Call for Applications: Dory Foundation Grant for NGOs and Young Innovators - Up to $2 Million in Global Funding

The Dory Foundation is launching a global call to empower young innovators, early-stage founders and mission-driven non-profit organizations with the capital and support needed to turn bold social impact ideas into reality. The foundation recognizes that many charities and youth-led initiatives fail not due to lack of passion or vision, but rather because of insufficient early-stage funding and limited access to networks, expertise and mentorship. This initiative aims to remove that barrier and democratize philanthropy by making grant funding as accessible and exciting as launching a startup. With a total funding pool of up to $2 million, the Dory Foundation is distributing grants across three distinct categories designed to support innovators at different stages of their social impact journey from individuals with ideas to established organizations ready to scale. 

What This Grant Funds 

The Dory Foundation supports a wide range of social impact work, including (but not limited to):

• Education and skills development
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Poverty alleviation and economic empowerment
• Environmental sustainability and climate action
• Community development and social services
• Gender equality and social justice
• Food security and nutrition
• Technology and innovation for social good
• Mental health and psychosocial support
• Any other bold, mission-driven solutions addressing social challenges

The foundation is sector-agnostic and welcomes applications from organizations and individuals working across any social impact area with a clear, compelling vision for positive change. 

Grant Categories and Funding Amounts 

The Dory Foundation offers three flexible grant categories tailored to different stages of work: 

1. Seed Grants (Amount: TBD - Small, Accessible Amounts)

• Target audience: Individuals planning to start a non-profit or social enterprise but currently dependent on day-to-day employment for survival
• Purpose: Provide initial capital to help innovators transition from idea to action, enabling them to leave traditional employment and focus on building their organization
• Application difficulty: Minimal bureaucracy; designed to be quick and easy to apply for
• What's covered: Startup costs, operational expenses, initial project costs, living expenses during transition period (varies by grant)

2. Normal Charity Grants ($10,000 – $250,000)

• Target audience: Established non-profit organizations with demonstrated track record of impact, currently operational and carrying out meaningful social work
• Purpose: Support expansion, sustainability, new projects, program scaling, infrastructure development or operational strengthening
• Application requirements: Evidence of existing impact, organizational structure, financial management systems, clear project proposal
• What's covered: Project implementation, staff salaries, equipment, capacity building, technology, research, monitoring and evaluation, partnerships

3. Individual Project Grants (Amount: TBD – Varies by Project)

• Target audience: Individuals under 25 years old developing unique, meaningful projects but lacking personal funding to advance them
• Purpose: Enable early-stage creators with clear focus and ambition to develop and pilot their projects
• Application requirements: Clear project description, timeline, budget breakdown, personal motivation and impact narrative
• What's covered: Project-specific costs, materials, equipment, travel, training, consultant fees, initial operations

Who Can Apply To qualify for Dory Foundation funding, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Age Requirement:

• Primary applicants must be under 25 years old (applies to Seed Grants and Individual Project Grants)
• For Normal Charity Grants: Organizations may be led by individuals over 25, but the organization's mission must benefit youth or be youth-led in character

Organizational Status:

• Applicants can be:
  • Individual innovators with a social impact idea (Seed Grants or Individual Project Grants)
  • Individuals planning to start a non-profit but not yet formally registered (Seed Grants)
  • Registered non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) or equivalent status (Normal Charity Grants)
  • Youth-led social enterprises or community organizations (all categories)
  • Community-based organizations (CBOs)
• Early-stage initiatives are welcome, provided there is a clear, credible pathway to positive social impact

Project Requirements:

• Must demonstrate a clear, compelling social mission and theory of change
• Must show genuine commitment to addressing a real social problem
• Must have a realistic plan for implementation and impact measurement
• Project scope can range from small community initiatives to large-scale programs

Financial & Organizational Requirements:

• Basic financial management capacity (does not need to be sophisticated for Seed Grants)
• Willingness to report on progress and impact
• For larger grants: Formal governance structure and audit trails
• No specific geographic or political restrictions; projects in conflict zones or politically sensitive areas should clearly articulate risk mitigation strategies

Geographic Eligibility

• Global scope: The Dory Foundation accepts applications from young innovators and organizations worldwide, with no regional restrictions
• Countries covered: Open to applications from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Europe, North America and all other regions
• Language: Applications may be accepted in multiple languages (confirm with Dory Foundation)
• Currency: Grants paid in USD; applicants in other currencies should be prepared for exchange rate considerations

Funding Amount

• Total available pool: Up to $2,000,000
• Per applicant/organization:
  • Seed Grants: Small amounts (typically $1,000–$10,000 range, designed for quick deployment)
  • Normal Charity Grants: $10,000–$250,000
  • Individual Project Grants: Varies by project scope (typically $1,000–$50,000)

Gather supporting documents:

• For Seed Grants: Personal background, idea brief, implementation plan, budget
• For Charity Grants: Organizational registration, financials, impact case studies, project proposal
• For Individual Project Grants: Project description, timeline, budget, personal narrative

Online application submission: Submit via the Dory Foundation portal

Click here for the grant application form.