FAQs
What is Global Greengrants Fund?
Global Greengrants Fund is a 501(c)3 public charity—that means that we raise money from individuals, foundations and corporations (like any nonprofit) and then donate those funds to worthy charitable causes around the world. Another term for it is grantmaking intermediary or regranting organization.
What does Global Greengrants Fund do?
Global Greengrants Fund provides small grants to grassroots groups primarily outside of the United States and Western Europe. These groups are working on issues related to environmental sustainability and social justice.
How does Greengrants find its grantee partners?
We have almost 20 “advisory boards” that identify and recommend our grantee organizations. These boards are comprised of local experts who are working closely with nongovernmental organizations in their regions and volunteer their time to recommend, mentor and monitor grantees. Learn more about these advisory boards and our grantmaking model.
Can I apply for a Greengrants grant?
We do not accept unsolicited grant proposals. We make grants to organizations that have been recommended to us for funding through one of our advisory boards.
Why should I give internationally when I could help people at home?
Only 3% of all U.S. giving goes to international organizations, including those in Western Europe, where most of the top recipients of U.S. funding are based. This means that very little is left for grassroots groups in developing countries. There is enormous need abroad: in 2005, the World Bank estimated that 2.6 billion people live on less than $2 a day and 1.4 billion people live in absolute poverty, less than $1.25 a day. Small grants can have an enormous impact in these regions. For more on this, check out our partner organization Grantmakers Without Borders.
Are you a good non-profit to give to? How do I know for sure?
Charity Navigator, an independent organization that rates nonprofits, has given Greengrants a perfect rating (four out of four stars). Their rating system looks at our efficiency (how much goes to programs versus administrative expenses) and our transparency.
I can’t afford to give—what else can I do to help?
Spread the word. Global environmental injustices are common, yet they rarely make the headlines. Subscribe to our blog, become a fan on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, then re-post the stories from the front lines and help us build a more informed and understanding public. Tell your friends and family about what’s happening on the ground and how important it is to support grassroots groups leading change. You can also host a house party for Greengrants or shop with companies that are supporting our work. Learn more in our Get Involved section.
Do you need volunteers? What about your grantees?
Yes, Greengrants, like most nonprofits, thrives on free help! See Jobs and Internships listings for current openings, or contact tina “at” greengrants.org if you want to offer your professional expertise. Unfortunately, most of our grantees do not have the capacity to manage volunteers, so we do not currently place volunteers abroad.
I want my donation to go to… Indonesia. Can you send it there?
Yes… Like any nonprofit, we prefer to receive general support and let the wisdom of our advisors and the needs on the ground dictate how much goes where. However, we also recognize that many of our donors have personal connections or passions that they want to support. We have a number of special campaigns that are primarily thematic in approach. We can also accept funds to a restricted place if we already have a program there. If you are interested in a larger gift to a specific organization or a pass-through grant, please see our donor services section for more on the services we can provide.
Are my donations tax-deductible? How do I get my deductions?
Yes! All donations to Greengrants are deductible in the United States according to IRS tax codes governing 501(c)(3) organizations. When you make your gift we will mail you a tax receipt. Come tax time, hand that over to your accountant or simply record it in the charitable deductions section.