Funding for Development Cooperation

Funding in development cooperation helps you implement effective projects even when your own funds are limited or risks are high. Especially in times of crises, climate impacts, and increasing demands for impact and compliance, appropriate funding often determines whether good ideas actually reach partner countries – and whether they are sustainable in the long term.

In Germany, current funding priorities focus particularly on humanitarian aid and crisis prevention, climate and environmental protection (climate adaptation, biodiversity, nature-based solutions), food security, global health, migration/refugees, as well as good governance and the strengthening of civil society. Cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, inclusion, and human rights play a central role. At the same time, "Digital for Development" is gaining importance: from digital public infrastructure and GovTech to data and AI applications or digital skills.

Depending on whether you are an NGO, municipality, research institution, or a startup/SME, suitable programs and expectations differ: NGOs often score with partnership, local ownership, and capacity development, while companies additionally need to convincingly demonstrate impact, scaling, and co-financing logics (e.g., blended finance). Typical funders include, among others, BMZ-affiliated programs, Engagement Global, IKI (BMUV), or EU calls within the framework of NDICI – often involving consortia and clear impact requirements.

The Reflecta Funding Compass supports you in quickly finding suitable funding programs, matching priorities accurately, and structuring the next steps towards your application. This saves you time, helps avoid common pitfalls, and guides your project purposefully towards funding.