Global Fund for Community Foundations

The Fund backs the institutional strengthening of community philanthropy organisations, rather than direct service delivery. Supported activities include building grantmaking systems, governance, resource mobilisation, participatory strategies, capacity building, technical assistance, peer-learning networks and impact documentation. These efforts serve causes such as social cohesion, human rights, poverty relief, environmental protection, active citizenship and inclusion. Work is concentrated in the Global South, with grantees based across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Organisations at any maturity level that engage communities in decision-making are eligible for support.

Eligible applicants are locally rooted community philanthropy organisations — including community foundations, women's funds, environmental funds and similar intermediary bodies — operating as community groups, registered charities or social enterprises. The Fund welcomes organisations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and considers Global North applicants serving disadvantaged groups on a case-by-case basis. There are no income thresholds, and applications are accepted from both emerging and established bodies. The key requirement is that communities are genuinely engaged in decision-making.

The Fund does not support direct service delivery or non-philanthropic entities. It focuses exclusively on building the capacity of community philanthropy intermediaries, so applicants whose primary purpose is delivering services rather than stewarding local giving will not be eligible.

The Fund acts as a learning partner and global advocate for people-led philanthropy, prioritising institutional strengthening rather than traditional grantmaking. Grants are made for a single year, and the Fund emphasises evidence-sharing and equitable relationships with grantees. It welcomes unsolicited approaches from eligible community philanthropy organisations across the Global South.