Information Page
Introduction
The Asfari Foundation grantmaking model aims to strengthen Levantine civil society infrastructure to create a transformative and positive change in their communities and countries.
The primary objectives of the Asfari Foundation's grants programmes are to:
Strengthen the capacity and resilience of organisations operating in and for the Levant.
Foster transparency, accountability, and good governance within recipient organisations.
Promote sustainable development and economic empowerment within the Levant communities.
Drive innovation and evidence-based solutions for regional challenges.
Collaborate with external partners to amplify the impact of philanthropic efforts.
This page provides detailed information on the Organisational Development (OD) Grants offered by the Asfari Foundation. These grants aim to support organizations in the Levant region by enhancing their strategic capabilities to address regional challenges effectively. The grants offer up to £25,000 in financial support, alongside technical coaching sessions.
What are OD Grants?
OD Grants aim to support organizations in the Levant region by enhancing their strategic capabilities to address regional challenges effectively. The grants offer up to £25,000 in financial support, alongside technical support. They are designed to help organizations articulate how funding will enhance their strategies in addressing challenges within the Levant region. The grant is offered for one year with the possibility of extension if partnership is impactful.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be small to medium-sized organizations with an average budget between £100k to £750k (Larger organizations can apply but smaller to medium-sized are prioritized).
Be officially registered and with a founder or co-founder holding the nationality of the target country.
Be one of the following: a Not-for-Profit, a Social Enterprise, or a Company with a defined social mission (and investing at least 50% of profit back into the Company).
Focus on the Levant Region (Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria) and Levantine Communities.
Work in at least one of the following thematic areas: Developing Independent High-Quality Media, Strengthening Governance, Promoting Active Citizenship, Innovation, Promoting & Supporting Entrepreneurship, Education & Lifelong Learning (EdTech/TechEd), or Gender & Feminism.
Align with the Asfari Foundation's Mission, Vision, Values
Please note:
Previous recipients of Asfari Foundation funding are welcome to apply, however Organisations who have not previously partnered with the Asfari Foundation will be given priority.
In the Syria context, Syrian in-country and Diaspora Organisations addressing issues that affect Syrians globally are eligible to apply.
The Asfari Foundation is keen to support Organisations working in the intersection between Environment / Climate and Innovation / Entrepreneurship. If your Organisation operates primarily in the thematic area of the Environment / Climate, you are eligible to apply for this grant under the thematic areas of ‘Innovation’ and / or ‘Promoting & Supporting Entrepreneurship’.
Specific Criteria for CS Grants
For Civil Society (CS) grants, organizations must:
Be Syrian-led CSOs serving Syrians in Syria or the Diaspora.
Be Lebanese or Syrian CSOs based in Lebanon serving Lebanese, Syrians, and/or Palestinians communities.
Be Jordanian-led CSOs serving Jordanians, Palestinians and/ or Syrians in Jordan
Be Palestinian CSOs serving Palestinians in Palestine or the diaspora.
Focus on:
Developing Independent High-Quality Media
Strengthening Governance
Promoting Active Citizenship
Innovation
Promoting & Supporting Entrepreneurship
Education & Lifelong Learning (EdTech/TechEd)
or Gender & Feminism.
Previous recipients of Asfari Foundation funding are welcome to apply, however Organisations who have not previously partnered with the Asfari Foundation will be given priority.
In the Syria context, Syrian in-country and Diaspora Organisations addressing issues that affect Syrians globally are eligible to apply.
The Asfari Foundation is keen to support Organisations working in the intersection between Environment / Climate and Innovation / Entrepreneurship. If your Organisation operates primarily in the thematic area of the Environment / Climate, you are eligible to apply for this grant under the thematic areas of ‘Innovation’ and / or ‘Promoting & Supporting Entrepreneurship’.
How to Apply?
Application Guidelines
Applicants must follow the application guidelines, which include eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and deadlines. Open calls are announced on the Asfari Foundation website and social media platforms.
If you have any queries about the grant, feel free to get in touch via email: programmes@asfarifoundation.org.uk
The application process for OD grants consists of two stages:
Submission of a concept note.
Submission of a detailed proposal.
Shortlisted applicants will undergo an assessment and due diligence meetings before a final decision is made. The entire process, from the announcement to the final decision, typically takes three to four months.
ODG Concept Notes - Webinar Session on October 1st, 2025 at 1:00pm London Time:
Application Process
- Complete the online Eligibility Quiz. Eligible applicants will be directed to the application form.
- Submit the application form online; applications via email or paper are not accepted.
- Answers can be submitted in Arabic, but the application form is currently available only in English.
