ANTIGUA DIGEST

The Theirworld Small Grants Programme is a global funding initiative designed to support registered charities and non-profit organisations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. 

Established in 2004, the programme has awarded nearly £1 million in small grants to projects around the world, helping organisations to pilot new ideas, scale up community-based interventions, and expand access to education and wellbeing services.

The grant targets projects aligned with Theirworld’s mission to end the global education crisis and empower marginalised youth. Priority is given to initiatives that:

• Improve access to quality education and learning environments

• Support health, wellbeing, and emotional development

• Build vocational, digital, and life skills for the future

• Address critical cross-cutting issues like gender equality, inclusion, climate action, peace and security, and nutrition

Grants help organisations implement practical solutions that can create sustainable impact in local communities.

Who Can Apply & Eligible Activities

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a registered charity or non-profit organisation

• Demonstrate a clear project plan with defined outcomes

• Work directly on issues affecting children and young people

• Hold valid safeguarding policies and recent annual financial accounts

• Serve communities with measurable needs in education, health, or skills development

Projects must focus on the welfare of children and youth; organisations that are not formal NGOs or that promote religion/political parties are not eligible.

Eligible Activities

Funded activities typically include:

1. Educational Support – Enhancing access to quality learning for children, including literacy, numeracy, and early childhood programmes.

2. Health and Wellbeing Initiatives – Projects that support emotional, social or physical wellbeing among young people.

3. Skills Development – Vocational, digital, leadership, or life skills training tailored to youth needs.

4. Community-led Innovations – Grassroots solutions testing new models of education or child support.

5. Inclusive Outreach – Programmes that target marginalised or underserved populations to reduce barriers.

Funding and Terms

• Grants range from £1,000 to £10,000 per project.

• Payments are typically made as one lump sum.

• Recipients may be required to submit mid-term and final reports demonstrating impact and financial accountability.

• Organisations that receive funding, or whose applications are unsuccessful, may not reapply within 12 months.

Key Steps for Applicants

1. Check Eligibility: Visit the eligibility check page and review programme requirements.

2. Attend Webinars: Optional Q&A webinars help applicants clarify questions about the application process ahead of the deadline.

3. Prepare Your Proposal: Complete the online application form with project description, budget, impact metrics, and supporting documents (safeguarding policy, financial accounts).

4. Submit Application: Ensure your application is submitted before the 16 February 2026, 17:00 GMT deadline.

5. Await Notification: Final decisions are expected by late June 2026, with contracting and funding taking place in July–August 2026.

Eligible Countries (Latin America & Caribbean Focus)

Although the programme is open globally, organisations based in or working with communities across Latin America and the Caribbean are eligible if they meet registration and charitable status requirements. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Barbados

• Jamaica

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Dominican Republic

• Haiti

• Guyana

• Suriname

The key requirement is that the organisation must be legally registered as a charitable or non-profit entity serving children and youth in its context.

Additional Notes for Applicants

• Prepare well in advance: Early preparation, including drafting narratives and securing safeguarding documentation, increases quality and competitiveness.

• Attend the webinars: Live sessions provide direct guidance on expectations and common application pitfalls.

• Clarify impact: Funders prioritise clear projections of social impact within the grant term.

• Focus on sustainability: Projects that demonstrate potential for long-term benefit beyond the grant window are viewed favourably.

• Comply with safeguarding norms: Having validated safeguarding policies is mandatory.

Learn More

Full official guidelines  can be obtained in the programme documentation: 

https://theirworld.org/projects/small-grants-programme/

Submit Application:

https://theirworld.org/small-grants-eligibility-check/

Antigua Digest Note

This grant provides a valuable opportunity for non-profit organisations and community groups across the Caribbean and Latin America to secure funding that can make a significant difference in the lives of young people. With relatively modest awards and a global reach, the Theirworld Small Grants Programme can offer critical support for initiatives that improve education, skills, and wellbeing in underserved communities. We encourage interested organisations to review the eligibility criteria early, prepare strong applications, and take advantage of guidance resources offered by the funder.

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.