Grants (General Program)

Romanian-American Foundation Grants Program

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

Fax: +40 312 261 230

Reporting Requirements

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

How to Apply for RAF Grants

Important Note: RAF funds programs by invitation only. Organizations cannot apply directly without an invitation.

Application Process:

1. Identification Phase: RAF program officers identify and source prospective partners based on their strategic priorities and program expertise
2. Invitation: Promising organizations are invited by RAF team members to work with the Foundation
3. Proposal Development: RAF team works with invited partners to develop a full project proposal
4. Application Submission: Completed proposals are submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval
5. Board Review: Proposals are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors

Timeline:

• Development and review of full application (including due diligence): 3-4 months
• Board approval meetings: February, May, and October

Required Materials (based on eligibility criteria):

• Demonstration of legal registration in Romania
• Evidence of strong leadership and organizational capacity
• Detailed track record and relevant experience
• Proof of excellent reputation
• Documentation of sound operations and policies
• Evidence of core permanent staff
• Project proposal aligned with RAF's strategic priorities
• Detailed needs assessment and social impact documentation
• Sustainability plan and fundraising strategy
• Commitment to provide 10% cost-share (cash or in-kind)

No formal deadline - RAF works with potential partners on an ongoing basis throughout the year.