Non-governmental organizations are usually set up with the intention of contributing to the development of communities. They are always out to solve challenges that might have left people [within their area of influence] in poor conditions. However, there are a number of factors that could limit the impact of an NGO, and one of such is finance. The fact that NGOs are not established for profit-making purposes could even make the financial burden hard to bear thus leading to its closure. And it is for the reason of sustaining the activities of different NGOs that some funders exist.

So, besides the humanitarian aids and/or philanthropic donations that may come from individual partners, families, friends and some private organizations, you [as an NGO] can get help from the following international funders:

Oak Foundation
Oak Foundation is committed to providing funds for organizations that have the drive to better the lives of others within the society particularly in the areas of human rights, child abuse, humanitarian reliefs, issues of environmental concerns amongst other pressing concerns. The foundation makes funds in the region of over US$180 million available annually for different projects. And while a host of their programmes is specific to certain regions or countries, openings still exist for other non-governmental organizations around the world especially developing nations. Visit Oak Fund Website to find out more.

The Nippon Foundation
Japan-based foundation devotes funds to an array of projects that are tailored towards alleviating various concerns. NGOs, in this part of the world, that are dedicated to raising awareness on leprosy and eliminating the stigmatization [that is often attached to the disease] as well as those advancing the cause food security and human capacity building can benefit from the support provided by this foundation. Also, groups [and individuals] that direct their focus on the sustainability of the ocean may also get some help from the Nippon foundation’s programs for global ocean issues. More information at Nippon's Website

Stars Foundation
Stars foundation’s ultimate goal is to put smile on the faces of underprivileged children and young people, and it hopes to reach about 20 million people by the year 2020. The foundation works with and provide support for registered non-governmental organisations that share its vision across the globe. More so, it aims to address issues such as child trafficking, child marriage and every form of child abuse in general. Visit http://www.starsfoundation.org.uk

United Nations Human Rights Commission (voluntary trust fund on contemporary forms of slavery)
The Human Rights arm of the United Nations provides support for NGOs catering to the social, legal, empowerment and medical needs of individuals whose freedom has been ruinously encroached upon in any way – for instance, forced marriage, slavery, forced labour and suchlike. The call for proposal is currently open and you can read more about this at https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/slavery/unvtfcfs/pages/whatthefundis.aspx

Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)
Advocacy groups within the country [or those outside its border] with great interest in promoting the rule of law, anti-corruption fight, freedom of expression, equality, good governance, and sustainability of democratic process within the West African region may look to OSIWA for some assistance. More information available at www.osiwa.org.

Suez Foundation
Suez foundation focuses on attending to certain basic – water and sanitary needs in particular – and social needs of the underprivileged in different communities across the developing world. More importantly, the foundation tends to direct its resources towards the actualisation of sustainable development goals (SDG). It partners with NGOs that are in tune with this vision, and is open to receiving request for proposal at any time of the year. Read more on Suez foundation’s mission and vision, and how to solicit for fund at https://www.suez.com/en/who-we-are/A-committed-group/The-Fondation-SUEZ.

Abilis Foundation
Abilis foundation is keen on protecting the interest of persons with disabilities. By working with other organisations, it aims to preserve the rights of this set of individuals, and also ensure that they are empowered to the extent of living an independent life. NGOs with this shared vision can go to www.abilis.fi/en/to check out the foundation’s activities.

Air Liquide Foundation
Through its micro-initiative program, Air Liquide Foundation provides funds – not more than 8,000 euros – for registered NGOs as well as other bodies that come up with projects within the scope of its (Air Liquide Foundation’s) vision. The core areas of concern are environmental protection, health, science education and local community development. Link up with the foundation at https://www.fondationairliquide.com/en/one-foundation-four-missions

Addax and Oryx Foundation
This foundation which was established back in 2006, has a mandate to tackle the root causes of poverty in developing nations. It acts to give assistance to small non-governmental and non-profit organizations that work in line with this objective. Plus, it aims to achieve its set goals by empowering people through education; ensuring access to adequate healthcare and promoting sound community development. NGOs with ambition to cater to the needs of the underprivileged within the community can connect with Addax and Oryx Foundation via www.addax-oryx-foundation.org/en/the-foundation/our-mission.php

Van Tienhoven Foundation
Conservation of the ecosystem and endangered species is something that is often confined to the classrooms – rather than the fields – in this part of the world. As such, NGOs that are into upholding this cause may not get enough support on the home-front. This is however where the Van Tienhoven Foundation may come in. The foundation provides financial assistance to the tune of 10,000 euros for organizations that are dedicated to the aforementioned objective. Visit: www.vantienhovenfoundation.com/content.php