Multinational Grant Support: How funders can move money across borders without losing momentum

Why this matters right now

Cross‑border philanthropy is growing fast. In 2020, 47 reporting countries channelled US $70 billion in philanthropic outflows alone, and the 2023 Global Philanthropy Tracker shows the curve still climbing — even through pandemics and political shocks. Yet the need for flexible, global grant distribution dwarfs that number when you map it against escalating climate, health and justice crises.

At the same time, a new generation of grassroots-led movements expects funding to arrive quickly, in local currency, and with minimal administrative drag. Meeting that expectation requires infrastructure optimised for global grant distribution—not just good intentions.

For funders with a global vision, the opportunity to support impactful projects across diverse communities is immense. Yet, the path of multinational grant support is often paved with unique complexities. How can you ensure your resources are reaching the right hands, creating sustainable change, and navigating the intricate web of international funding? This is where thoughtful strategy and robust support for global grant distribution become paramount. 

At The Social Change Nest, we understand that funders are driven by a passion for impact, not by a love for administrative hurdles. You want to connect with grassroots organisations, empower local leaders, and witness tangible results. However, the operational realities of distributing funds across different countries, cultures, and regulatory landscapes can be daunting. For a closer look at the mechanics—and the real‑world impact—of our international grant distribution work, see our behind‑the‑scenes case study supporting activists in 46 countries across six continents.

The Unique Challenges of Global Grant Distribution

Distributing grants internationally isn’t simply a case of wiring funds. Funders often encounter a range of obstacles, including:

• Navigating Diverse Regulatory Landscapes: Each country has its own set of rules governing financial transactions, non-profit operations, and reporting requirements. Staying compliant across multiple jurisdictions demands significant expertise and due diligence.

   

• Ensuring Due Diligence and Accountability: Identifying and vetting potential grantees in unfamiliar contexts can be challenging. How do you ensure alignment with your mission and verify the capacity of organisations to deliver on their promises?

   

• Managing Financial Complexities: Currency exchange fluctuations, international banking fees, and differing financial reporting standards can complicate the process and potentially diminish the value of grants.

   

• Building Trust and Effective Communication: Language barriers, cultural nuances, and varying communication styles can impact relationship-building with grantees, which is crucial for successful partnerships.

   

• Reaching Grassroots and Under-Resourced Groups: Often, it’s the smaller, less formally structured organisations at the community level that are driving significant change. Reaching and effectively supporting these groups can require a more tailored and flexible approach that traditional grantmaking structures may not easily accommodate.

   

• Measuring Impact Across Borders: Defining and measuring success can look very different across diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts. Developing meaningful impact assessment frameworks that are both globally consistent and locally relevant is a significant undertaking.

   

Overcoming the Barriers to Multinational Grant Support 

While the challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. Adopting best practices can transform your global grantmaking, making it more efficient, impactful, and rewarding:

1. Embrace Local Expertise: Partner with organisations or intermediaries that possess in-depth knowledge of the local context, including the legal, social, and political environments. This can be invaluable for identifying credible grantees and navigating regional complexities.

    

2. Prioritise Clear Communication and Transparency: Establish clear guidelines, expectations, and reporting frameworks from the outset. Foster open channels of communication with grantees, built on trust and mutual understanding.

    

3. Invest in Capacity Building: Sometimes, the most impactful support extends beyond financial aid. Consider providing resources or facilitating access to training that strengthens the organisational capacity of your grantees, enabling them to manage funds effectively and scale their impact.

    

4. Streamline Financial Processes: Explore solutions that can simplify international payments, manage currency conversions efficiently, and ensure financial accountability while minimising administrative burdens for both your organisation and your grantees.

    

5. Adopt Flexible and Trust-Based Approaches: Particularly when working with grassroots movements or in rapidly changing contexts, a degree of flexibility in your funding approach can be crucial. Trust-based philanthropy, which focuses on building strong relationships and providing unrestricted or core funding, can empower organisations to use resources where they are most needed.

    

6. Foster Collaboration and Learning: Connect with other global funders to share insights, challenges, and successes. Creating a learning community can lead to more innovative and effective approaches to multinational grant support.

The Social Change Nest – Your Partner in Global Impact

We believe that the complexities of global grant distribution should not hinder the flow of vital resources to communities striving for positive change. The Social Change Nest specialises in designing and delivering grant programmes that are efficient, equitable, and impactful. We work closely with funders to navigate the intricacies of international grantmaking, from due diligence and compliance to payment processing and impact reporting. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the needs of both funders and grassroots organisations. We aim to:

• Simplify the Complex: We handle the administrative and financial heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on your strategic funding goals.

   

• Reach the Unreachable: Our networks and expertise enable us to connect you with impactful grassroots groups that might otherwise be overlooked.

   

• Ensure Accountability and Transparency: We provide robust systems for managing funds and reporting on outcomes, giving you confidence in the integrity of your grant distribution.

   

• Champion Local Ownership: We support grantees in a way that empowers them and respects their autonomy, fostering sustainable local solutions.

Effectively managing multinational grant support requires more than just good intentions; it demands robust systems, local understanding, and a commitment to empowering those on the front lines of change. By embracing best practices and considering dedicated support for your global grant distribution, you can ensure your funding achieves its maximum potential, fostering a world where positive social transformation can flourish, border by border. 

Interested in learning more about how The Social Change Nest can support your global grantmaking strategy? Get in touch to discuss how we can help you amplify your impact.