Beyond USAID: Alternative Funding Sources for Haitian Nonprofits

The sustainability of nonprofit organizations worldwide depends on obtaining diverse sources of income. Recent developments, like the U.S. government’s sudden freeze of USAID financing, have caused many organizations to find themselves in complications and draw attention to the vulnerabilities of relying on one donor. This emphasizes the need for nonprofits—including those in Haiti—to explore local, bilateral, and multilateral sources to improve financial stability and autonomy.

The Importance of Diversifying Funding Sources

Diversification offers several benefits:

• Financial Resilience: Reduces dependency on a single donor, safeguarding against potential funding cuts.
• Operational Flexibility: Local and regional funds may have fewer restrictions, enabling adaptive project implementation.
• Strengthened Partnerships: Engaging with various funders fosters robust networks and collaborative opportunities.

Local Haitian Funding Sources

Unité Technique d’Exécution (UTE)

Established within the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Unité Technique d’Exécution (UTE) oversees the implementation of development projects across Haiti. While primarily focused on large-scale infrastructure and economic initiatives, UTE collaborates with various stakeholders, including nonprofits, to execute projects that align with national development goals. While UTE maintains a tender announcement page on its official website, it would be considered outdated, making it challenging for nonprofits to stay informed about current opportunities.

• Funding Focus: Infrastructure development, economic growth, public service enhancement.
• How to Engage: Nonprofits are encouraged to regularly monitor UTE’s website for updates and consider proactive communication when inquiring about upcoming projects. UTE must enhance transparency by regularly updating its tender announcements and providing clear guidelines on application processes. This improvement would bridge the information gap, allowing nonprofits to contribute effectively to national development initiatives.

Fonds National de l’Éducation (FNE)

The Fonds National de l’Éducation (FNE) is dedicated to financing educational projects, including school infrastructure and access to learning resources. However, the FNE does not publicly disclose available grants or application timelines, leaving educational nonprofits uncertain about funding opportunities.

• Funding Focus: Education, school construction, teacher training.
• How to Engage: Currently, nonprofits may need to contact the Ministry of Education or FNE representatives directly to seek information on potential funding. FNE must urgently adopt a more transparent approach by publishing open calls for proposals and detailed information on fund allocation. Such transparency would empower organizations to plan and apply for grants effectively, fostering a more inclusive educational development environment.

Banque de la République d’Haïti (BRH) – Fonds pour la Recherche et le Développement (FRD-BRH)

The Banque de la République d’Haïti (BRH), through its Fonds pour la Recherche et le Développement (FRD-BRH), finances scientific research projects that address critical issues pertinent to Haiti’s sustainable and inclusive development. The fund focuses on applied research with practical applications in various sectors.

• Funding Focus: Artificial Intelligence, FinTech and Financial Inclusion; Public Security; Agriculture; Climate Change; Waste Management; Traditional Medicine; SMEs and Economic Development.
• How to Apply: Researchers and institutions can submit proposals during designated submission periods. Detailed information on application procedures, evaluation criteria, and submission deadlines is available on the FRD-BRH website. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with the fund’s priority areas and demonstrate the potential impact on Haiti’s development.

Fonds de Développement Industriel (FDI)

Under the Ministry of Finance, the Fonds de Développement Industriel (FDI) supports local businesses, cooperatives, and community-driven economic projects.

• Funding Focus: Sustainable agriculture, local industries, economic empowerment.
• How to Apply: Applications are reviewed through the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Groupe ProFin – Fonds d’Action

Groupe ProFin is a consortium of companies in Haiti and the Caribbean that aims to create and disseminate wealth through innovative financial solutions. Among its offerings is the Fonds d’Action, designed to support initiatives that align with its mission of fostering economic growth and sustainable development.

• Funding Focus: Investments in sectors such as finance, entrepreneurship, and technology that contribute to economic development.
• How to Engage: Organizations interested in collaborating with Groupe ProFin can explore their official website for information on available funds and services. It is advisable to contact their team directly to discuss potential partnerships and funding opportunities.

Digicel Foundation

The Digicel Foundation supports community-driven education, health, and disaster response projects, particularly in underprivileged areas.

