New Delhi, March 12 : The global development sector heavily relies on international funding agencies to support critical projects across regions. While USAID is a prominent donor, numerous other organizations provide substantial financial aid for development initiatives. This report highlights 10 key USAID alternatives that collectively contribute over $288 billion to global development efforts.

1. European Union (EU)

• Annual Funding: €1.2 trillion (2021-2027) with an additional €806.9 billion from NextGenerationEU.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants, loans, guarantees, equity investments, and procurement.
• Focus Areas: Sexual and reproductive health, food security, climate action, governance, and gender equality.
• Application Process: Through the European Commission website.

2. BMZ (Germany)

• Annual Funding: $36.7 billion in 2023.
• Funding Mechanisms: GIZ manages development projects, while KfW provides grants and concessional loans.
• Focus Areas: Climate change, education, governance, and digital transformation.
• Application Process: Opportunities through GIZ tenders & calls for proposals.

3. JICA (Japan)

• Annual Funding: $19.6 billion.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants, investment cooperation, and concessional loans.
• Focus Areas: Infrastructure, economic growth, disaster risk reduction, and environmental sustainability.
• Application Process: Via the JICA website and Japanese embassies.

4. FCDO (United Kingdom)

• Annual Funding: $19.1 billion in 2023.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants, equity, and debt.
• Focus Areas: Governance, refugee support, economic growth, and gender equality.
• Application Process: Through the International Development Funding Finder.

5. AFD (France)

• Annual Funding: $13.4 billion in 2023.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants and financing for nonprofits, local authorities, and private sector.
• Focus Areas: Climate change, energy, health, and digital development.
• Application Process: Via calls for proposals.

6. Global Affairs Canada

• Annual Funding: $10 billion in 2022/3, with plans to increase ODA annually until 2030.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants and financial solutions through FinDev Canada.
• Focus Areas: Climate change, gender equality, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance.
• Application Process: Through the International Development Funding Portal.

7. SIDA (Sweden)

• Annual Funding: $5.6 billion budgeted for 2024-2026.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants for nonprofits and sustainable investments.
• Focus Areas: Human rights, democracy, peace, and conflict resolution.
• Application Process: Via partner organizations and calls for proposals.

8. NORAD (Norway)

• Annual Funding: $4.5 billion.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants to civic organizations and economic development funds via Norfund.
• Focus Areas: Climate, education, health, and humanitarian assistance.
• Application Process: Through calls for proposals.

9. SDC (Switzerland)

• Annual Funding: $4.5 billion.
• Funding Mechanisms: Managed by SDC and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
• Focus Areas: Governance, rural development, agriculture, and migration.
• Application Process: Via the SDC partnership page.

10. DFAT (Australia)

• Annual Funding: $4 billion with plans for budget expansion.
• Funding Mechanisms: Grants administered by DFAT and impact investments.
• Focus Areas: Climate resilience, health security, gender equality, and Indo-Pacific regional stability.
• Application Process: Through the Grants Connect Portal.

Conclusion
For organizations seeking alternatives to USAID funding, these 10 global donors offer significant financial support across diverse sectors. By exploring tailored funding opportunities and aligning projects with donor priorities, organizations can access substantial resources to drive impactful change worldwide.