Written by Applications are now open for the Dana Foundation Grants Programme 2026, offering up to €150,000 in flexible funding to support locally led organizations working to address multidimensional poverty and drive sustainable community impact.
This program is designed to empower grassroots organizations with long-term, unrestricted funding, enabling them to implement scalable, community-driven solutions.
About the Programme
The Dana Foundation Grants Programme focuses on supporting locally led, evidence-based initiatives that tackle interconnected social and economic challenges.
The program adopts a trust-based philanthropy approach, prioritizing flexibility, reduced administrative burden, and long-term partnerships with grantees.
Rather than funding short-term projects, the initiative supports organizations holistically, allowing them to respond to evolving community needs and scale their impact sustainably.
Funding Details
Selected organizations will receive:
- Up to €150,000 total funding over 3 years
- Approximately €50,000 per year
- Unrestricted funding (flexible use based on organizational needs)
- Simplified reporting requirements
- Long-term partnership support
The funding model is designed to strengthen organizations, not just individual projects.
Focus Areas
The programme supports initiatives addressing multidimensional poverty, including:
- Education access and quality
- Health and well-being
- Livelihoods and economic empowerment
- Social inclusion and equality
- Climate resilience
It also encourages:
- Systems-thinking approaches
- Community-led solutions
- Evidence-based programming
- Cross-sector interventions
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, organizations must:
- Be locally led and community-based organizations
- Have an annual budget under €500,000
- Operate in regions with high levels of multidimensional poverty
- Demonstrate strong governance and financial management systems
- Have a clear strategy or theory of change
- Show evidence of impact and learning systems
The program prioritizes organizations deeply rooted in the communities they serve.
Programme Features
Key highlights of the program include:
- Multi-year funding (3 years)
- Flexible and unrestricted grants
- Reduced reporting requirements
- Emphasis on organizational strengthening
- Focus on long-term systemic impact
This approach ensures that organizations can focus more on impact and less on administrative constraints.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: December 31, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for preparation and submission.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
Follow these steps to successfully apply:
Step 1: Visit the Application Portal
Start your application here:
Apply here: https://app.fieldwisephilanthropy.com/funds/dJojULJKQe4fBZTPn5LR
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Ensure your organization meets all requirements, including budget size and local leadership.
Step 3: Prepare Organizational Profile
Highlight your mission, governance structure, and community impact.
Step 4: Define Your Strategy
Present your theory of change and long-term goals.
Step 5: Demonstrate Impact
Provide evidence of past work, outcomes, and learning systems.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review all details carefully before submitting.
Why You Should Apply
Unlike many traditional grants, the Dana Foundation Grants Programme provides flexible, trust-based funding, allowing organizations to allocate resources where they are most needed.
For grassroots organizations working on long-term development challenges, this program offers the stability and support needed to scale impact sustainably.