While most U.S. foundations and corporations give grants only to domestic organizations, some grantmakers will give to international charities or NGOs. These funders may need to conduct an equivalency determination in order to establish that the NGO is the equivalent of a U.S. public charity. This review process may be done by the foundation or the prospective grantee’s counsel. Learn how foreign organizations can find U.S. grantmakers with our FAQ, Where can I find information on grants to non-U.S. organizations?
International NGOs may have more funding opportunities if they find a fiscal sponsor or start their own 501(c)(3) charities. This is especially true if they want to solicit tax-deductible charitable contributions from individual donors, who cannot claim the benefit if they donate to most foreign organizations. However, these new charities should be formed to support a mission and not act only as a conduit to send funds abroad.
Learn about fiscal sponsorship with our FAQ, What is fiscal sponsorship? How do I find a fiscal sponsor?
Learn about obtaining your own 501(c)(3) status with our FAQ, How do I start a nonprofit organization?
Selected resources below may also help.
Web Sites
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Books and Articles
Check title availability at our libraries and Cooperating Collections or your local libraries.
The latest publications in the Catalog of Nonprofit Literature about foundation giving in economic downturns available at Foundation Center libraries, some Cooperating Collections, or through your local public library.
- Finding Funders
- Fundraising Planning
- International Affairs
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