Closed
Source verified July 31, 2026
NED Grants Program
Support for democracy-focused projects abroad
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
June 2, 2026
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.
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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
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
- Registration documents, if applicable
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
- Complete the required forms.
- Write a narrative proposal describing your project and prepare a project budget.
- Submit the forms and proposal via email or secure communication to the appropriate address based on the region in which your project will take place.
- If applying by post, send all of the application materials to National Endowment for Democracy, Attn: Grant Proposals, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 USA.
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)