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The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) is an independent U.S. government agency that invests in community-led development across Latin America and the Caribbean. Rather than imposing top-down solutions, the IAF responds directly to the ideas and initiatives of local people. They fund grassroots groups that show a clear commitment to self-reliance and community ownership.
The IAF is widely considered a "positive outlier" in the grant world. Unlike foundaitions that simply send a check and ask for a report, the IAF uses a highly engaged, high-touch model. They view the reporting and audit process as part of your organizational training. When you win an IAF grant, you aren't just getting capital; you are entering a multi-year "mentorship" designed to make your NGO or cooperative professional enough to eventually win even larger international contracts.
Who Can Apply And Eligible Activities
Who Can Apply
The IAF only funds local, community-led organizations. This includes:
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits.
Grassroots community group, cooperatives and community- based groups.
Service organizations and micro-credit institutions.
Locally Rooted
Agricultural or artisan cooperatives and small- scale producers groups.
Note: Individuals, government entities, and for-profit companies are not eligible to apply.
Eligible Activities
The IAF is "sector-agnostic," meaning they fund projects based on merit rather than specific categories. Typical activities include:
Economic Prosperity: Entrepreneurship, job training, and market access for small producers.
Sustainable Agriculture: Climate-smart farming and food security programs.
Inclusion: Projects empowering women, youth, Indigenous populations, and people of African descent.
Community Resilience: Disaster preparedness and strengthening local civil society.
Funding and Terms
Counterpart Funding: Applicants are required to contribute their own resources toward the project (cash or in-kind, such as volunteer labor, land, or office space). This is to show that the community has "skin in the game".
Direct Investment: Funds go directly to the local organization, not through large international intermediaries ensuring maximum local control.
Duration: Grants typically support projects over a perios of 2 to 4 years.
Key Steps for Applicants
Preparation: Ensure your organization has a legal status and a history of working together.
Submit Proposal: Draft a proposal (max 10 pages) or use the IAF online portal. It can be submitted in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
Site Visit: If your proposal is shortlisted, an IAF representative will conduct a field visit to see your work in person.
Final Review: The IAF Board makes final funding decisions following the site visit.
Eligible Countries
The IAF focuses on independent countries in the region. Eligible countries include:
Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda
Dominica
Grenada
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Barbados
Haiti
Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago
Guyana
Latin America
Belize
Guatemala
Honduras
Costa Rica
Panama
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
Bolivia
Paraguay
Uruguay
Brazil
Mexico
Note: Territories (U.S., British, French, or Dutch) and countries like Cuba or Venezuela are currently ineligible.
Additional Notes for Applicants
Grassroots First: The IAF prefers to fund groups that are physically located in the communities they serve.
The "Merit" Rule: The IAF looks for projects where the community has already started the work and just needs a "boost" to scale up.
No "Inventions" Needed: They prefer models that have been tested locally and are ready to be expanded.
Be Patient: The review process can take 6 to 12 months from submission to the first check, due to the high volume of applications and the requirement for site visits.
Sustainability Plan: You must be able to explain how the project will continue to operate after the grant money is spent.
Evidence of Impact: Have data ready that shows how the community has benefited from your work so far.
Diverse Voices: They highly value projects where the beneficiaries (the people being helped) have a seat at the table in making decisions.
Learn More
Visit the official programme page:
https://iaf.gov/apply-for-grant/
Antigua Digest Note
For our local leaders in Antigua and across the OECS, the IAF is one of the few global funders that truly values our unique 'island' perspective. We often have brilliant grassroots initiatives in tourism, craft, climate-farming that struggle to find funding because they are 'too small' for major banks.
We have the solutions but lack the capital to bypass high logistical costs. If your organization is already doing the work on the ground—whether in sustainable fishing, youth tech, or local craft exports—don't wait for a deadline. Submit your vision today and let’s show the world what OECS grassroots leadership looks like."
Note: While we have long championed the IAF as a partner for grassroots growth, we must inform our community that the U.S. federal funding for this agency is currently undergoing a major transition and pause. We recommend that applicants may apply but there is a high possibility that grants be not be accessable. We will continue to monitor this situation and update you as soon as the 'Apply' button is fully green again
Our islands have the talent; and the IAF provides the bridge."
Need Help Applying?
Antigua Digest offers support services for individuals, entrepreneurs, non- profit organizations and MSMEs seeking grant funding.
We can assist you with:
Project concept development and alignment with grant criteria
Proposal writing (narrative, budget, logical framework)
Review of eligibility and compliance with terms
Submission monitoring and follow-up
Contact us at admin@antiguadigest.com for tailored assistance with your submission.