Call for
GFCF Grants to Foster Community Philanthropy
Application Deadline:
5 May 2025
About Organisation
The Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) is a globally operating, virtual organization with its main office based in Johannesburg. Since 2006, the GFCF has supported and connected organizations dedicated to people-led development, community philanthropy, and grassroots empowerment. It works closely with a growing global network of like-minded partners who believe in shifting power and control to communities so they can drive their own development agendas. The GFCF promotes local agency by recognizing the value of community assets and knowledge and encourages the growth of local giving practices. Rather than offering top-down solutions, the organization focuses on cultivating leadership and participation from within communities. Its work extends across various regions, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. GFCF emphasizes learning, collaboration, and long-term impact, aiming to nurture strong, sustainable organizations that act as trusted facilitators of local change. Over the years, it has become a key player in building and strengthening the global community philanthropy movement.
About the Grant
The GFCF offers small grants designed to support and stimulate the growth of community philanthropy organizations around the world. These grants are not solely financial in nature—they are tools for building lasting relationships, understanding local initiatives, and integrating new partners into the global community philanthropy movement. The grant program aims to balance ongoing support for long-standing partners with opportunities for new entrants. While the organization does not issue open calls for applications every year, inquiries are welcomed year-round, depending on available donor resources. From 2020 to 2022, GFCF’s efforts were largely focused on helping its partners respond to and recover from the impacts of COVID-19, aiming to enable both short-term relief and long-term transformation. In the 2023/2024 financial year, GFCF awarded 73 grants to 63 organizations and 4 individuals across 30 countries, totaling approximately £1.4 million. Grants often have thematic or geographic focus areas and aim to strengthen recipients as grassroots grantmakers who can mobilize local and external support. Participation in learning networks or grantee convenings may be part of the grant conditions. Projects that demonstrate innovation, promote community-led action, and encourage new approaches to local resource mobilization are especially encouraged.
Who can Apply?
Organizations eligible to apply for GFCF funding include community philanthropy organizations, community foundations, women’s funds, environmental funds, grassroots grantmakers, national public foundations, and others aligned with community-driven development. Applicants should be actively working to shift decision-making power and control closer to the communities they serve. This involves recognizing and nurturing local assets, encouraging participation, and promoting community ownership. Organizations must also demonstrate commitment to local resource mobilization, inclusive governance, and practices that support community-led initiatives.
The grant is suited for organizations serving specific communities—whether geographic, issue-based, or identity-based—that value the local community as a source of knowledge, assets, and relationships. Eligible applicants must engage in grantmaking as a deliberate strategy to devolve power and resources to community-based groups. They should also be working to build a culture of local giving, civic participation, and network-building within their communities.
Applicants should be based in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, or Central and Eastern Europe. Whether dealing with popular or less mainstream issues, organizations that seek to empower their communities through locally rooted development strategies are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply?
Eligible organizations can submit a concept note via email or through the GFCF’s online form. Before applying, applicants should verify their eligibility to ensure their time is well spent. There is no fixed annual open call, but submissions are welcomed throughout the year, depending on available resources. Participation in grantee learning networks or events may be required as part of the grant conditions.
Application Deadline
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
