15 Best Grants for Refugee Projects [Requirement]

The refugee crisis is one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time, with millions of people displaced from their homes due to conflict, persecution, and other factors. These individuals often face immense challenges, including limited access to necessities like food, water, shelter, and healthcare.

However, there are many organizations and initiatives working to help refugees and support their resettlement and integration into new communities. One of the ways these groups provide assistance is through grants for refugee projects.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 available grants for refugee projects, including who they are for, what they cover, and how to apply.

Available Grants for Refugee Projects

1. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Innovation Service

The UNHCR Innovation Service provides funding for innovative projects that help refugees, with a focus on technology and sustainable solutions that can improve the lives of refugees and contribute to more effective humanitarian response. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and range from $50,000 to $500,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the UNHCR Innovation Service grant, your project should meet the following criteria:

• Innovative: Your project should offer a new approach or solution to a problem faced by refugees or displaced populations. It should be creative and demonstrate the potential to create a significant impact.
• Impactful: Your project should have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of refugees and displaced populations. It should align with UNHCR’s strategic priorities and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
• Scalable: Your project should have the potential to be scaled up or replicated in other contexts. It should demonstrate that it can be effective in different settings and with different populations.
• Feasible: Your project should be feasible in terms of its implementation and resource requirements. It should have a clear plan for how it will be implemented and sustained and demonstrate that it can be completed within the grant period.

How to Apply

The proposal should be written in English and should include the following information:

• Problem statement: Describe the problem that your project aims to address and explain why it is important.
• Innovation: Explain how your project offers a new approach or solution to the problem, and how it is different from existing solutions.
• Objectives: Describe the specific objectives of your project, and how they align with UNHCR’s strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Methodology: Explain how you plan to implement your project, including the activities you will undertake, the resources you will require, and the timeline for implementation.
• Impact: Describe the potential impact of your project, including how it will improve the lives of refugees and contribute to a more effective humanitarian response.
• Sustainability: Explain how you plan to sustain the impact of your project beyond the grant period, and how you will ensure that it can be scaled up or replicated in other contexts.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget for your project, including all the costs associated with implementation. The budget should be realistic and demonstrate that you have carefully considered the resource requirements of your project.

After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the UNHCR Innovation Service team, and you will be notified of the outcome within 8 weeks. If your application is successful, you will receive grant funding to implement your project, as well as support and guidance from the UNHCR Innovation Service team.

2. The United States Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration

The United States Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) provides funding for a range of refugee projects, including those focused on education, healthcare, and livelihoods. Grants are available for both U.S.-based and international organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

PRM typically announces funding opportunities on an annual basis, and interested organizations can apply through Grants.gov. Applications must include a detailed project proposal, budget, and other supporting documentation.

3. The IKEA Foundation

The IKEA Foundation provides funding for projects that support refugees and other marginalized communities, with a focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the IKEA Foundation grant, your project should meet the following criteria:

• Impact: Your project should be able to make a significant positive impact on the lives of refugees and displaced people.
• Innovation: Your project should have an innovative approach to addressing the challenge of refugees.
• Sustainability: Your project should have a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period.
• Alignment with IKEA Foundation values: Your project should align with the values of the IKEA Foundation, which include promoting equality, empowering women and girls, and promoting sustainable and innovative solutions to social challenges.

How to Apply

To apply for the IKEA Foundation grant, you will need to submit a project proposal that outlines your idea, its potential impact, and how you plan to implement it. The proposal should be written in English and should include the following information:

• Background: Describe the context in which your project will operate, including the specific challenge or need faced by refugees that your project aims to address.
• Objectives: Describe the specific objectives of your project, and how they align with the priorities of the IKEA Foundation.
• Methodology: Explain how you plan to implement your project, including the activities you will undertake, the resources you will require, and the timeline for implementation.
• Impact: Describe the potential impact of your project, including how it will improve the lives of refugees and contribute to a more effective humanitarian response.
• Sustainability: Explain how you plan to sustain the impact of your project beyond the grant period, and how you will ensure that it can be scaled up or replicated in other contexts.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget for your project, including all the costs associated with the implementation.

