Grants to Foster Community Philanthropy

The Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) offers small grants to support and stimulate the development of community philanthropy organizations globally. Rooted in the belief that locally-led development fosters sustainable and equitable change, the GFCF aims to shift power and resources to communities through its targeted funding. The organization is part of a broader global movement to build trust, amplify local voices, and strengthen grassroots institutions that can catalyze meaningful social change. Its funding strategy combines financial assistance with relationship building, learning, and integration into a growing network of like-minded organizations. GFCF’s grants are typically awarded through a two-stage application process that begins with a concept note. If the concept meets GFCF's criteria, applicants are invited to submit a longer, formal online application. While the foundation does not hold an open call every year, it accepts inquiries on a rolling basis. Applicants may submit concept notes in multiple languages including English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian, though final applications are generally expected in English unless otherwise arranged. The grants target organizations engaged in community philanthropy, including community foundations, women’s funds, environmental funds, national public foundations, grassroots grantmakers, and other groups committed to people-led development. Preference is given to organizations based in regions with limited access to funding—primarily Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe—though exceptions are made for disadvantaged communities in the Global North. Eligible activities include testing new resource mobilization strategies, piloting participatory grantmaking models, strengthening governance, communications, and sustainability, or conducting feasibility studies on local philanthropy. The overall intent is to boost organizational effectiveness and encourage models that prioritize local assets, participation, and decision-making. Participation in learning networks or grantee convenings may be required as part of the grant agreement. Grants generally range from USD $7,000 to $20,000 and are awarded for an initial period of one year, with the potential for follow-on funding. There is no fixed deadline, as applications are reviewed based on GFCF’s internal capacity and donor funding cycles. All final grant decisions are approved by GFCF’s board and must align with the organization’s strategic goals. Interested applicants should consult the foundation’s eligibility guidelines and may contact the organization via info@globalfundcf.org for more information or to submit an inquiry.

Ensure strong alignment with community philanthropy values and evidence of local empowerment strategies