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The Oak Foundation provides substantial funding to nonprofit organisations working to create a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.
Supporting organisations across more than 40 countries, the Foundation offers long-term grants for projects addressing social inequality, environmental challenges, human rights and community wellbeing.
Although there are currently no open funding calls, organisations whose work closely aligns with Oak Foundation's priorities can submit a Letter of Enquiry for consideration.
Here's what you can expect:
Average grant award of approximately $900,000
Grants generally starting from $25,000
More than 300 grants awarded annually
Most funding provided over multiple years
Support for core organisational costs and project delivery
Opportunities for unrestricted funding
Funding for staff costs, administration and reasonable overheads
Support for long-term organisational development
Opportunities for international nonprofit organisations
What projects can be funded?
Oak Foundation supports organisations working across several priority areas:
Environment – Nature and People: Protecting ecosystems and supporting communities that depend on them
Environment – Regenerative Landscapes: Encouraging sustainable land use and environmental restoration
Environment – Marine Food and Livelihoods: Supporting marine ecosystems and coastal communities
Global Climate Initiatives: Addressing climate change and supporting systemic environmental solutions
International Human Rights: Protecting human rights and advancing justice
Issues Affecting Women: Supporting women's rights, safety and equality
Learning Differences: Improving opportunities and inclusion for people with learning differences
Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Strengthening prevention, protection and safeguarding
Zimbabwe: Supporting initiatives aligned with the Foundation's country-specific priorities
Special Interest: Supporting selected projects in areas including education, health, humanitarian relief and the arts
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants generally include:
Registered nonprofit organisations
Charities
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Civil society organisations
Community-focused nonprofit organisations
Organisations working on environmental protection
Human rights and social justice organisations
Nonprofits delivering long-term systemic change
Applicants should demonstrate:
Strong alignment with one of Oak Foundation's funding programmes
Clear social or environmental impact
An established organisational mission and strategy
Appropriate governance and financial management
A credible plan for using the requested funding
Relevant experience working with the communities they support
Important funding conditions:
Oak Foundation generally funds no more than 50% of a project's budget.
Funding is normally limited to 20% of an organisation's overall budget.
Applicants are expected to seek financial support from other sources.
Grants below $25,000 are generally not considered, except in special circumstances.
Funding is not available to individuals, university tuition applicants, election campaigns or religious organisations seeking support for religious purposes.
How to apply:
Organisations can submit an online Letter of Enquiry outlining their work and funding requirements.
Applicants must provide:
Organisation details and website
Requested funding amount
Total project budget
Details of existing or potential co-funding
Relevant Oak Foundation funding programme
Project location and purpose
A description of the proposed activities
The Foundation will contact applicants within approximately two months if further information is required or if they are invited to submit a formal proposal.
Funding: Approximately $900,000 average grant award. Individual awards vary, and no universal maximum grant amount is published.
Deadline: No fixed deadline for Letters of Enquiry.