Dana Foundation: Locally-Led Development Initiatives Grant

Grant Overview

The Dana Foundation funds locally-led development initiatives that address multidimensional poverty through community-designed and community-implemented projects, prioritizing organizations with deep local roots over internationally designed interventions.

Funding Organization

The Dana Foundation, a private philanthropic foundation focused on locally-led development approaches.

Eligibility

Small to medium-sized NGOs and community-based organizations with an annual operating budget under approximately €500,000, demonstrating genuine local leadership and community ownership in their proposed initiative.

Countries

Open to organizations working across low- and middle-income countries, with a strong track record of funding grassroots organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Funding Amount

Grants of up to €150,000 per organization, typically disbursed over a one- to two-year project period.

Deadline

31 December 2026. Confirm the exact application window and any interim milestones on the official Dana Foundation site.

Application Process

Applications typically require a concept note demonstrating community leadership and ownership, followed by a full proposal invitation for shortlisted organizations. Exact steps and forms are set by the Foundation directly.

Official Source

Confirm current guidelines directly through the Dana Foundation’s official grant channels before applying, as private foundation application processes can change without extensive public notice.

ATI Recommendations

Because this fund specifically favors locally-led design, applicants should lead their proposal with community consultation evidence and local decision-making structures rather than a standard donor-facing logframe alone.

Related ATI Training

ATI’s Diploma in Project Design and Proposal Writing builds the skills needed to translate community-led design into a competitive, fundable proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “locally-led” mean for this grant specifically?

Reviewers prioritize organizations where local staff and community members design and lead the initiative, rather than an international organization designing a project for local implementation.

Can international NGOs apply?

The fund’s stated priority is grassroots and community-based organizations; international NGOs should confirm eligibility directly with the Foundation before applying.