Global Voices for Peace Small Seed Grants 2026 (Up to US$15,000 for Grassroots Organizations)

Applications are now open for the Global Voices for Peace Small Seed Grants 2026, a funding opportunity that supports locally driven initiatives promoting peace, democracy, justice, and nonviolence across the Global South. Launched by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) under its Global Voices for Peace initiative, the programme aims to empower grassroots organizations by providing seed funding for innovative community-led projects that respond to emerging social, political, and humanitarian challenges.

Grounded in the Quaker values of peace, equality, and social justice, the programme recognizes that lasting and meaningful change often begins within local communities. Through this initiative, AFSC seeks to strengthen democratic participation, encourage dialogue, foster solidarity, and build resilient communities capable of responding to conflict, inequality, and democratic backsliding. Selected organizations will receive grants ranging from US$10,000 to US$15,000 to implement projects between November 2026 and July 2027.

About the Grant

The Global Voices for Peace Small Seed Grants programme was established to support innovative grassroots initiatives that strengthen democracy while advancing peace, justice, equality, and nonviolence. AFSC believes that communities are best positioned to identify the challenges they face and develop practical solutions that respond to local realities.

The programme focuses on strengthening relationships across civil society, faith-based organizations, humanitarian actors, youth movements, and peacebuilding networks. It also seeks to promote coordinated action against increasing militarism, shrinking civic space, democratic decline, and threats to human rights.

Funding is intended for projects that encourage collaboration, amplify marginalized voices, and also promote peaceful and inclusive societies. Special consideration will be given to initiatives connected to themes explored through the Global Voices for Peace Dialogues series.

Grant Benefits

The Selected organizations will receive:

• Grant funding ranging from US$10,000 to US$15,000.
• Opportunity to implement innovative community-led initiatives.
• Recognition through the Global Voices for Peace network.
• Opportunities to strengthen partnerships with civil society and peacebuilding organizations.
• Invitations to share project experiences through webinars, dialogues, or learning events after project completion.
• Increased visibility for locally driven peace and democracy initiatives.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used to support projects such as:

• Community organizing and outreach.
• Peacebuilding and dialogue initiatives.
• Civic education and public awareness campaigns.
• Workshops and training sessions.
• Grassroots innovation projects.
• Small-scale research and documentation.
• Updating existing community research or policy analysis.
• Activities that strengthen democratic participation and community resilience.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to:

• Local and community-based organizations.
• Faith-based organizations.
• Grassroots organizations.
• Feminist organizations.
• Youth-led movements.
• Community initiatives aligned with the values of peace, justice, equality, democracy, and nonviolence.

Funding is restricted to organizations based in the Global South, although collaborations with partners in the Global North may be included as part of the project.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a proposal of no more than four pages, including:

• Applicant and organization details.
• Project title and location.
• Brief overview of the organization or community initiative.
• Description of the proposed project and its objectives.
• Explanation of how the project aligns with Global Voices for Peace priorities.
• Expected outcomes.
• Project implementation timeline.
• Budget summary in US dollars.
• Key implementation risks and mitigation measures.
• Statement explaining alignment with AFSC and Quaker values.
• Optional information on partnerships and supporting organizations.

Applicants are to also submit a completed application form and project budget. Submissions are preferred in English, although proposals translated using AI tools are accepted.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should:

1. Download the official application form and budget template.
2. Prepare a proposal of up to four pages outlining the proposed project.
3. Complete the budget in US dollars.
4. Email the completed application, proposal, and budget to the address provided by AFSC with the subject line: "GVP Small Seed Grants – Organization Name.
5. Submit the application before the deadline.