International grants are non-refundable financial assistance provided by governments, organizations, and foundations to support projects and initiatives. These grants, unlike loans, do not require repayment and are highly sought after by both individuals and businesses. Grants are available in various industries, including technology, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
For individuals and businesses, international grants can be a vital resource to bring ideas to fruition. However, since the application process can be competitive, knowing where to apply and how to prepare a compelling application is essential. This article presents some of the leading international grants that offer over $100K and includes valuable strategies for successful grant applications.
Types of International Grants
International grants exhibit diversity in their formats, influenced by their specific purposes, eligibility criteria, and the organizations that provide them. Some prevalent categories of grants include:
- Business Expansion Grants
These grants are targeted at businesses looking to grow, enter new markets, or scale operations. They can fund activities such as product development, market research, and hiring new employees. - Research and Development Grants (R&D)
Designed for businesses, individuals, or academic institutions focused on innovation and technological advancements. R&D grants often support cutting-edge projects in fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and more. - Social Impact Grants
These grants support projects aimed at creating positive social change. Social entrepreneurs, non-profits, and businesses that contribute to solving social or environmental challenges are typically the beneficiaries. - Education and Training Grants
For individuals and organizations that focus on enhancing skills, providing education, or supporting research in academia, education grants are ideal. They provide opportunities for educational programs, scholarships, and workforce development. - Sustainability and Green Energy Grants
With a global focus on fighting climate change, sustainability grants fund projects that promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable development.
Top International Grants for Individuals and Businesses
There are numerous international grants available, but the following are some of the most notable that offer over $100,000 in funding:
1. The Gates Foundation Global Health and Development Grants
- Amount: $100,000 to $1 million+
- Who can apply: Non-profit organizations, research institutions, and businesses.
- Purpose: To improve healthcare systems, eradicate poverty, and promote sustainable development globally.
- Application Process: Applicants must submit proposals detailing the impact and feasibility of their projects. Focus areas include global health, family planning, nutrition, and climate change.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a key player in the philanthropy world, supporting initiatives that target major global challenges. If your project aligns with their mission, this grant offers significant funding that could transform your ideas into reality.
2. Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme
- Amount: Up to €150,000 to €500,000+
- Who can apply: Individuals, startups, SMEs, and large businesses within the European Union and associated countries.
- Purpose: To fund research and innovation projects that contribute to EU objectives like digital transformation, green energy, and scientific advancement.
- Application Process: Participants must collaborate with other entities across Europe to submit research proposals focusing on priority areas like climate action and innovation.
As one of the world’s most extensive funding programs, Horizon Europe stands as a remarkable resource, providing outstanding support for innovative businesses and entities dedicated to cutting-edge research endeavors.
3. The Skoll Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Grants
- Amount: $100,000 to $2 million+
- Who can apply: Social entrepreneurs, non-profits, and organizations focused on social impact.
- Purpose: To support projects that tackle urgent social issues, including education, healthcare, environment, and economic equity.
- Application Process: The Skoll Foundation looks for organizations with a proven track record of making a social impact. Applicants must provide a detailed plan for how the funding will expand their mission and affect positive change.
Social entrepreneurs working on high-impact initiatives can benefit greatly from this generous funding source. The foundation encourages innovation and sustainable models for social change.
4. National Institute of Health (NIH) Global Research Grants
- Amount: $100,000 to $500,000+
- Who can apply: Researchers, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and businesses.
- Purpose: To promote global health research projects, especially in areas like cancer research, infectious diseases, and biotechnology.
- Application Process: Proposals must address significant health issues, with the potential to improve health outcomes globally. Projects should have clear objectives, methodology, and measurable results.
The NIH grants are known for supporting large-scale health projects with global implications. Researchers working in medical and public health fields should consider these grants for their next big project.
5. UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)
- Amount: $100,000 to $500,000+
- Who can apply: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental bodies, and cultural institutions.
- Purpose: To support cultural and creative industries that promote diversity in developing countries.
- Application Process: Applicants must demonstrate how their projects will enhance the creative sectors in their region, with a focus on sustainable development.
If you’re involved in cultural projects, UNESCO’s IFCD offers significant funding to support your efforts in promoting diversity and innovation within the arts and cultural industries.
6. The African Development Foundation (ADF) Business Grants
- Amount: Up to $250,000+
- Who can apply: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs in Africa.
- Purpose: To provide financial and technical support to businesses that contribute to economic development in Africa.
- Application Process: Businesses must submit a business plan outlining how the grant will be used to grow their operations and create job opportunities.
