Where to find funding for your NGO in Latin America?

The exit of USAID from Latin America opened up a new funding landscape for social organizations. Today, new players are stepping in to fill that gap—responding to urgent needs and offering solutions more aligned with the sector’s realities. These opportunities mark the beginning of a new era of transformation across the region.

This list highlights who’s backing the most urgent social causes in the region. From government-backed programs to philanthropic foundations, discover the new opportunities gaining momentum in Latin America:

What are the main funding options for NGOs in the region?

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1. Government Opportunities

a. Spain

• Amount: USD $50,000 – USD $1 million.

• Frequency: Annual calls + regional funds.

• Focus: Human rights, local development and culture.

Funds social projects through partnerships with local NGOs in education, health, and rights.

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b. Germany – GIZ / BMZ

• Amount: USD $500,000 – USD $3 million.

• Frequency: Ongoing partnerships.

• Focus: Environment and renewable energy.

Supports community-focused NGOs with proven impact and scalable solutions. Includes funding and technical assistance.

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c. Canada – Global Affairs Canada / ACDI

• Amount: USD $100,000 – USD $10 million.

• Frequency: Periodic calls.

• Focus: Gender equity, democracy and health.

Co-funds NGOs aligned with human rights and inclusive development.

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d. Netherlands – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Amount: USD $500,000 – USD $2 million.

• Frequency: Year-round.

• Focus: Human rights and health

Funds social justice, water access, and sustainable food. Prioritizes NGOs working on innovation, equity, and climate action.

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e. Switzerland - SDC

• Amount: USD $200,000 – USD $1.5 million.

• Frequency: Year-round.

• Focus: Water and sustainable agriculture.

Backs NGOs that strengthen local capacity and improve living conditions through water management and technical education.

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2. Multilateral and Institutional Funds

a. CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean‍

• Amount: Variable.

• Frequency: Based on project proposals.

• Focus: Infrastructure, climate resilience and water access.

Provides funding and technical support for sustainable development through partnerships with NGOs and governments.

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b. UNESCO - International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)

• Amount: Up to USD $100,000.

• Frequency: Annual calls.

• Focus: Arts and culture.

Funds creative industries that promote cultural diversity and community-based economic impact.

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c. Latimpacto - Catalytic Green Fund

• Amount: Up to USD $400,000.

• Frequency: Annual calls.

• Focus: Environment.

Supports cross-border cultural projects in nine Latin American countries, fostering local collaborations.

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d. Fondo de Acción Urgente para América Latina y el Caribe

• Amount: USD $500 - USD $5,000.

• Frequency: Open year-round.

• Focus: Human rights.

Funds feminist responses to emergencies or violence. Supports leaders defending women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.

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e. Acumen Fund

• Amount: USD $200,000 - USD $1 million.

• Frequency: Year-round.

• Focus: Environment, health and education.

Invests in impactful, sustainable solutions. Backs NGOs and social entrepreneurs closing economic gaps.

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3. Philanthropic Foundations

a. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Amount: Varies by project and region.

• Frequency: Periodic calls + year-round.

• Focus: Health, environment and education.

Co-funds scalable solutions with solid data and a strong equity focus.

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b. AVINA Foundation

• Amount: Varies by project.

• Frequency: Based on ongoing programs.

• Focus: Environment and human rights.

Supports climate justice, democracy, and sustainability by partnering with high-impact local NGOs.

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c. MAPFRE Foundation

• Amount: Varies per call.

• Frequency: Annual calls.

• Focus: Education, health, road safety and social action.

Backs experienced NGOs focused on inclusion, child nutrition, and improving quality of life.

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d. CODESPA Foundation

• Amount: Varies by project and region.

• Frequency: Based on active programs.

• Focus: Education and employability.

Strengthens rural entrepreneurship and value chains through NGO-private-public partnerships.

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e. Open Society Foundations

• Amount: USD $10,000 - USD $450,000

• Frequency: Open year-round.

• Focus: Democracy, human rights and public safety.

Funds structural change through organizations that challenge power and defend civic rights and freedoms.

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If your NGO wants to grow, adapt, and finance its impact, now is the time to act. Explore more opportunities in our grants database and power your cause.

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