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This guide is for individuals and businesses seeking international grants exceeding $100,000. We’ll share with you the different grant types available, eligibility criteria, and valuable resources to help you secure the funding you need.
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Types of International Grants Available
1. Research Grants
Research grants are designed for academic and scientific studies. These grants support projects to advance knowledge in health, technology, environmental science, and social sciences. Eligibility includes universities, research institutions, and sometimes individual researchers.
Prominent sources of research grants are government agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and private foundations like the Wellcome Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
These organizations provide large sums, sometimes over $100,000, to help fund important studies. For example, a researcher could receive funding to study the impact of climate change on public health, leading to breakthroughs in policies and solutions.
2. Business Grants
Business grants are aimed at helping startups and established companies innovate or expand. These grants can cover product development, marketing, staffing, or scaling production costs.
Unlike loans, business grants don’t have to be repaid. Eligibility for this grant type requires a solid business plan showing clear goals and potential impacts.
Some grants target specific industries or regions. For instance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers grants to support small businesses in underserved areas.
Private foundations like the Eileen Fisher Foundation also offer grants to women-led businesses focusing on sustainability and social impact.
3. Community Development Grants
Community development grants are provided to improve local communities by funding projects in education, health care, infrastructure, and social services.
These grants are available to non-profits, local governments, and community groups that work on initiatives for underserved populations.
Organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provide funding for sustainable community growth and tackling social inequality.
A community group for example could receive funding to create a new educational program for at-risk youth or build affordable housing. These projects improve the quality of life for residents and contribute to long-term economic stability.
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Eligibility Criteria For Grant Applications
Here are the main categories of eligibility criteria:
1. Organizational Requirements
Non-Profit Status:
Many grants require that applicants be registered with non-profit organizations. This shows you’re committed to serving the community rather than making a profit.
Some grants also accept social enterprises or for-profit businesses, especially if you have a strong social or environmental impact.
Geographic Location:
Some grants are only available to projects in specific regions or countries. Always check that your project fits the geographical focus.
For instance, some grants are only available for organizations in developing countries or areas facing economic challenges.
2. Project Requirements
Project Type or Focus Area:
Grants usually target specific types of projects, like education, healthcare, or environmental sustainability. Make sure your project aligns with the grant’s focus.
If you’re applying for a healthcare grant, your project should aim to improve health outcomes in a specific community.
Budget Limits:
Most grants have a maximum funding limit. You need to ensure your project’s budget fits within this range. Some grants may fund up to $100,000, or even more, depending on the project’s scope.
3. Applicant Qualifications
Experience or Expertise:
Grantmakers often prefer applicants with relevant experience in their field. Highlight your team’s qualifications and past successes to show you can manage the project.
Previous Funding History:
If you’ve managed grants before, it’s a plus. Showing how you successfully used past funding can increase your credibility.
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How To Find International Grants Over $100K?
Here are a few resources to help you find international grants and secure the funding you need.
1. Instrumentl
Instrumentl is a grant database that is a great resource for finding the right grants for your project. The platform allows you to filter searches based on project type, location, and funding amount.
This makes it easy to focus only on grants that align with your goals. Even If you’re working on an environmental initiative, a tech startup, or a nonprofit program, Instrumentl will help you find the perfect match.
Visit: Instrumentl
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2. Devex Pro Funding
If your project is international and focuses on global development, Devex Pro Funding is a top resource. This platform connects users with grants and funding opportunities aimed at solving global challenges.
The best part is that it provides insight into potential funders and helps you understand what they’re looking for in a grant application.
Check out: Devex Pro Funding
3. Candid’s Foundation Directory
Candid’s Foundation Directory offers a large database of grantmakers and their funding interests. You can search by specific subject areas, like education or healthcare, and even by geography.
This helps you find grants that match your project’s needs, whether it’s for a local community or an international cause. Candid is ideal for both large organizations and smaller initiatives.
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4. Grants.gov
While it primarily focuses on U.S. federal grants, Grants.gov is a great resource for finding government funding. Some federal grants may support international projects, especially in areas like health, education, and development. It’s worth checking to see if your project qualifies for any of these opportunities.
5. Terra Viva Grants Directory
If your project is related to agriculture, energy, the environment, or natural resources in developing countries, the Terra Viva Grants Directory is a must-use resource. It focuses on funding projects in developing nations and offers detailed profiles of grant funders.
6. FundsforNGOs
This platform is a valuable resource for nonprofits around the world. It provides access to different grant opportunities and also offers webinars and training materials.
These resources will help you sharpen your grant-writing skills and improve your chances of success in securing funding.
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How To Write a Successful Grant Proposal?
Writing a successful grant proposal is key to securing funding for your project. As someone who has worked on this before, I know how important it is to present a well-structured plan that shows both the value of the project and your ability to execute it.
When crafting a grant proposal, you want to highlight your goals and also prove that your organization has what it takes to make them a reality. Here are some of the essential components step-by-step.
1. Cover Letter
Start with a brief cover letter. This is where you introduce your organization and the project you are seeking funding for.
You should be direct but polite, thanking the funder for considering your proposal. Mention the purpose of the proposal and explain briefly what makes your project worth funding.
2. Executive Summary
The executive summary is like a snapshot of your entire proposal. In just a few paragraphs, you’ll give an overview of your statement of need, project description, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. This section helps the reviewer quickly grasp the key elements of your proposal.
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3. Statement Of Need
Here, you explain why your project is important. Use data, statistics, or real-life examples to show the urgency of the issue you are addressing. Make it clear who will benefit from your project and why solving this problem matters.
For example, if you’re working on a community development project, describe how the community will benefit and support your claims with hard facts.
4. Project Description
This section covers the heart of your proposal. What are your goals? What will you do to achieve them? Detail the activities, steps, and people involved in the project.
5. Objectives
Your objectives should be clear and measurable. Think of them as milestones that show how your project will make progress.
Be specific about what you want to accomplish and ensure these objectives align with what the funder is looking to support.
6. Methods
Describe the approach you’ll take to implement the project. Explain the resources needed, any partnerships you will be involved in, and the steps you will take to achieve your objectives.
7. Execution Plan And Timeline
A clear timeline is essential for showing how you’ll manage the project effectively. Break down when each phase of the project will take place, and be realistic about deadlines.
8. Evaluation And Expected Impact
Explain how you’ll measure the success of your project. Will you use surveys, reports, or other metrics? This section is essential because funders want to know that their money will make a real difference. Show how you’ll track the outcomes and measure the impact on the beneficiaries.
9. Organization Bio And Qualifications
This section is about building credibility. Highlight your organization’s mission, experience, and why you are capable of delivering on this project. Include any relevant qualifications that demonstrate your ability to manage the project successfully.
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