4. The Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations provide funding for a range of social justice issues, including refugee rights and support. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Open Society Foundations grant for refugee projects, your project should meet the following criteria:

• Alignment with OSF’s mission: Your project should align with the mission and values of the Open Society Foundations, which include promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice.
• Impact: Your project should have a clear and measurable impact on the lives of refugees and displaced people.
• Innovation: It should offer a new or unique solution that can be replicated or scaled to benefit other communities.
• Sustainability: Your project should have a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period.

How to Apply

To apply for the Open Society Foundations grant for refugee projects, you will need to submit a project proposal that outlines your idea, its potential impact, and how you plan to implement it. The proposal should be written in English and should include the following information:

• Background: Describe the context in which your project will operate, including the specific challenge or need faced by refugees that your project aims to address.
• Objectives: Describe the specific objectives of your project, and how they align with the priorities of the Open Society Foundations.
• Methodology: Explain how you plan to implement your project, including the activities you will undertake, the resources you will require, and the timeline for implementation.
• Impact: Describe the potential impact of your project, including how it will improve the lives of refugees and contribute to a more effective humanitarian response.
• Sustainability: Explain how you plan to sustain the impact of your project beyond the grant period, and how you will ensure that it can be scaled up or replicated in other contexts.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget for your project, including all the costs associated with implementation.

5. The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection

The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) provides funding for a range of humanitarian issues, including refugee support. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

To apply, you will need to submit a project proposal that outlines your idea, its potential impact, and how you plan to implement it. The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) also provides resources and guidance for applicants to help ensure that their proposals are well-planned and effective.

6. The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation provides funding for a range of global issues, including refugee support. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation grant for refugee projects, your project should meet the following criteria:

• Alignment with CIFF’s mission: Your project should align with the mission and values of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, which includes improving the lives of children in developing countries through sustainable and measurable impact.
• Impact: Your project should have a clear and measurable impact on the lives of refugees and displaced people.
• Innovation: It should offer a new or unique solution that can be replicated or scaled to benefit other communities.
• Partnership: Your project should have a strong partnership with other organizations, such as local NGOs, government agencies, or academic institutions.

How to Apply

To apply for the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation grant for refugee projects, you will need to submit a project proposal that outlines your idea, its potential impact, and how you plan to implement it. The proposal should be written in English and should include the following information:

• Background: Describe the context in which your project will operate, including the specific challenge or need faced by refugees that your project aims to address.
• Objectives: Describe the specific objectives of your project, and how they align with the priorities of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
• Methodology: Explain how you plan to implement your project, including the activities you will undertake, the resources you will require, and the timeline for implementation.
• Impact: Describe the potential impact of your project, including how it will improve the lives of refugees and contribute to a more effective humanitarian response.
• Partnership: Explain the partnerships you have formed, and how they will support the success of your project.
• Sustainability: Explain how you plan to sustain the impact of your project beyond the grant period, and how you will ensure that it can be scaled up or replicated in other contexts.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget for your project, including all the costs associated with implementation.

7. The UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality

The UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality provides funding for projects that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, including those focused on refugee women and girls. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality grant for refugee projects, your project should meet the following criteria:

• Gender Equality: Your project should have a strong focus on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Impact: Your project should have a clear and measurable impact on the lives of refugees and displaced people, with a particular focus on women and girls.
• Innovation: Your project should have an innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by refugees and displaced people.
• Partnership: Your project should have strong partnerships with other organizations, such as local NGOs, government agencies, or academic institutions.

How to Apply

The proposal should be written in English and should include the following information:

• Background: Describe the context in which your project will operate, including the specific gender-based challenges faced by women and girls who are refugees or displaced.
• Objectives: Describe the specific objectives of your project, and how they align with the priorities of the UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality.
• Methodology: Explain how you plan to implement your project, including the activities you will undertake, the resources you will require, and the timeline for implementation.
• Impact: Describe the potential impact of your project, including how it will improve the lives of refugees and contribute to a more effective humanitarian response.
• Partnership: Explain the partnerships you have formed, and how they will support the success of your project.
• Sustainability: Explain how you plan to sustain the impact of your project beyond the grant period, and how you will ensure that it can be scaled up or replicated in other contexts.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget for your project, including all the costs associated with implementation.