Entrepreneurs in Africa can leverage business grants to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and promote sustainable development. These grants provide financial assistance without the burden of repayment, offering greater flexibility and targeting specific crucial sectors for economic development. Obtaining a grant requires careful planning and a strong proposal.
Successful recipients gain access to resources and support beyond financial assistance, empowering them to navigate business challenges and contribute to long-term success. Business grants serve as powerful tools for entrepreneurs to overcome financial barriers, adopt innovative technologies, and contribute to the competitiveness of their businesses and the African economy.
7. Ford Foundation Grants
- Amount: $50,000 to $2 million+
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, research organizations, advocacy groups
- Purpose: Support social justice, human rights, and poverty alleviation
- Application Process: Submit a proposal detailing project goals, impact, and budget. Focus on social justice, human rights, and poverty alleviation.
8. Google.org Impact Challenge
- Amount: Up to $500,000
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, social enterprises, NGOs
- Purpose: Fund innovative solutions to social challenges
- Application Process: Submit a proposal with a detailed plan, potential impact, and budget. Projects should address social challenges with innovative solutions.
9. Rockefeller Foundation Grants
- Amount: $100,000 to $5 million+
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, research institutions, governments
- Purpose: Improve global health, food security, and climate resilience
- Application Process: Apply with a proposal outlining project objectives, impact, and implementation plan. Focus on health, food security, and climate resilience.
10. Walton Family Foundation Grants
- Amount: $100,000 to $10 million+
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, educational institutions, community organizations
- Purpose: Support education reform, community development, and economic advancement
- Application Process: Submit a proposal detailing project impact, budget, and expected outcomes. Focus on education reform, community development, and economic advancement.
11. Open Society Foundations Grants
- Amount: $50,000 to $2 million+
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, advocacy groups, researchers
- Purpose: Promote human rights, democracy, and social justice
- Application Process: Apply with a detailed proposal outlining the project’s goals, impact, and budget. Focus on human rights, democracy, and social justice.
12. Eurasia Foundation Grants
- Amount: Up to $500,000
- Who Can Apply: NGOs, academic institutions, community organizations
- Purpose: Support projects in Eurasia focused on governance, education, and economic development
- Application Process: Submit a proposal detailing the project’s goals, expected impact, and budget. Focus on governance, education, and economic development in Eurasia.
13. Johnson & Johnson Foundation Grants
- Amount: $50,000 to $1 million+
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, health organizations, research institutions
- Purpose: Support health initiatives, especially in underserved communities
- Application Process: Apply with a proposal detailing the project’s objectives, impact, and budget. Focus on health initiatives in underserved communities.
14. Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Grants
- Amount: $50,000 to $1 million+
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, NGOs, research institutions
- Purpose: Support international development projects, especially in developing countries
- Application Process: Submit a proposal with project goals, expected impact, and budget. Focus on international development in developing countries.
15. European Commission Grants
- Amount: Up to €2 million
- Who Can Apply: Non-profits, research institutions, SMEs
- Purpose: Fund research, innovation, and development projects within the EU
- Application Process: Apply with a proposal outlining project goals, impact, and budget. Focus on research, innovation, and development within the EU.
Tips for Successfully Applying for International Grants
Securing a grant can be a competitive process, especially for large amounts like those mentioned above. Here are some essential tips to improve your chances of success:
- Research Thoroughly: Understand the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding priorities of the grant you’re applying for. Make sure your project aligns with the goals of the grant provider.
- Prepare a Strong Proposal: A well-written grant proposal is critical. Your proposal should clearly explain the purpose of your project, the impact it will have, and how the funds will be used. Include measurable goals, timelines, and a budget breakdown.
- Collaborate and Network: Some grants, especially those focused on research and development, require collaboration with other organizations or countries. Building partnerships can strengthen your application.
- Follow Guidelines: Each grant has specific guidelines for application submission. Ensure you meet all the requirements, from word count to required documents, to avoid disqualification.
- Seek Expert Help: If you’re new to grant applications, consider consulting with grant writers or advisors who specialize in your field. Their expertise can improve the quality of your application and increase your chances of success.
- Demonstrate Sustainability: Many grant providers look for projects that offer long-term solutions or benefits. Show how your project will continue to thrive after the initial funding runs out.
Conclusion
International grants of over $100,000 provide transformative potential for individuals and organizations pursuing growth, innovation, and impactful social change. Opportunities span various sectors, including scientific research, social ventures, and sustainable practices.
Crafting a strategic approach and demonstrating unwavering persistence can help turn your vision into reality. By contributing to the global economy and leaving a positive societal mark, these grants offer a chance to make a difference. Seize the opportunities outlined above and embark on your grant application journey today.
