Global Greengrants Fund Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $21.9 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: $500 to $5,000
• Geographic Focus: Global (primarily Africa, Asia, Latin America, Pacific Islands, Middle East and North Africa)

Contact Details

• Address: 4770 Baseline Rd Ste 200, Boulder, CO 80303-2668
• Website: www.greengrants.org
• Email: Not available
• Phone: Not available

Overview

Global Greengrants Fund Inc is a Boulder, Colorado-based environmental grantmaking organisation. Founded in 1993 by Chet Tchozewski, the organisation initially operated as a sponsored fund of the Tides Foundation before becoming an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2002-2003. With total expenses of $21.9 million and assets of $60.9 million (2023), the organisation mobilises resources for communities worldwide to protect the planet and work toward a more equitable world. In 2023, they distributed $18 million through 1,462 grants to grassroots environmental organisations across 121 countries. Led by President and CEO Laura García, the fund operates with a unique philosophy that community leaders facing social and environmental injustice should be the central decision makers in addressing their challenges.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The organisation provides small grants ($500 to $5,000) to grassroots environmental organisations worldwide, supporting communities in six key action areas:

• Climate Justice: Supporting communities addressing climate change impacts
• Healthy Ecosystems and Communities: Protecting and restoring natural environments
• Local Livelihoods: Supporting sustainable economic development
• Right to Land, Water, and Resources: Advocating for community control over natural resources
• Women's Environmental Action: Empowering women in environmental leadership
• Right to Defend the Environment: Supporting environmental defenders

Priority Areas

• Grassroots environmental initiatives
• Community-led solutions
• Social and environmental justice
• Local activist support
• Women-led, youth-led, and Indigenous-led environmental movements

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not available from accessible sources.

Governance and Leadership

• President and CEO: Laura García (compensation: $173,705 plus $14,859 in other compensation)

The organisation emphasises shifting "the balance of power back to local people and communities" through strategic, small-scale funding. The fund operates through a network of 30 advisory boards consisting of approximately 220 activist advisors worldwide.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Global Greengrants Fund does NOT accept unsolicited applications. The organisation operates through a unique, invitation-only model:

The fund works with more than 200 volunteer experts worldwide who serve on approximately 30 regional and thematic advisory boards. Each advisor identifies potential grantees through their local networks. Organisations cannot apply directly but must be invited by one of the fund's advisors to submit a proposal.

The application process progresses in seven stages: identification of promising projects by local advisors through networks; submission of identified projects as proposals for a grantmaking round; proposal review by board advisors through mail, teleconferencing or physical meetings; decision on funding by the advisory board; administrative review of materials from grantees; payment of grants; and ongoing monitoring and mentoring by advisors.

Decision Timeline

Not available from accessible sources.

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not available, the organisation awarded 1,462 grants in 2023, indicating substantial grantmaking activity.

Reapplication Policy

Not available from accessible sources.

Application Success Factors

For organisations working with Global Greengrants Fund advisors:

• Demonstrate community-led solutions
• Show how local leaders are central to decision-making
• Align with one or more of the six action areas
• Focus on grassroots, locally-driven initiatives
• Emphasise environmental and social justice connections
• Operate primarily in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Pacific Islands, Middle East and North Africa

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Global Greengrants Fund does NOT accept unsolicited applications - organisations must be identified and invited by local advisors
• They prioritise community-led solutions and local decision-making
• Grant sizes range from $500 to $5,000
• Focus areas include climate justice, ecosystem protection, sustainable livelihoods, resource rights, women's environmental action, and environmental defenders
• With $21.9 million in annual expenses and 1,462 grants awarded in 2023, they are a significant funder in the environmental space
• The organisation operates through 30 advisory boards with 220 activist advisors worldwide
• Primary geographic focus is on grassroots organisations in the Global South
• For more than half of their grantees, Global Greengrants Fund is their very first funder

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Global Greengrants Fund Inc (EIN: 84-1612422), accessed May 11, 2026
• IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Database, EIN: 841612422
• Global Greengrants Fund Annual Report 2023, annualreport2023.greengrants.org
• Global Greengrants Fund official website, www.greengrants.org