Oak Foundation - Through our grant-making, we support others to ...

Enriched family-office · Found: 2026-03-11 08:10

Through these programmes, we contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. Visit the programme pages to learn about our grant-making strategies.

Source: https://oakfnd.org/

Funding Details

Funder

Oak Foundation

Funding Goal

To contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world through grant-making across eight programmes covering environment, climate, housing, human rights, child safety, learning differences, women's issues, and country-specific initiatives in Denmark and Zimbabwe.

Funding Amount

Grants range from USD 25,000 to USD 10 million, averaging USD 900,000. Over 300 grants awarded annually totalling approximately USD 466 million (2024). Foundation funds no more than 50% of project budgets or 20% of organisational budgets. (25.000 € – 10.000.000 €)

How to Apply

Oak Foundation uses a primarily invitation-based system with three entry points: (1) unsolicited letters of enquiry submitted through the online form by organizations that align with funding priorities, (2) responses to requests for proposals issued for specific initiatives, and (3) direct invitations from programme officers. The typical application timeline spans 7-13 months across six stages: idea exchange, concept note development, application preparation, review, decision-making, and notification. Both core support (general operating funds) and project support (aligned with programme strategies) are available.

Target Region

Global (40 countries) — with specific focus areas including Africa, Asia, Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Zimbabwe

Contact

General inquiries: info@oakfnd.ch | Media requests: media@oakfnd.org | Grant applications: submit through online form at oakfnd.org/submit-enquiry/

Last Checked

2026-03-11 21:37

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Organization must be a not-for-profit entity (no individuals, religious organizations for religious purposes, or political activities)
• Must demonstrate financial and organizational competence, long-term sustainability planning, and cross-sector collaboration

Project Scope

• Project must align with one of Oak's programme strategies (Environment, Global Climate Initiatives, Housing, Human Rights, etc.)

Required Documents

• Submit an unsolicited letter of enquiry through Oak's online form, or receive a direct invitation or respond to a request for proposals

Constraints

• Oak generally funds no more than 50% of any project budget or 20% of organisational budgets — diverse funding sources required
• Minimum grant size is typically USD 25,000
• Be prepared for a 7-13 month application timeline across six stages (idea exchange through notification)

Summary

Oak Foundation is a major private foundation that distributes over 300 grants annually, totalling approximately USD 466 million (2024), across 40 countries. The foundation operates through eight thematic programmes: Environment, Global Climate Initiatives, Housing and Homelessness, Issues Affecting Women, International Human Rights, Learning Differences, Prevent Child Sexual Abuse, and Special Interest, plus country programmes for Denmark and Zimbabwe. Grants average USD 900,000 and range from USD 25,000 to USD 10 million, with most being multi-year commitments. The Environment Programme focuses on Marine Food Systems and Livelihoods (ocean conservation, fisheries governance, climate resilience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America), Nature and People (biodiversity, wildlife conservation in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe), and Regenerative Landscapes. The Global Climate Initiatives Programme, established in 2025, specifically targets clean energy access, plastic reduction and waste solutions (promoting alternatives to single-use plastics globally), and sustainable food systems. Oak Foundation uses a primarily invitation-based grant-making process, though unsolicited letters of enquiry are accepted from organizations that believe they align with funding priorities. The typical application timeline spans 7-13 months. The foundation generally funds no more than 50% of any project budget or 20% of organisational budgets, prioritizing organizations that address root causes, demonstrate financial competence, plan for long-term sustainability, and collaborate across sectors. The Oak Foundation Denmark programme separately supports not-for-profit organizations in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands focused on vulnerable populations.

Historical Context

Oak Foundation distributed 411 programme grants totalling USD 466 million in 2024. The Global Climate Initiatives Programme was established in 2025 as a new programme area. The foundation has been operating across 40 countries. The 2024 annual report is available on their website.

Sources

• https://oakfnd.org/
• https://oakfnd.org/programmes/
• https://oakfnd.org/how-to-apply/
• https://oakfnd.org/grant-making/
• https://oakfnd.org/environment/
• https://oakfnd.org/global-climate-initiatives/
• https://oakfnd.org/oak-foundation-denmark/
• https://oakfnd.org/contact/

Similar Programs

← Back to list