GFCF grants for community philanthropy
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Updated Source moved from the Moloda Gromada grantee record to the GFCF concept note page; card rewritten as a rolling programme of USD 7,000-20,000.
Summary
USD 7,000 to 20,000 a year for community foundations, women's and environmental funds and other community philanthropy organisations in Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. Concept notes are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline.
About the call
The Global Fund for Community Foundations supports organisations that use grantmaking as a deliberate development strategy: devolving resources and decisions to local groups, building a culture of local philanthropy and strengthening trust and networks in communities. Priority regions are Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Grants are normally USD 7,000-20,000, depending on annual budget, nature of activities and whether the organisation is already known to the GFCF. Funding is usually for an initial year with possible follow-on support; participation in a learning network or grantee convening may be a condition. Funds can strengthen the organisation itself (grantmaking systems, governance, fundraising, communications) or test new approaches such as participatory grantmaking.
Selection has two stages: a concept note first and, if it meets the criteria, an invitation to a full online application. The GFCF combines proactive invitations with open competitive processes when resources allow, so a concept note does not guarantee an invitation.
Who can apply
- Community foundations
- Women's and environmental funds
- National public foundations
- Grassroots grantmakers and other community philanthropy organisations
Who cannot apply
- Organisations that do not do grantmaking in their community
What the funds are for
- Strengthening grantmaking systems, governance and communications
- Fundraising and organisational sustainability
- Piloting new approaches, including participatory grantmaking
Documents required
Forms and templates are on the call page
How to apply
- 1Check eligibility on the Who can apply page
- 2Send a concept note to info@globalfundcf.org or via the online form
- 3If invited, submit the full application in English
Questions and answers
- Does a concept note guarantee an invitation to a full GFCF application?
- No. Selection has two stages, and only invited organisations whose concept note meets the criteria submit a full online application.
- For how long does the GFCF provide funding?
- Usually for an initial year with possible follow-on support. Participation in a learning network or grantee convening may be a condition.
Change history
- Updated: Source moved from the Moloda Gromada grantee record to the GFCF concept note page; card rewritten as a rolling programme of USD 7,000-20,000.
