
Communications programme of the EFC provides a public record and a
public information service on foundations and corporate funders active
in Europe.
8) The Foundation Center – The Foundation Center’s mission is to strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy.
The is the nation’s (US) leading authority on philanthropy, connecting
nonprofits and the grantmakers supporting them to tools they can use and
information they can trust. The Center maintains the most comprehensive
database on U.S. grantmakers and their grants — a robust, accessible
knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and
training programs designed to advance philanthropy at every level.
9) Google Grants
– supports organizations sharing our philosophy of community service to
help the world in areas such as science and technology, education,
global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.
Designed for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, Google Grants is a
unique in-kind advertising program. It harnesses the power of our
flagship advertising product, Google AdWords, to non-profits seeking to
inform and engage their constituents online. Google Grant recipients use
their award of free AdWords advertising on Google.com to raise
awareness and increase traffic. This can be a great way to increase your organization’s profile and bring people (and possibly donors) to your website.
10) Charity Channel – Funding Notice – Offers a weekly summary of a variety of new funding opportunities, including a number focused on international issues.
11) WOMEN’S FUNDING NETWORK
– As a worldwide partnership of women’s funds, donors, and allies
committed to social justice, the Women’s Funding Network seeks to ensure
that women’s funds are recognized as the “investment of choice” for
people who value the full participation of women and girls as key to
strong, equitable, and sustainable communities and societies. The
organization does not provide funding, but many of the member funds to
offer support.
12) International Development Research Centre
– is a Canadian organization that helps developing countries use
science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the
social, economic, and environmental problems they face. Our support is
directed toward creating a local research community whose work will
build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.
13) British Department for International Development
– DFID works in partnership with a range of different organisations to
ensure effective use of our development budget and to assist us in
achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These include
multilateral institutions (such as the World Bank, European Community
and UN agencies), developing country governments, civil society
organisations and the research community. Although the greater part of
our development assistance funding is channelled through multilateral
agencies, direct budget support and larger scale programmes, there is
still substantial support provided through a variety of other funds for
smaller scale initiatives. These are aimed at promoting sustainable
development and eliminating poverty.
14) Bi-Lateral and Multilateral Funding Agencies
– Many of the leading donor countries development agencies offer grants
and funding opportunities. The UN has put together a terrific list of
these agencies.
15) UN Agencies and Trust Funds – Many UN Agencies provide funding for specific projects. For example see UNDP. In addition the UN maintains a number of trust funds that offer support in specific areas, such as democracy, violence prevention, human security and more.
16) National Endowment for Democracy Directory of International Fun…
– This database contains information on over 100 philanthropic
organizations that provide funding, fellowships and awards for those
working in the area of international democratic development.
17) Social Entrepreneur Organizations
– There are many social entrepreneur organizations providing funding
for innovative social change work around the world. Some of the leading
organizations include The Skoll Foundation , and Echoing Green.
18) Leading International Foundations
– There are a number of leading foundations that are potentially great
sources of support. Many of these are listed in the Peace and Security
Funders Group and/or some of the other networks listed on this page.
Each funder has their own priorities and respective geographic focus.
Several of the most prominent include:
The Ford Foundation, Carnegie Corporation, The Open Society Institute/Soros Foundations (has foundations in ov…, Rockefeller Brother’s Fund, MacArthur Foundation, Kellog Foundation
19) Local Funding Networks–
Many countries and regions have their own respective funding networks
and organizations. Thus you’re encouraged to search and find possible
opportunities (and also post them on this site).
20) Embassies
– Many international embassies located in developing countries might
have small grants available for specific topic areas. Search embassy
websites, ask your colleagues and look at local publications.
21) Businesses – Local and international businesses can also be another great source of support.
22) Diaspora Communities
– Many diaspora communities have significant financial resources that
can be accessed to provide support. Look up diaspora organizations,
religious organizations, and more as they may be able to provide
possible support.
23) FundsforNGOs.org
is an online initiative, working for the sustainability of NGOs by
increasing their access to donors, resources and skills. The site
provides useful updates on funding opportunities and key donors.
24) National Endowment for Democracy – makes grants to organizations around the world. Also has an excellent Funding Source database of over 100 organizations that provide grants.
25) Check out some of the new online platforms for raising funds such as Kickstarter, GoodTwo, Deals for Deeds, DealGooder,Causeon, or Philanthroper.
What are some of your Suggestions of Key Resources?
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