Top Organizations Offering International Grants to Individuals and Businesses in 2026 — How to Find, Apply, and Win Funding

Securing non-repayable funding through an international grant or fellowship is the ultimate catalyst for global Research, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact. Unlike traditional loans or private investment, these grants are a strategic injection of capital from major organizations, governments, or foundations dedicated to global Development and Innovation.

Access to grants can change the trajectory of a mission, startup, or community project. In 2026, global funders—from multilateral development banks to major philanthropic foundations and regional innovation programmes—are running high-value grant windows for individuals, nonprofits, social enterprises, and small businesses. This guide highlights the top organizations you should watch, what they typically fund, how to qualify, and practical application tips to maximise your chance of success.

Why these grants matter in 2026

Governments and philanthropies are shifting more money into climate resilience, inclusive economic growth, health, and technology that benefits low-income communities. That creates opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide to secure non-dilutive funding, technical support and partnerships that accelerate scale. Major public and private funders now offer both small “seed” grants and multi-million dollar programmes for scaling proven solutions. European Innovation Council+1

1) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & GEF Small Grants Programme — community + nature grants

Who they fund: Local NGOs, community groups, social enterprises and sometimes individual projects that deliver environmental and social benefits.
What they offer: The Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by UNDP, provides small grants to community-based initiatives tackling biodiversity, climate change and land degradation. These are ideal if your work links community development to measurable environmental outcomes. UNDP

Why apply: GEF-SGP grants are specifically designed to fund grassroots action (often <$50k USD), and UNDP frequently runs country- or region-level calls for proposals with clear guidelines and local partners. Recent rounds in 2024–25 show steady opportunities in many countries. UNDP

2) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — large strategic grants for health, development, and innovation

Who they fund: Established NGOs, research institutions, and select mission-aligned organisations (and occasionally consortia that include small partners).
What they offer: The Gates Foundation runs targeted calls in global health, agricultural development, financial inclusion and more. Their committed grants database is searchable and updated frequently, and they announce Request for Proposals (RFPs) for priority programmes. Gates Foundation

Why apply: While competitive and often focused on proven partners or large projects, successful Gates grants come with considerable funding, technical support, and global visibility. Smaller organisations often partner with experienced lead grantees to access these opportunities. Gates Foundation

3) World Bank & Affiliated Programmes — research, scholarships and project-linked grants

Who they fund: National governments, universities, researchers, and sometimes individual scholars (through scholarship programmes).
What they offer: The World Bank provides project grants through country operations, thematic funds, and scholarship schemes (for individuals and researchers). If your work aligns with national development projects (infrastructure, human capital, policy), you may access grants via country-level calls or partner NGOs. World Bank+1

Why apply: World Bank support often links you to national programmes and large technical assistance packages—useful if you want to scale impact through government partnerships. World Bank

4) European Union — Horizon Europe / EIC & Funding & Tenders Portal — R&D and scale grants for businesses

Who they fund: Startups, SMEs, research teams, consortia and NGOs in or partnering with EU member states.
What they offer: Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council (EIC) run large, competitive calls for research, innovation and scale-ups (including dedicated 2026 work programmes). Grants range from R&D support to scaling awards worth millions of euros. The EU’s Funding & Tenders Portal lists open calls and application templates. European Innovation Council+1

Why apply: European grants are excellent for tech, climate and research-intensive businesses that can join consortia or meet rigorous reporting and technical criteria. The EIC’s 2026 work programme alone opened over €1.4 billion in opportunities. European Innovation Council

5) Google.org & Corporate Impact Funds — tech + civic innovation grants

Who they fund: Nonprofits, civic tech teams, and social enterprises using technology for learning, economic opportunity, crisis response and inclusion.
What they offer: Google.org runs global open calls and accelerator programmes (e.g., impact challenges for AI) that combine grant funding with product, data and technical support. Recent initiatives include multi-million dollar open calls on generative AI for social impact. Google Org+1

Why apply: Google.org’s grants often include non-financial support—technical mentorship, cloud credits and product partnerships—which can be as valuable as the money itself. impactchallenge.withgoogle.com

6) Major foundations and regional funders (Rockefeller, Mastercard Foundation, IDRC, etc.)

Large philanthropic players like the Rockefeller Foundation maintain searchable grant databases and run thematic funding rounds (climate resilience, food systems, urban resilience). The Mastercard Foundation runs multi-year funds for SMEs and youth employment, especially in Africa. Canada’s IDRC (International Development Research Centre) supports research teams and consortia in low- and middle-income countries. These funders often provide both programmatic grants and challenge funds for innovators. The Rockefeller Foundation+2frp.org+2

How to pick the right grant and qualify

1. Match strategic priorities: Read the funder’s call carefully—most grant rounds are thematic and only accept proposals that match program objectives. (Example: EIC calls for specific technology readiness levels.) European Innovation Council

2. Check eligibility: Many big foundations require nonprofit status, local partnerships, or an established track record—some small funds (like GEF-SGP) accept community groups. UNDP+1

3. Form partnerships: If you’re a small business or solo founder, partner with universities, NGOs or experienced grantees to join consortium applications—this is especially important for EU and World Bank calls. European Commission+1

4. Design for impact & measurability: Funders want clear outcomes, budgets, and monitoring plans. Use simple logical frameworks and realistic budgets.

5. Apply on time and follow templates: Use official portals (EU Funding & Tenders, Gates RFPs, UNDP country pages) and follow the template—administrative errors are a common reason for rejection. European Commission+1

Practical tips to increase your win rate

• Track open calls: Subscribe to funder newsletters and use grant-tracking services or local incubators.

• Leverage accelerators: Many funders run pre-selection accelerator programmes (Google.org, EIC) that feed into grant selection. impactchallenge.withgoogle.com+1

• Start with small grants: Small, local grants build proof-of-concept and financial track record before chasing large grants. GEF-SGP and many UNDP low-value grant calls are perfect starters. UNDP

• Budget for compliance: Larger grants require audit and reporting capacity—budget for that or partner with an organisation that has it.

• Beware scams: Official funders never ask for up-front “processing fees.” Verify calls on the funder’s own website.

Final checklist before you apply

• Read the call and eligibility criteria twice.

• Prepare a crisp problem statement, solution and metrics.

• Build a one-page budget and timeline.

• Secure local partnerships or letters of support.

• Submit before the deadline via the official portal.

In 2026, the global grant market is focused on high-impact, scalable projects. By meticulously aligning your application with the specific investment mandates of these top organizations and demonstrating superior merit and financial planning, you position yourself perfectly to access the full funding required to build your future abroad.