• Funding Focus: Community development, education, disaster relief.
• How to Apply: Apply through open calls on the Digicel Foundation website.

SOGEBANK Foundation

The SOGEBANK Foundation funds healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

• Funding Focus: Public health, education, environmental projects.
• How to Apply: Funding opportunities are available through SOGEBANK’s CSR initiatives.

Fondation Connaissance et Liberté (FOKAL)

The Fondation Connaissance et Liberté (FOKAL) supports many initiatives to promote education, art and culture, and sustainable development in Haiti. Through its programs, FOKAL provides grants to women-led organizations, farmers’ associations, cultural institutions, and small businesses.

• Funding Focus: Education, art and culture, sustainable development.
• How to Engage: Nonprofits can visit FOKAL’s website to learn about its various programs and initiatives. While specific grant application details may not always be publicly listed, organizations are encouraged to contact FOKAL directly to inquire about potential funding opportunities and application procedures.

Bilateral, Multilateral, and Foundation Funding Sources

The European Union (EU) – European Development Fund (EDF)

Through the European Development Fund (EDF), the EU provides grants for economic development, governance, and humanitarian projects in Haiti.

• Funding Focus: Rural development, democracy, human rights.
• How to Apply: Calls for proposals are available via the F&T portal.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is pivotal in supporting Haiti’s development through various initiatives to enhance essential social services and infrastructure. JICA’s efforts in Haiti encompass health, education, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction.

• Funding Focus: Health and sanitation improvement, educational development, agricultural advancement, disaster risk management.
• How to Engage: While JICA primarily collaborates with governmental bodies and does not offer direct financial assistance to local or international NGOs, nonprofits can engage through capacity-building opportunities. JICA provides training programs in Japan for professionals from developing countries, covering subjects like agriculture, water resources, energy, and environmental management. Nonprofit professionals interested in these programs should monitor JICA’s website for announcements and application guidelines. Additionally, Japanese embassies offer the Grassroots Human Security Grant Aid, supporting community-level initiatives; nonprofits can inquire about this program at the nearest Japanese embassy.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

The IDB offers grants, loans, and technical assistance to Haiti for its economic growth, public infrastructure, and education initiatives.

• Funding Focus: Economic development, entrepreneurship, infrastructure.
• How to Apply: Grant opportunities are accessible through IDB Haiti.

The World Bank – International Development Association (IDA)

The World Bank funds health, education, and climate resilience projects through the International Development Association (IDA).

• Funding Focus: Healthcare, poverty alleviation, disaster recovery.
• How to Apply: Collaborate via government and NGO partnerships through the World Bank of Haiti HQ.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

The CDB funds climate resilience, poverty reduction, and education projects in Haiti.

• Funding Focus: Infrastructure, education, climate change adaptation.
• How to Engage: CDB maintains a dedicated Procurement section on its website, outlining the necessary steps for organizations to participate in procurement opportunities. Nonprofits should familiarize themselves with CDB’s Procurement Policy and Procedures, which govern the acquisition of goods, works, and services under CDB-financed projects. The Procurement FAQs provide valuable insights into eligibility criteria and application processes. Nonprofits can effectively engage with CDB to secure funding for their initiatives by adhering to these guidelines and actively monitoring procurement notices.

The Global Fund

The Global Fund provides direct funding to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in Haiti.

• Funding Focus: Public health, disease prevention.
• How to Apply: Apply via Global Fund.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting initiatives in Haiti, focusing on health, education, and family economic security. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, leadership development, and systemic change to create lasting impact.

• Funding Focus: Health, education, family economic security, community leadership.
• How to Engage: Nonprofits seeking support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation can visit their Grantseekers page to understand the foundation’s funding priorities and application process.

Final Thoughts

Haitian nonprofits must move beyond USAID funding and tap into local, other bilateral, and multilateral resources. To assist your organization in navigating the complex funding landscape, we have compiled an extensive eBook detailing various local, bilateral, and multilateral funding entities that support initiatives in Haiti.

Download our comprehensive eBook to gain insights.