Closed
Source verified September 16, 2026
NED Grants Program
Support for democracy-focused projects abroad
Get notified when NED Grants Program reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 16, 2026Latest change: NED now accepts grant applications through a new online portal with language selection, replacing the prior email, secure-communication, and postal submission paths.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 16, 2026
Latest change: NED now accepts grant applications through a new online portal with language selection, replacing the prior email, secure-communication, and postal submission paths.
NED grant applications move to a new portal
NED now directs applicants to a new online portal for grant submissions, where they first select an application language. The page also adds portal instructions and clarifies that applicants upload the Proposal Narrative, Proposal Budget, and Certificate of Registration if applicable, while the prior postal submission option is removed.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
The National Endowment for Democracy supports nongovernmental organizations abroad in more than 100 countries to advance democratic goals and strengthen democratic institutions. Eligible projects may promote human rights, independent media, accountability, civic education, democratic conflict resolution, and related priorities.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Promote and defend human rights and the rule of law.
- Support freedom of information and independent media.
- Strengthen democratic ideas and values; promote accountability and transparency.
- Strengthen civil society organizations; strengthen democratic political processes and institutions; promote civic education.
- Support democratic conflict resolution; promote freedom of association; strengthen a broad-based market economy.
Documents Needed
- Organization Profile Form
- Application Proposal Form
- Proposal Narrative
- Proposal Budget
- Certificate of Registration or other documentation showing the legal status of your organization, if applicable; if your organization is not registered, an explanation as to why your organization is not registered and the status of any pending applications for registration
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Local, independent organizations
- Nongovernmental organizations, which may include civic organizations, associations, independent media, and other similar organizations
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Governmental bodies
- State-supported institutions such as public universities
Eligible expenses
- Salaries for employees working on NED projects during the grant period.
- Benefits, taxes and allowances.
- Office space and utilities.
- Equipment over $5,000; travel and per diem.
- Contractual/consultant services; other direct costs; subrecipient(s).
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Entertainment, gifts, gratuities, donations, alcoholic beverages, fines, and penalties.
- Activities involving physical violence by any individual, group, or government.
- Costs related to campaigns of candidates for public office; lobbying directed at influencing public policy decisions of local, state, or federal governments in the US.
- Costs related to education, training, or informing US audiences of any partisan policy or practice or candidate for office.
- Activities unlawful under local, state, or federal governments in the US; miscellaneous and contingency costs.
Eligible geographic areas
- Africa
- Asia
- Eurasia
- Europe
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Middle East and North Africa
- Global projects spanning more than one country in different regions
Selection criteria
- Fit with NED’s overall priorities.
- Relevance to the country’s specific needs and conditions.
- Applicant’s democratic commitment and experience.
How to apply
- Access the online portal through the application link, which will take you to a page where you can select your application language.
- Click the Confirm button at the end to finalize and submit your application.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the NED Board of Directors.
- Funding decisions are made three times a year by the NED Board of Directors.
- Proposals submitted after the deadline will be considered at the following Board Meeting.
- NED procedures require grantees to monitor the progress of their project and to submit periodic reports documenting activities and assessing achievements and successes.
Additional information
- Recent reports indicate that individuals are posing as the NED on email and social media.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the NED Grants Program Program
What is the NED Grants Program?
The National Endowment for Democracy supports nongovernmental organizations abroad in more than 100 countries to advance democratic goals and strengthen democratic institutions. Eligible projects may promote human rights, independent media, accountability, civic education, democratic conflict resolution, and related priorities.
Who is eligible for the NED Grants Program program?
To be eligible for the NED Grants Program program, you must:
Local, independent organizations
Nongovernmental organizations
Nonpartisan programs
What expenses are eligible under NED Grants Program?
Promote and defend human rights and the rule of law.
Support freedom of information and independent media.
Strengthen democratic ideas and values; promote accountability and transparency.
Strengthen civil society organizations; strengthen democratic political processes and institutions; promote civic education.
Support democratic conflict resolution; promote freedom of association; strengthen a broad-based market economy.
Who can I contact for more information about the NED Grants Program?
You can contact NED (NED) by email at proposals@ned.org.
Where is the NED Grants Program available?
The NED Grants Program program is available across Canada.
Is the NED Grants Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
NED Grants Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the NED Grants Program?
NED Grants Program is funded by NED (NED)