Applications are now open for the Dana Foundation Grants Programme 2026, offering up to €150,000 in flexible funding to support locally led organizations tackling multidimensional poverty and driving sustainable community impact.
This initiative is specifically designed to empower grassroots and community-based organizations with long-term, unrestricted funding, enabling them to scale solutions and respond effectively to evolving local needs.
About the Dana Foundation Grants Programme
The Dana Foundation Grants Programme focuses on supporting locally led, evidence-based initiatives that address interconnected social and economic challenges.
Built on a trust-based philanthropy model, the programme emphasizes:
- Flexibility in fund usage
- Reduced administrative burden
- Long-term partnerships with grantees
Rather than funding short-term projects, the programme supports organizations holistically, strengthening their capacity to create lasting, systemic change within their communities.
Funding Details
Selected organizations will receive:
- Up to €150,000 over 3 years
- Approximately €50,000 per year
- Unrestricted funding (flexible use)
- Simplified reporting requirements
- Ongoing long-term partnership support
This funding approach is designed to strengthen organizations as a whole—not just individual projects.
Focus Areas
The programme supports initiatives addressing multidimensional poverty, including:
- Education access and quality
- Health and well-being
- Livelihoods and economic empowerment
- Social inclusion and equality
- Climate resilience
Additionally, the programme encourages:
- Systems-thinking approaches
- Community-led solutions
- Evidence-based programming
- Cross-sector interventions
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be locally led, community-based organizations
- Have an annual budget under €500,000
- Operate in regions with high levels of multidimensional poverty
- Demonstrate strong governance and financial management systems
- Have a clear strategy or theory of change
- Show evidence of impact and learning systems
Priority is given to organizations deeply rooted in the communities they serve.
Programme Features
Key highlights include:
- Multi-year funding (3 years)
- Flexible, unrestricted grants
- Reduced reporting requirements
- Strong focus on organizational strengthening
- Emphasis on long-term systemic impact
This structure allows organizations to focus more on delivering impact and less on administrative processes.
Why You Should Apply
Unlike many traditional grants, the Dana Foundation Grants Programme offers flexible, trust-based funding, allowing organizations to allocate resources where they are most needed.
For grassroots organizations working on long-term development challenges, this programme provides the stability, autonomy, and support needed to scale impact sustainably and strengthen communities from within.
Application Deadline
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for preparation and submission.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Visit the Application Portal
Start your application here
2. Check Eligibility
Confirm your organization meets all criteria, including budget size and local leadership requirements.
3. Prepare Your Organizational Profile
Outline your mission, governance structure, and community impact.
4. Define Your Strategy
Present your theory of change and long-term vision.
5. Demonstrate Impact
Provide evidence of your past work, measurable outcomes, and learning systems.
6. Submit Your Application
Carefully review all details before final submission.
Get more information about this grant, by visiting HERE
