TFD International Grants 2027
By Taiwan Foundation for Democracy
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Quick Answer
Grants for non-profits outside Taiwan running democracy and human-rights projects, typically US$3,000 to US$20,000. Next rounds close 15 December 2026 and 15 April 2027.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Taiwan Foundation for Democracy
- Application deadline
- 38d — 15 Dec 2026
- Location
- International
About this grant
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) International Grants programme gives money to non-profit organisations based outside Taiwan that run projects promoting democracy and human rights. The next deadline for projects starting in 2027 is 15 December 2026 (second round), and a third round closes on 15 April 2027. Most grants fall between US$3,000 and US$20,000 (about ₹2.85 lakh to ₹19 lakh), with a hard cap of US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh).
What the program offers
TFD pays grants for project costs. The source says most awards fall in the US$3,000 to US$20,000 range and the average is about US$5,000 (about ₹4.75 lakh), while TFD is not permitted to award more than US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh). TFD normally does not fund a project in full, so you are expected to bring other funding and list it on the form.
The money can be spent on direct project costs only. Examples the foundation gives as generally acceptable are transport for the funded activity, accommodation, meals, printing, equipment rental, venue rental, communication fees, stationery and office supplies. Not covered are capital expenditure such as buying equipment, salaries, any other payments to personnel including honorariums and trainers' fees, first or business class tickets, fuel, per diems and administrative overheads. All projects must finish inside one calendar year, which is also TFD's fiscal year.
Who can apply
International non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, think tanks and other related organisations based outside Taiwan are eligible. The strategic priorities are projects that draw on Taiwan's democratic experience, projects that address challenges to democracy and human rights raised by China, and projects that strengthen democracy and human rights in East Asia (Northeast and Southeast Asia).
For an Indian applicant, this means a registered Indian non-profit, university department or think tank can apply. It suits organisations whose work genuinely sits in democracy, civic participation or human rights and, ideally, links to East Asia, Taiwan's experience or the China-related challenges. It does not suit for-profit startups, individuals, or general community-development work with no democracy or rights angle. The page does not say that a project has to be located in East Asia, but it does list that as a priority.
How to apply
Fill in the International Grant Application Form. Alongside it you need a detailed project plan, a separate budget statement, proof of your organisation's registration, and your most recent annual report or financial statement. Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Submission has two parts. Post the application form in hard copy with the original signature of the head of the organisation, and also email a Word copy of the form (without signature) to the grants address on the TFD site. Send every other document by email as PDF; the total size must stay under 10 MB. Use the subject line format "[Organization's Name] - [Purpose of Email]". Both the hard copy and the digital copy must reach TFD by close of business on the deadline date, and a postmark before the deadline is not enough. A practical tip: post the hard copy several weeks ahead, because the source itself recommends allowing weeks for regular postal delivery.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Independent reviewers with relevant expertise study each proposal and make recommendations, after which TFD decides which to fund and sets the grant amount and approved budget. Reviewers look at fit with TFD's mission, expected impact, the likelihood of successful delivery (feasibility, method and team experience), the significance and originality of the topic, the clarity and reasonableness of the budget, and the integrity of the documents. For the second round, notification is in March 2027, and for the third round in July 2027. Successful applicants sign a contract setting final conditions.
The 2027 schedule is: first round deadline 15 August 2026 (notification November 2026, earliest start 1 January), second round 15 December 2026 (notification March 2027, earliest start 1 April), third round 15 April 2027 (notification July 2027, earliest start 1 August). Grants from the second round can be used for up to 8 months and from the third round for up to 4 months.
About Taiwan Foundation for Democracy
TFD describes itself as the first national democracy assistance foundation established in Asia. It works to consolidate Taiwan's democratic system, promote democracy in Asia and take part in the global democratic network. It is based in Taipei.
Things to check before you apply
- The hard-copy original signature requirement is unusual and needs courier time from India.
- TFD covers only direct project costs, so a project that depends on salaries or equipment will not fit.
- Many grants are small (average about US$5,000), so plan a budget that fits and show the other funding.
- Indian organisations receiving foreign money should check FCRA, FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser before applying.
- The source does not state the payout currency or payment schedule; these are set in the contract.
Eligibility
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Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Most TFD grants are between US$3,000 and US$20,000 (about ₹2.85 lakh to ₹19 lakh), the average is about US$5,000 (about ₹4.75 lakh), and no grant can exceed US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh). TFD normally does not fund a project in full. Money covers direct project costs only; salaries, equipment purchases and overheads are excluded.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Independent reviewers with relevant expertise study each proposal and recommend which to fund. TFD then decides, sets the grant amount and approved budget, and signs a contract with successful applicants. Reviewers weigh fit with the foundation's mission, expected impact, feasibility and team experience, originality, budget clarity and the integrity of the documents.
Application Process
- 1
Prepare documents
Complete the application form, project plan, budget statement, registration proof and latest annual report.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian NGOs apply for TFD international grants?
TFD's international programme is for non-profit organisations based outside Taiwan, including international NGOs, academic institutions and think tanks. An Indian registered non-profit working on democracy and human rights can apply. The page does not mention India specifically, and it lists East Asia, Taiwan's experience and China-related challenges as priorities.
How much does TFD give?
Most grants fall between US$3,000 and US$20,000, and the average is about US$5,000. TFD may not award more than US$100,000. It normally does not fund a project in full.
What is the next deadline?
For projects in 2027, the second round closes on 15 December 2026 and the third round on 15 April 2027, both at close of business. Applications received late are not reviewed in that round and may be assessed in the following one where appropriate.
What can the money be spent on?
Direct project costs such as transport, accommodation, meals, printing, equipment rental, venue rental and communication fees. It cannot pay for equipment purchases, salaries, honorariums, per diems or fixed overheads.
How do I submit the application?
Post a hard copy of the signed application form and also email the Word form and PDF documents to TFD. The total email size must not exceed 10 MB. Both must arrive by the deadline.
What documents do I need?
The completed application form, a detailed project plan, a separate budget statement, proof of your organisation's registration, and your latest annual report or financial statement.
Is this a grant or a loan?
The page calls it a grant and does not describe any repayment. The terms are set in a contract signed after approval.
Do I have to travel to Taiwan?
The source does not require travel. Transport costs for the funded activity itself can be covered by the grant.
Is there a fee to apply?
The source does not mention an application fee.
When will I hear back?
Second-round applicants are notified in March 2027 and third-round applicants in July 2027, according to the schedule on the page.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
