For Nigerian NGOs with bold visions, the ambition to tackle deep-seated social problems often requires significant financial partnership. While local fundraising is vital, the largest sources of funding for systemic, large-scale projects frequently come from international sources. The challenge, however, is knowing where to look. The world of international funding can seem vast and impenetrable.
To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Global Organisations That Fund NGO Projects. These are foundations, bilateral agencies, and multilateral institutions with a significant footprint in Nigeria and across Africa. They represent a starting point for your research and a gateway to potentially transformative partnerships.
A Quick Note Before You Apply
Remember, these are highly competitive sources. Before you rush to apply, understand that success depends on mission alignment. Do not waste your time applying to a health-focused funder if your work is in education. A crucial part of this process is doing your own in-depth research, a skill detailed by many expert platforms like Devex’s guide on engaging donors. This list is your map; you still have to chart the course.
1. The Ford Foundation
A giant in the world of social justice philanthropy, the Ford Foundation focuses on tackling inequality in all its forms. Their work centers on areas like civic engagement, gender equality, and equitable development. They are known for supporting bold, innovative ideas that challenge existing power structures.
Find their grants here: https://www.fordfoundation.org/work/our-grants/
2. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Primarily focused on global health and poverty alleviation, the Gates Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the world. Their funding priorities include disease eradication (like polio and malaria), agricultural development, and expanding access to financial services for the poor.
Find their grants here: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work/grant-opportunities
3. Open Society Foundations
Founded by George Soros, the Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies. Their core focus areas are justice, human rights, democratic governance, and economic equity. If your work involves advocacy, policy change, or protecting civil liberties, they are a key funder to watch.
Find their grants here: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants
4. MacArthur Foundation
The MacArthur Foundation is a major funder in Nigeria, with a strong focus on anti-corruption and accountability through their “On Nigeria” program. They also fund projects related to girls’ secondary education and have a history of supporting human rights organizations.
Find their grants here: https://www.macfound.org/programs/nigeria/
5. USAID (United States Agency for International Development)
As the primary development agency of the U.S. government, USAID provides funding for a vast range of sectors, including health, education, economic growth, and democracy. They often issue public calls for proposals and work through local implementing partners.
Find their grants here: https://www.usaid.gov/work-with-us/get-grant-or-contract
From Global Lists to Local Alerts
Keeping track of the funding cycles and shifting priorities of these major players can be a full-time job. It’s easy to miss a crucial deadline from a funder like USAID while you’re focused on a report for another. That’s where a dedicated grant aggregator becomes essential. At grantsdatabase.org, our entire mission is to do this work for you. We monitor these global funders and many others, sending you targeted alerts about opportunities that match your specific work in Nigeria, so you can focus on impact, not endless searching. Our resources can also help you prepare the high-quality proposals these funders expect.
6. UK FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
The FCDO is the UK’s government agency for international development. They fund projects across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on poverty reduction, humanitarian assistance, girls’ education, and climate change.
Find their funding opportunities here: https://www.gov.uk/international-development-funding
7. The Global Fund
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a partnership designed to accelerate the end of these three epidemics. They primarily fund large-scale prevention, treatment, and care programs, often working through Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) within each nation.
Find their funding information here: https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/funding-model/
8. The World Bank
While the World Bank primarily lends to governments, it has numerous trust funds and specific programs that provide grants to civil society organizations for projects related to social accountability, development, and poverty reduction.
Explore their grants and funds here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/financial-intermediary-fund-trust-fund-and-partnership
9. Google.org
Google’s philanthropic arm supports non-profits using technology and innovation to solve complex global challenges. They often run high-profile “Impact Challenges” focused on specific themes like AI for social good, economic opportunity, and sustainability.
Explore their work and opportunities here: https://google.org/
10. Skoll Foundation
The Skoll Foundation focuses on social entrepreneurship. They invest in and celebrate social entrepreneurs whose innovations have a proven impact on some of the world’s most pressing problems. They are ideal for established NGOs with a scalable, evidence-based model.
Learn about their approach here: https://skoll.org/approach/
Conclusion
This list of Global Organisations That Fund NGO Projects is your starting block, not the finish line. Each of these funders has a unique culture, a rigorous application process, and specific priorities. The key to success is diligent research, building relationships where possible, and submitting a perfectly aligned proposal that demonstrates your unique value. The funding is out there, and with persistence and a strategic approach, your organization can secure the partnerships it needs to thrive.
