5 International Organizations that offer grants to Startups. Check out on how to Apply and Application Processes.

Here are some international organizations that offer grants to startups focused on improving education:

1. Global Partnership for Education (GPE)

Grants: GPE provides grants to support education systems in developing countries, including funding for education sector plans, COVID-19 response, and system transformation.

Application Website: GPE Grant Portal

How to Apply: Countries eligible for GPE grants can apply through their government education sector. The application involves collaboration with education partners, preparation of a proposal, and submission through GPE's processes.

2. Dubai Cares

Grants: Dubai Cares funds programs focused on education in developing countries, covering areas like early childhood education, school health, and nutrition, as well as education during emergencies.

Application Website: 

How to Apply: Organizations can submit proposals or inquiries directly through the website. Dubai Cares works with implementing partners, and funding opportunities are typically announceDubai Cares Programs d via their platform.

3. The LEGO Foundation

Grants: The LEGO Foundation offers funding for initiatives that promote learning through play, innovation in early childhood education, and development of creative learning spaces.

Application Website: The LEGO Foundation Portal

How to Apply: Funding calls and grant announcements are made on the website. Interested organizations should check the site for opportunities and guidelines on how to apply.

4. Ford Foundation

Grants: The Ford Foundation funds programs that address inequality, focusing on areas such as human rights, social justice, economic fairness, and education.

Application Website: Ford Foundation Grants

How to Apply: Organizations can submit an idea through the website's portal. Applications should align with the foundation's priorities and be made following the grant-seeking guidelines available online.

5. Global Innovation Fund (GIF)

Grants: GIF provides funding for innovative solutions that address global development challenges. This includes programs in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion.

Application Website: Global Innovation Fund

How to Apply: Organizations and innovators can submit their proposals via the GIF website. Applications undergo a review process, and funding is available at different stages of development from pilot to scale-up.

Each of these organizations has specific guidelines and priorities, so be sure to review their eligibility criteria and application procedures on their respective websites.

Here's a detailed look at the application processes for grants from the organizationsnand tips on how to succeed in securing these grants:

1. Global Partnership for Education (GPE)

Application Process:

1. Eligibility Check: Confirm that the country you represent is eligible for GPE funding. Typically, grants are directed to national governments of developing countries.

2. Collaborative Planning: Work with local education stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive education sector plan (ESP).

3. Proposal Preparation: Develop a proposal based on the ESP, including plans for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

4. Submission & Review: Submit the proposal to GPE through established government channels. The proposal is reviewed by GPE’s board, and funding decisions are made.

Tips to Succeed:

Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and government bodies, to develop a well-rounded and collaborative proposal.

Strong Proposal: Ensure the proposal clearly outlines goals, strategies, budgets, and evaluation methods.

Alignment: Make sure your proposal aligns with GPE’s strategic objectives and priorities.

2. Dubai Cares

Application Process:

1. Concept Note Submission: Interested organizations should submit a concept note outlining the proposed initiative.

2. Detailed Proposal: If shortlisted, organizations will be asked to submit a detailed proposal, including budget, implementation strategy, and evaluation plans.

3. Partnering: Dubai Cares often partners with other organizations, so applicants must demonstrate how their program complements existing initiatives.

4. Review & Approval: Submitted proposals undergo a review process, and successful projects are selected for funding.

Tips to Succeed:

Innovative Approach: Highlight innovative methods and sustainable models in your proposal.

Evidence-Based: Use data and evidence to demonstrate the need for your project and its potential impact.

Clear Outcomes: Clearly define measurable outcomes and metrics for evaluating success.

3. The LEGO Foundation

Application Process:

1. Call for Proposals: Regularly check the LEGO Foundation’s website for calls for proposals or specific funding opportunities.

2. Proposal Submission: Submit a comprehensive proposal that aligns with their focus on learning through play.

3. Review & Assessment: Proposals are reviewed based on innovation, impact, and alignment with the foundation’s goals.

4. Grant Agreement: Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement and proceed with project implementation.

Tips to Succeed:

Focus on Creativity: Highlight creative approaches to promoting education and development through play.

Sustainability: Develop a sustainable plan that can continue to impact even after the grant period ends.

Partnerships: Showcase existing or potential partnerships that can strengthen your project’s implementation and reach.

4. Ford Foundation

Application Process:

1. Idea Submission: Submit an initial idea through the Ford Foundation’s online portal, detailing your organization and project concept.

2. Proposal Development: If your idea is accepted, you’ll be invited to develop a full proposal, including a detailed plan, budget, and strategy for impact.

3. Review & Decision: The foundation’s team reviews proposals, and successful applicants are notified.

Tips to Succeed:

Focus on Social Justice: Align your project with the foundation's mission of addressing inequality and social justice.

Clear Problem Definition: Clearly define the problem your project addresses and the proposed solution.

Sustainability & Impact: Prove that your project has long-term sustainability and can create measurable impact.

5. Global Innovation Fund (GIF)

Application Process:

1. Online Submission: Submit your proposal via the GIF website, outlining your innovative idea, the problem it addresses, and the solution.

2. Assessment Stages: Applications are assessed at different stages, including pilot (early stage), test (mid-stage), and scale (full-scale implementation).

3. Due Diligence: If shortlisted, you will go through a due diligence process to evaluate your organization's capacity and the feasibility of the project.

4. Funding Agreement: Successful applicants sign a funding agreement and begin project implementation.

Tips to Succeed:

Innovation & Scalability: Emphasize how your idea is innovative and scalable. GIF looks for solutions that can be replicated in other contexts or regions.

Clear Metrics: Clearly define the metrics for success and how the project will be monitored.

Cost-Effectiveness: Demonstrate that your project provides a cost-effective solution to a pressing development problem.

General Tips for Securing Grants:

Understand the Funder's Mission: Research each organization's priorities and align your proposal to address their specific goals.

Strong Proposal Writing: Write a clear, concise, and compelling proposal that outlines the problem, your solution, and the expected impact.

Demonstrate Sustainability: Show that your project can sustain itself beyond the grant period through partnerships, revenue models, or other funding sources.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Develop a robust plan for monitoring and evaluating the project’s impact to provide tangible results to the funder.

Proof of Concept: If possible, include evidence from previous projects, pilots, or case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of your approach.

By carefully following each organization’s guidelines and focusing on these key aspects, you can improve your chances of securing grant funding.