Different organizations define small grant differently – for some it is a grant under 10,000$, for some under 20,000$ and for some even under 50,000$. Normally, the biggest difference to a regular grant is that there are fewer requirements to apply for it. For many donors, a small grant is the first step to see if you are a reliable partner and if a future collaboration will be possible. Sometimes a donor only has a small budget for grants and that is the reason why they give out small grants.
If you consider applying for a small grant with your organization, there are a few things to keep in mind.
An application for a small grant is a great way to get started on a project or program. Many donors are willing to take more risks with small grants. If your project has a very innovative approach or your staff has not much experience to bring to the table, your chances to get funding are better if you start small.
Every donor has different guidelines, so be careful to read them and understand them thoroughly before you apply. Also be very clear about what you want to achieve with your project before you write your proposal.
Many times the format for a proposal is not as strict as with bigger grants. Be careful to still follow the requirements though. Even if you do not have to follow an exact logframe, your proposal should still be professional.
Also be realistic in your proposal. Nobody expects you to change the world with a small grant. Pick your area and do good work to impress the donor. If they really like your work, it will be much easier to get a regular grant in the future. If your approach was successful on a small scale, donors will be happy to support upscaling as well.
When a donor gives out small grants, they know that many of their grantees have very little experience with grants. They will probably be more willing to answer questions and to support you in the process of applying. If something is not clear, just ask.
Eva is based in Germany and has worked for nearly a decade with NGOs on the grassroots level in Nepal in the field of capacity development and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. Before that, she worked in South America and Europe with different organizations. She holds a Ph.D. in geography and her field of research was sustainability and inclusion in development projects.
Huge thanks to the Author for the tips, would like to know the name of potential donor names who will be willing to provide small and continuing grants for education and agriculture/livelihood in Nepal.
Hello,
I am glad that the article is helpful for you. Unfortunately we do not offer referral services, but I recommend you check the following links for funding opportunities in education, agriculture and lifelihood.
I hope this helps.
Yes
Thank you for the useful tips, and pleased to know that you worked for nepal on capacity building,agriculture , and livelihood program. Jagaran nepal ( Nepali NGO , working on capacity development, livelihood focusing women with its motto ” for women right, peace and governance”. After earthquake , we are supporting the women groups at the EQ affected areas (by 2015 eq in Nepal) providing incoming generating program ( livelihood), strengthening capacity,capacity building on leadership skills. For such activities we are helping them constructing Community Resource Center/s (CRCs). The CRCs are also thought to be useful to take shelter during… Read more »
Hello Naresh,
thank you for your comment, we are very happy that our articles are helpful for you. For further information about donors please check http://www.fundsforngos.org and also consider becoming a premium member there for even more detailed information. Best of luck for the work with your NGO!
My big thankyou for those most useful tips. I am a young blind man from Kavre district Nepal. The founder of REAL Nepal. Currently, REAL Nepal have been running a residential educational training center/preparatory school for the 15 most vulnerable blind children with a age group 5:15. Located at Panauti municipality ward No. 4 Taukhal. Here I would like to request, How can I find the most potential donors/patners for relevant our work? Thankyou for understanding.
Hello Rajendra,
thank you very much for your comment. Congratulations for funding your own NGO. Occasionally we publish tips for funding opportunities, but you can find many more donors here: https://www2.fundsforngos.org/category/latest-funds-for-ngos/
Best of luck
i am a teacher and running ngo in nepal.working for poor and needy boy,especially who is unable to study.I want to make it in large way…so if u can give me tips …our organization would be thankful.
Thank you for your tips. They are educative. Please can you do a writeup for start-up NGOs in Africa. NGOs that just registered, that need funds to carry out their first project, What funders are interested in funding such new NGOs. Please Include samples of application for support. Thank you.
Hello,
thank you, we are happy that our content is helpful for you. You can check this article for more information about how to fundraise when your NGO is brand new: http://helpfindschool.com/prop/articles/fund-raising-strategy/how-to-successfully-fundraise-if-your-ngo-is-brand-new/
MIFT Organization swat Pakistan nonfrefet organization and non political governmental organization kindly keep and touch MIFT Organization swat Pakistan. Regards khurshid Ali Khan chairman MIFT Organization swat Pakistan.
Hello Ms Eva, so glad and humbled for the exceptional guides and tips as regards to small grants’ application. This is indeed a great article and further more trains starters how to successfully apply for small grants from a variety of Global Funders. I’m a young Social Scientist who looks forward to implement my first project in one of Uganda’s most vulnerable community with a newly established non-profit Organization. I have really learnt something new from this article and eagerly look forward to use the tips in my pursuit to solicit small grants from reliable donors to bring about development… Read more »
Thanks for your support the informations on your link are very useful and I sincerely appropriate. We will apply them as advice, this our first attempt and we hope for success.
Best regards,
Mary
We wish you the best!
Hi
I’m from Pakistan , I have ministry really learned news things from this article. We are helping poor and orphans children through education. In village area and brick Kline area. Can you please guide me how I get a small fund for the poor and orphans children?