Over $100K International Grants for Individuals and Businesses To Apply

In a world where the need for innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility is paramount, access to funding can make or break a project. For individuals and businesses striving to solve problems, grow enterprises, or push the boundaries of creativity, securing significant financial backing is crucial. Fortunately, international grants exceeding $100K provide exceptional opportunities for those ready to take their work to the next level.

Grants for Innovation and Technology

Technological advancements are at the core of solving many of the world’s most pressing challenges. As such, innovation and technology grants often provide some of the most lucrative funding opportunities. Whether you’re developing next-gen artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, or clean energy solutions, international grants in this sector can help bring your ground-breaking ideas to life.

Horizon Europe (European Union)

One of the most significant sources of innovation funding in the world is Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation program. With a budget of €95.5 billion (around $113 billion) available from 2021 to 2027, the program offers individual projects up to €2.4 million ($2.8 million) in grants.

• Who Can Apply: Start-ups, researchers, and businesses across Europe and associated countries.
• Focus Areas: Technology, scientific research, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
• How to Apply: Applications require a detailed proposal that outlines the project’s objectives, impact, and budget. Applications are submitted through the EU’s funding and tenders portal.

For U.S.-based applicants, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers similarly large-scale grants for health-related technologies. Their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program provides grants for start-ups working on innovative health-related technology, with funding levels reaching up to $1.5 million for Phase II projects.

NIH SBIR Program

• Funding Amount: Up to $225,000 for Phase I, and up to $1.5 million for Phase II.
• Who Can Apply: U.S.-based small businesses.
• Focus Areas: Biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare innovation, and digital health.

Grants like these are designed to fund high-risk, high-reward projects that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives on a large scale.

Grants for Social Impact and Sustainability

Around the world, organizations and individuals are working to address critical social issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and education. For businesses or non-profits focused on social impact, large international grants are often available, providing substantial funding to implement long-term solutions to these complex problems.

Global Innovation Fund (GIF)

One of the leading grant opportunities for social impact is the Global Innovation Fund (GIF), which provides financial backing for social innovations aimed at improving the lives of those in developing countries. GIF offers flexible funding, including grants of up to $15 million for exceptional projects.

• Who Can Apply: Non-profits, for-profits, and social enterprises from any country.
• Focus Areas: Poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and access to clean water.
• How to Apply: Applicants must submit a concept note detailing the social innovation, its scalability, and potential impact. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal.

Green Climate Fund (GCF)

For businesses and organizations working on climate-related projects, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is one of the largest sources of funding. The GCF, created by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), offers grants to help developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

• Funding Amount: From $500,000 to over $10 million, depending on the project scope.
• Who Can Apply: Governments, private sector firms, and international organizations.
• Focus Areas: Climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
• How to Apply: Applications must include a project proposal, environmental impact assessment, and budget. Partnerships with accredited entities are often required.

Both GIF and GCF represent substantial funding sources that support businesses and organizations committed to creating a better, more sustainable world.

Grants for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, access to large-scale funding can provide the resources necessary to scale operations, explore new markets, or develop innovative products. Numerous international grants specifically target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often providing $100K or more in funding.

African Women Development Fund (AWDF)

The African Women Development Fund (AWDF) provides grants of up to $500,000 for women-led organizations and businesses across Africa. The AWDF focuses on empowering African women through projects that address gender inequality, education, and economic empowerment.

• Who Can Apply: Women-led organizations and businesses in Africa.
• Focus Areas: Women’s rights, education, health, and economic empowerment.
• How to Apply: Applicants must submit a detailed proposal, including a budget and impact assessment. The project must align with AWDF’s mission of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

In Canada, the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides financial support to small and medium-sized businesses working on research and development projects. IRAP offers grants that can exceed $100K, depending on the scale and scope of the project.

• Who Can Apply: Canadian SMEs engaged in research and development.
• Focus Areas: Technology innovation, product development, and commercialization.
• How to Apply: Eligible businesses must submit a project proposal outlining the research and development plan, timeline, and budget. IRAP also offers advisory services to support applicants.

These grants provide entrepreneurs with the financial backing needed to scale their businesses, innovate within their industries, and contribute to economic growth.

Grants for Arts, Culture, and Education

The arts and education sectors are vital to fostering cultural exchange, creativity, and intellectual growth. International grants in these fields offer substantial support to individuals and organizations committed to preserving heritage, promoting education, or developing artistic productions.

The Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development

For individuals and organizations working in the arts and culture sectors, the Prince Claus Fund offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. The fund supports creative projects in regions where freedom of expression is limited, aiming to promote cultural exchange and preserve local heritage.

• Who Can Apply: Individuals, artists, and cultural organizations.
• Focus Areas: Artistic production, cultural heritage, and freedom of expression.
• How to Apply: Applicants must submit a proposal that includes a detailed project description, budget, and timeline. Projects must align with the fund’s mission to promote cultural exchange and artistic freedom.

The Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic organizations globally, offering grants in a variety of sectors, including arts, education, and social justice. Grants can range from $100,000 to over $5 million, depending on the project and its impact.

• Who Can Apply: Non-profits, educational institutions, and individuals.
• Focus Areas: Education, arts and culture, human rights, and social justice.
• How to Apply: Applicants must submit a detailed proposal through the foundation’s online portal. The proposal must outline the project’s goals, impact, and budget.

Both the Prince Claus Fund and the Ford Foundation provide significant financial support to those working in the arts and education sectors, empowering creative minds and educators to make a lasting impact.

Grants for Healthcare and Medical Research

Medical research is at the forefront of global efforts to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes. International grants in this field provide funding for cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and the development of new medical technologies.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the largest charitable organizations in the world, providing grants to individuals and organizations working on global health initiatives. Grants range from $100,000 to over $10 million, depending on the scale of the project.

• Who Can Apply: Individuals, non-profits, and businesses worldwide.
• Focus Areas: Global health, disease prevention, vaccines, and healthcare innovation.
• How to Apply: Applicants must submit a concept note outlining the health issue being addressed, the proposed solution, and the expected impact. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal.

Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust is another significant source of funding for healthcare and medical research. With grants of up to £500,000 ($680,000), the Wellcome Trust supports research that aims to improve human health and address global health challenges.

• Who Can Apply: Researchers, healthcare professionals, and medical organizations.
• Focus Areas: Biomedical science, clinical research, and public health.
• How to Apply: Applications must include a research proposal, a detailed budget, and information on the expected impact of the research.

Both the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust provide vital funding to healthcare innovators, allowing them to pursue life-saving research and improve healthcare delivery systems globally.

How to Apply for International Grants Over $100K

Applying for international grants, especially those exceeding $100K, requires a strategic and methodical approach. While each grant program has its own specific requirements, the following general steps will help guide you through the process:

1. Identify the Right Grant for Your Project

Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to find the right grant for your project or business. Look for grants that align with your mission, field, and project goals. This ensures that your proposal will resonate with the grantors and meet their funding priorities.

2. Understand Eligibility Criteria

Each grant will have specific eligibility criteria, such as geographic restrictions, industry focus, or organizational structure (e.g., nonprofit vs. for-profit). Carefully review these criteria to ensure you qualify before investing time in the application process.

3. Prepare a Strong Proposal

A compelling grant proposal is the most critical element of securing funding. Your proposal should clearly define the problem your project addresses, explain your solution, and demonstrate the project’s potential impact. Be sure to include:

• Executive Summary: A concise overview of your project, its goals, and the expected outcomes.
• Problem Statement: Clearly define the problem or challenge your project aims to solve.
• Project Plan: Detail how you will implement the project, including timelines, key activities, and personnel involved.
• Budget: Provide a comprehensive budget that outlines how the grant funds will be used.
• Impact Measurement: Explain how you will measure the success of the project and its long-term sustainability.

4. Seek Partnerships and Collaboration

Many grant programs, especially those offering large sums, prefer to fund projects that involve partnerships or collaborations. Partnering with other organizations or experts can strengthen your application and increase your chances of success.

5. Follow Application Guidelines Meticulously

Each grant program has its own application process, including deadlines, required documentation, and submission formats. Missing a deadline or failing to provide required information can result in automatic disqualification. Be sure to carefully follow all instructions provided by the grantor.

6. Prepare for Post-Grant Accountability

Receiving a grant often comes with post-award responsibilities, such as submitting progress reports, tracking financial expenditures, and demonstrating the impact of the project. Be prepared to meet these requirements to maintain compliance with the grant terms and secure future funding opportunities.

Final Thoughts

International grants exceeding $100K provide a golden opportunity to propel your business or project to new levels. Whether you’re focused on innovation, social impact, arts, or healthcare, these grants are designed to support individuals and organizations that dare to think big. With the right preparation and strategic vision, you could be the next recipient of these transformative funds—taking your work from concept to global success.