The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Grant Application Guide provides comprehensive information for civil society organisations seeking funding to advance democratic values worldwide. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) supports non-governmental initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and foster civic participation across more than 100 countries.
This National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Grant Application Guide outlines eligibility criteria, priority funding areas, application requirements, deadlines, and submission procedures to help organisations prepare strong and compliant proposals.
About the National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a non-profit, non-partisan foundation dedicated to supporting democratic development globally. NED provides grants to organisations working to advance democracy, particularly in countries where democratic freedoms are under threat or not yet fully established.
NED does not fund projects carried out within established democracies and focuses on initiatives that demonstrate local ownership, sustainability, and democratic impact.
Who Can Apply for NED Grants
NED funding is strictly available to non-governmental organisations. Individuals and government-affiliated institutions are not eligible.
Eligible Applicants Include:
- Civil society organisations
- Independent media organisations
- Human rights and advocacy groups
- Civic education organisations
- Professional associations and networks
- Community-based and grassroots organisations
Ineligible Applicants:
- Individuals
- Government agencies
- State-supported or government-controlled institutions
- Projects implemented within established democracies
Priority Funding Areas
NED supports non-partisan programmes that align with its democratic mission. Priority areas include:
- Promotion of human rights and the rule of law
- Freedom of information and support for independent media
- Strengthening civil society organisations
- Democratic political processes and institutions
- Civic education, accountability, and transparency
- Freedom of association and conflict resolution
- Support for a broad-based market economy
Projects should clearly demonstrate how proposed activities contribute to democratic development and citizen participation.
Grant Application Deadlines and Board Review Schedule
NED’s Board of Directors reviews grant proposals on a quarterly basis. Applications must be submitted by the deadlines listed below to be considered for the corresponding board meetings.
| Proposal Submission Deadline | Board Review Meeting |
|---|---|
| 26 September 2025 | 23 January 2026 |
| 26 January 2026 | 8 May 2026 |
| 2 June 2026 | 11 September 2026 |
Proposals submitted after a deadline will automatically roll over to the next review cycle.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package using NED’s official PDF forms. Excel versions are not accepted.
Required Documents:
- Organisational Profile Form – Basic organisational information
- Application Proposal Form – Summary of the proposed project
- Proposal Narrative – Detailed project description (English or local language accepted)
- Proposal Budget – Financial breakdown using the NED budget template
- Registration Documents – Proof of legal registration, where applicable, or explanation if not registered
Incomplete or improperly formatted applications may not be reviewed.
How to Submit a NED Grant Application
Submission by Email
Applicants must submit proposals via email to the regional address corresponding to the project’s location:
- Africa: africaproposals@ned.org
- Asia: asiaproposals@ned.org
- Eurasia: eurasiaproposals@ned.org
- Europe: europeproposals@ned.org
- Latin America & Caribbean: americalatina@ned.org
- Middle East & North Africa: menaproposals@ned.org
- Global / Multi-Country Projects: globalproposals@ned.org
Submission by Post
Hard-copy submissions can be sent to:
National Endowment for Democracy
Attn: Grant Proposals
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
USA
Regional Support and Enquiries
Applicants may contact NED’s regional teams for clarification on eligibility or submission procedures:
- Africa: africaproposals@ned.org
- Asia: asiaproposals@ned.org
- Eurasia: eurasiaproposals@ned.org
- Europe: europeproposals@ned.org
- Latin America & Caribbean: americalatina@ned.org
- Middle East & North Africa: menaproposals@ned.org
- Global: globalproposals@ned.org
Fraud and Scam Warning
Applicants are advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent individuals or organisations falsely claiming to represent NED. All official communication occurs through verified NED email addresses. No fees are required to apply for NED grants.
Final Notes for Applicants
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Grant Application Guide is designed to help civil society organisations understand the full application process and prepare competitive proposals. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects clearly with democratic outcomes and submit complete documentation before the relevant deadline.
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