Best Grants for NGOs: Top 10 Opportunities for 2025

If you’re a nonprofit, NGO, or grassroots organization working to create lasting social impact, 2025 is already shaping up to be a promising year for funding. In this post, we highlight the best grants for NGOs working in areas like education, gender equality, and global health.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 international grants for social development and nonprofits in 2025, including deadlines, focus areas, and links to apply. These are some of the best grants for NGOs globally — so let’s dive in.

1. Ford Foundation Grants

Focus Areas: Social justice, human rights, democracy, and inclusive economic development.
Eligibility: NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic institutions.
Application Window: Open year-round with specific thematic calls.
🔗 Apply here

2. Echoing Green Fellowship 2025

Focus Areas: Early-stage social entrepreneurs working in health, education, climate, and racial justice.
Eligibility: Individuals or teams with innovative social impact ideas.
Application Deadline: March 2025.
🔗 Apply here

3. Waterloo Foundation – International Development Grants

Focus Areas: Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), education, and child development in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Eligibility: UK-registered charities working internationally.
Application Deadlines: January and July 2025.
🔗 Apply here

4. Global Fund for Women

Focus Areas: Gender equality, women’s rights, reproductive health.
Eligibility: Women-led organizations.
Application Window: Multiple calls annually.
🔗 Apply here

5. AGRA – Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa

Focus Areas: Agriculture, food security, smallholder farming.
Eligibility: African NGOs, governments, and academic institutions.
Application Deadline: Varies by program.
🔗 Apply here

6. UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women

Focus Areas: Projects addressing gender-based violence and strengthening women’s rights.
Eligibility: Civil society and women’s rights organizations.
Application Period: Expected opening in June 2025.
🔗 Apply here

7. Google.org Impact Challenge

Focus Areas: Tech-driven solutions for economic opportunity, climate, and health.
Eligibility: NGOs and nonprofits globally.
Application Deadline: Usually opens mid-year.
🔗 Apply here

8. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grants

Focus Areas: Global health, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion.
Eligibility: Nonprofits and research institutions.
Application: Through specific calls for proposals.
🔗 Apply here

9. The Global Innovation Fund (GIF)

Focus Areas: Innovative solutions with measurable social impact in developing countries.
Eligibility: NGOs, social enterprises, and startups.
Funding: From $50,000 to $15 million.
Rolling Applications: Open all year.
🔗 Apply here

10. Open Society Foundations Grants

Focus Areas: Justice, education, media freedom, human rights.
Eligibility: NGOs and grassroots organizations worldwide.
Application: Various calls depending on program area.
🔗 Apply here

Final Thoughts on the Best Grants for NGOs

Staying up to date with Best Grants for NGOs: Top 10 Opportunities for 2025 is crucial for growing your nonprofit’s impact. These ten international grants represent some of the best options available for NGOs working in social development, with global reach and mission-driven support.

Pro Tip: Bookmark this list, subscribe to grant newsletters, and set calendar reminders for deadlines. Timing is everything!

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