Grants (General Program)

Romanian-American Foundation Grants Program

Overview: The Romanian-American Foundation (RAF) provides non-repayable grants to non-governmental organizations that share RAF's objectives and meet eligibility criteria.

Types of Grants Offered

• Pilot Project Grants: Testing specific types of interventions
• Consolidation Grants: Continued funding for projects that demonstrated success in pilot phase
• Capacity Building Grants: Strengthening organizations that work with RAF
• Seed Grants: Initial capital for establishing new organizations
• Communication Grants: Supporting communication initiatives aligned with RAF values

Strategic Focus Areas

• Rural Economy Development: Including ecotourism, agricultural extension, small farmer opportunities
• Technology & Innovation: STEM education, entrepreneurship in higher education, educational innovation
• Civil Society & Philanthropy: Civic engagement, civic education, democratic values, infrastructure for philanthropy

Geographic Scope

Romania only - All partner organizations must be legally registered in Romania.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizational Requirements:

Legally registered non-governmental organization in Romania

Strong leadership

Relevant track record and experience

Excellent reputation

Sound operations and policies

Core permanent staff

Shared values with RAF

Program Requirements:

Must align with one of RAF's three strategic priorities

Must address an important issue

Must clearly demonstrate a social need

Must be sustainable

Must be capable of attracting additional resources

Long-term programs with national coverage and clear, significant impact in communities are encouraged

Beneficiaries must contribute at least 10% of total program budget in cash or in-kind contributions

What RAF Does NOT Fund

• Functions that are government responsibility or better executed by government/local administration
• Projects or organizations with political affiliation
• Activities that do not respect human rights and environment
• Scholarships or grants to individuals
• Financial support to for-profit businesses
• Event sponsorships that are not part of RAF programs

Application Process

Invitation-Based Only: RAF funds programs by invitation only. Prospective partners are identified and sourced by RAF program officers and invited to work with the Foundation.

Board Approval Timeline: Grants are approved by the Board of Directors three times per year:

February

May

October

Review Timeline: Development and review of a full application (including due diligence) typically takes 3-4 months.

Contact Information

Address: Strada Gina Patrichi nr. 6 (fosta Orlando), 010449 București, România

Phone: +40 312 261 223

Fax: +40 312 261 230

Email: office@rafonline.org

Website: rafonline.org

Reporting Requirements

Grantees must provide both activity and financial reports. Each program has its own reporting cycle.