8. The International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides funding for a range of refugee projects, including those focused on healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Grants are available for both U.S.-based and international organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) grant for refugee projects, your organization should meet the following criteria:

• Registered: Your organization must be registered as a non-profit or non-governmental organization in the country where the project will be implemented.
• Experience: Your organization should have a demonstrated track record of implementing successful projects that support refugees and other vulnerable populations in crisis-affected countries.
• Impact: Your project should have a clear and measurable impact on the lives of refugees and other vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on promoting long-term self-reliance.
• Collaboration: Your project should involve collaboration with other organizations, including local NGOs, community-based organizations, and government agencies, to ensure a coordinated response.
• Sustainability: Your project should have a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period, including strategies for securing funding and building local capacity.

How to Apply

To apply for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) grant for refugee projects, you will need to submit a concept note that outlines your project idea and how it meets the eligibility criteria. The concept note should be written in English and should include the following information:

• Summary: Provide a brief summary of your project idea, including the location, target population, and expected impact.
• Need: Describe the specific needs and challenges faced by the target population, including any gender-specific issues.
• Objectives: Describe the specific objectives of your project, and how they align with the IRC’s strategic priorities.
• Methodology: Explain how you plan to implement your project, including the activities you will undertake, the resources you will require, and the timeline for implementation.
• Partnerships: Describe the partnerships you have formed, and how they will support the success of your project.
• Sustainability: Explain how you plan to sustain the impact of your project beyond the grant period, and how you will ensure that it can be scaled up or replicated in other contexts.
• Budget: Provide a high-level budget for your project, including all the major cost categories.

If your concept note is accepted, you will be invited to submit a full proposal that provides more detail on your project idea. The full proposal will be reviewed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) team, and you will be notified of the outcome within a few months.

9. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) provides funding for a range of international development projects, including those focused on refugee support. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility

• Legal status: Your organization must be a legally registered non-governmental organization, community-based organization, or international organization.
• Experience: Your organization should have a demonstrated track record of implementing successful projects that support refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
• Alignment: Your project should align with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) thematic priorities, including humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, and conflict prevention and resolution.
• Innovation: Your project should demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing the challenges faced by refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
• Partnerships: Your project should involve collaboration with other organizations, including local NGOs, community-based organizations, and government agencies, to ensure a coordinated response.
• Sustainability: Your project should have a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period, including strategies for securing funding and building local capacity.

How to Apply

To apply, you will need to submit a project proposal that outlines your idea, its potential impact, and how you plan to implement it. The SDC also provides resources and guidance for applicants to help ensure that their proposals are well-planned and effective.

10. The TENT Foundation

The TENT Foundation provides funding for projects that support refugees and promote their integration into new communities, with a focus on entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Eligibility:

• Non-profit organizations or individuals who have a non-profit partner organization can apply for the grant.
• Projects or programs should be focused on providing direct support to refugees and displaced people.
• Projects should be designed to meet the immediate and long-term needs of refugees, including but not limited to shelter education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
• Projects should demonstrate measurable impact and be sustainable.

Application Process:

• Check the TENT Foundation website to see if your project aligns with their focus areas and priorities.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit an application online through the TENT Foundation website.
• The application will require you to provide information about your organization, the project/program, its goals, activities, and outcomes.
• You will also be asked to submit a detailed budget and a timeline for the project.
• Once your application is submitted, the TENT Foundation will review it and contact you if they require additional information.
• If your project is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• After reviewing the full proposal, the TENT Foundation will make a final decision and notify you of the outcome.

11. The Global Fund for Women

The Global Fund for Women provides funding for projects that promote women’s rights and gender equality, including those focused on refugee women and girls. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Eligibility:

• Non-profit organizations, groups, or coalitions with a primary focus on women’s rights and gender equality can apply for the grant.
• Projects should be focused on promoting the human rights of women and girls, including those who are refugees or displaced.
• Projects should demonstrate how they address the root causes of gender inequality and how they contribute to systemic change.
• Organizations should be led by women, and women should be involved in the leadership and decision-making processes of the project.

