Securing funding is a critical task for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), particularly those in the Global South, trying to drive meaningful change. At Kuja, we understand the systemic inequalities embedded in many funding processes—from prioritizing larger organizations, to favoring certain languages, regions and problems to solve. These tips are designed to help CSOs navigate and survive in a system that often reflects colonial legacies and unfair power dynamics.
Here are some simple tips to make your funding application stand out while advocating for equitable development:
1. Research Your Funder
Understanding your funder goes beyond surface-level details. Dive deep into their mission, values, core funding areas, compliance requirements, past projects, annual reports, past grant announcements and success stories. For example, does the founder have a history of supporting grassroots initiatives in the Global South, or do they prioritize projects that align with specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Additionally, understand their decision-making process. Are they a private foundation, a multilateral agency (like the UN), or a government funder (like USAID)? Each type of funder has unique expectations and limitations. Knowing these can help you frame your application more effectively. For instance, private foundations might value innovation, while multilateral agencies often focus on scalability and alignment with global goals.
Organizations like AWDF (African Women’s Development Fund) provide excellent examples of funders focused on empowering grassroots organizations in Africa, particularly those led by women. Similarly, the Brazil Human Rights Fund supports initiatives addressing social justice in South America. In Asia, The Asia Foundation offers funding and partnership opportunities tailored to the region. For broader insights into funder trends and priorities, platforms like Candid are helpful.
2. Highlight Community Impact
Funders increasingly want to see measurable and transformative benefits for the communities you serve. As a CSO from the Global South, you have the advantage of being deeply rooted in your community. Highlight this connection by presenting data and stories that reflect your impact.
For example, organizations like Tshikululu Social Investments in South Africa provide tools and expertise to help CSOs effectively measure and communicate their impact. In Latin America, RACI (Argentine Network for International Cooperation) offers training and resources for nonprofits. To complement these resources, you can also explore global platforms like Nonprofit Quarterly for tips on storytelling and data visualization.
3. Build Partnerships
Collaboration amplifies impact. Partnering with other organizations—whether local or international—can demonstrate your ability to leverage collective resources and expertise. This is especially important for Global South CSOs, as partnerships with Global North entities can sometimes provide additional credibility in donor eyes.
Equitable partnerships can be nurtured through networks like WACSI (West Africa Civil Society Institute), which supports capacity building and partnership development in West Africa. In South America, Grupo FARO facilitates collaborative efforts to address public policy challenges. In Asia, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) connects organizations across the region to strengthen human rights and democracy initiatives. For additional guidance, platforms like Partnership Brokers offer global resources.
4. Be Clear and Concise
In a competitive funding landscape, clarity is power. Use accessible language, especially if English or another dominant language is not your first language. Structure your proposal with bullet points, bold headers, and short paragraphs to improve readability. Remember, many funders receive hundreds of proposals and may skim through applications. The clearer and more direct your proposal, the better your chances.
Organizations such as CIPPEC (Center for the Implementation of Public Policies Promoting Equity and Growth) in Argentina provide excellent tools for drafting clear and effective communications for policymakers and funders. In Africa, CivSource Africa offers resources to help CSOs communicate their goals effectively. In Asia, PRIA (Participatory Research in Asia) provides training on proposal writing and strategic communication. For more general global guidance, explore Proposal Writing Short Course.
5. Follow Up After Submission
Once your application is submitted, your work isn’t over. A polite follow-up email can underscore your enthusiasm and ensure your proposal doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. However, keep in mind that funders often have stretched resources and limited time. Your follow-up should be respectful and concise.
For support in professional communication, the Southern Africa Trust offers workshops and resources for CSOs. Similarly, the Social Progress Imperative in Latin America provides tools for engaging stakeholders effectively and The Asia Foundation In Asia, SEEDS Asia supports organizations in maintaining effective donor relationships. To complement these efforts, Charity Digital provides global tips for maintaining donor relationships.
Reflecting on the Bigger Picture
While these tips are meant to help CSOs succeed within existing funding frameworks, it’s important to critically engage with the inequities within this process. Organizations from the Global South often face barriers such as limited access to networks, linguistic hurdles, and biases in how impact is assessed (CIVICUS Monitor, OECD Report on Civil Society, OpenGlobalRights Article).
Recognize that while you’re navigating these systems, you can also advocate for change. While it may feel that you don't have the power to push back on funders or question their practices, you have more power than you know.
Use your position to push for more inclusive funding practices. For instance, encourage funders to offer multilingual application options or simplify bureaucratic requirements that disproportionately burden smaller organizations. The more CSOs pushing back and expecting different behaviors from funders, the more likely they will change.
Apply These Tips to Boost Your Success
By researching your funder, highlighting community impact, building partnerships, staying clear and concise, and following up after submission, you’ll improve your chances of securing the funding your CSO needs to thrive. At the same time, remember to advocate for more equitable funding practices that truly reflect the needs and voices of those in the Global South.