Application Process:

• Check the Global Fund for Women website to see if your project aligns with their focus areas and priorities.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit an application online through the Global Fund for Women website.
• The application will require you to provide information about your organization, the project, its goals, activities, and outcomes.
• You will also be asked to submit a detailed budget and a timeline for the project.
• Once your application is submitted, the Global Fund for Women will review it and contact you if they require additional information.
• If your project is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• After reviewing the full proposal, the Global Fund for Women will make a final decision and notify you of the outcome.

12. The Norwegian Refugee Council

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) provides funding for a range of refugee projects, including those focused on shelter, education, and livelihoods. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), or local groups can apply for a Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) grant.
• Projects should be designed to support refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and other displaced populations.
• Projects should focus on one or more of the following sectors: Education, Information, Counseling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and Food Security, Shelter, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
• Projects should be designed to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, such as women and children, people with disabilities, and older people.

Application Process:

• Check the NRC website to see if your project aligns with their focus areas and priorities.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit an application online through the NRC’s e-portal.
• The application will require you to provide information about your organization, the project, its goals, activities, and outcomes.
• You will also be asked to submit a detailed budget and a timeline for the project.
• Once your application is submitted, the NRC will review it and contact you if they require additional information.
• If your project is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• After reviewing the full proposal, the NRC will make a final decision and notify you of the outcome.

13. The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative

The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative provides funding for projects that support community-based sponsorship programs for refugees. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility:

• Community-based organizations, local groups, or private sponsorship groups can apply for a Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative grant.
• Projects should focus on creating or supporting community-based sponsorship programs for refugees.
• Projects should be designed to support refugees and their integration into the host community, as well as provide support for their immediate needs, including shelter, food, healthcare, and education.
• Projects should demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting the human rights of refugees and providing a safe and dignified future for them.

Application Process:

• Check the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative website to see if your project aligns with their focus areas and priorities.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit an application online through the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative website.
• The application will require you to provide information about your organization, the project, its goals, activities, and outcomes.
• You will also be asked to submit a detailed budget and a timeline for the project.
• Once your application is submitted, the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative will review it and contact you if they require additional information.
• If your project is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• After reviewing the full proposal, the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative will make a final decision and notify you of the outcome.

14. The Ikea Foundation

The Ikea Foundation provides funding for a range of refugee projects, including those focused on shelter, education, and livelihoods. Grants are available for both individuals and organizations and can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

Eligibility:

• Non-profit organizations can apply for an IKEA Foundation grant.
• Projects should be designed to support and protect refugee children and families.
• Projects should focus on one or more of the following sectors: education, child protection, livelihoods, and shelter.
• Projects should be designed to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, such as women and children, people with disabilities, and older people.

Application Process:

• Check the IKEA Foundation website to see if your project aligns with their focus areas and priorities.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit an application online through the IKEA Foundation’s online application form.
• The application will require you to provide information about your organization, the project, its goals, activities, and outcomes.
• You will also be asked to submit a detailed budget and a timeline for the project.
• Once your application is submitted, the IKEA Foundation will review it and contact you if they require additional information.
• If your project is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• After reviewing the full proposal, the IKEA Foundation will make a final decision and notify you of the outcome.

15. The DAFI Scholarship Programme

The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship program is a project by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that supports refugees in pursuing higher education.

Eligibility:

• Organizations can apply for DAFI scholarship grants.
• Projects should be designed to support the education of refugees and promote the DAFI scholarship program.
• Projects should focus on one or more of the following areas: promoting access to education for refugees, supporting higher education institutions in offering scholarships to refugees, and supporting the successful integration of refugee students into the academic community.

Application Process:

• Check the UNHCR website to see if your project aligns with their focus areas and priorities.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit an application by emailing the DAFI program at dafischolarship@unhcr.org.
• The application will require you to provide information about your organization, the project, its goals, activities, and outcomes.
• You will also be asked to submit a detailed budget and a timeline for the project.
• Once your application is submitted, the DAFI program will review it and contact you if they require additional information.
• If your project is selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.
• After reviewing the full proposal, the DAFI program will make a final decision and notify you of the outcome.