Global Voices for Peace Small Seed Grants
Global Voice for Peace Small Seed Grant Awards is now accepting applications.
AFSC is pleased to launch a small seed grants program to catalyze innovative locally driven initiatives that safeguard democracy while advancing peace, justice, and nonviolence.
Through this program, AFSC aims to invest in community-led ideas that promote dialogue, strengthen networks of solidarity, and respond creatively to emerging challenges to peace and democracy. Rooted in Quakers’ values of peace, equality, and social justice, this initiative recognizes that meaningful and sustainable change often begins at the community level.
By supporting grassroots initiatives, AFSC seeks to amplify local voices, encourage collaboration, and nurture innovative approaches that contribute to more just and peaceful societies.
Amount: Awards can go up to $10,000 – $15,000 (up to 10 awards total)
Call for Proposals: July 16, 2026
Deadline: September 15, 2026.
Awards Granted: November 1, 2026
Implementation period: 1 November, 2026 – 31 July, 2027
Eligibility
Local and community-based and faith-based organizations aligned with Quakers’ shared values and working to advance peace, democracy, justice, non-violence and community resilience. We encourage feminist, grassroots groups, and youth movements to apply.
Geographical scope
The funds are restricted to Global South partners. However, collaboration with a Global North partner could be included in the financing.
Priority Areas
Global Voices for Peace aims to deepen collective analysis, strengthen transnational solidarity, and catalyze coordinated action in response to accelerating militarism, democratic backsliding, and the erosion of multilateral norms and the multilateral system.
The focus of the grants is on reinforcing open and participatory systems, strengthening democratic institutions, and improving the quality of democracy. We aim to facilitate relationship building across faith, civil society, humanitarian, peacebuilding, and organizing networks to strengthen collective protection and coordinated action. Special attention will be given to topics that link to the Global Voices for Peace Dialogues series. Funding may support activities such as:
- Community organizing and outreach
- Dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives
- Workshops, training sessions, and community education
- Pilot programs and innovative grassroots initiatives
- Small-scale research or documentation
- Updating existing research or analysis (on a small scale)
Application Process
Applicants should submit a proposal of up to 4 pages that includes:
- Applicant and contact information, including project title, location, affiliation (if applicable), and legal status
- A brief overview of your organization, initiative, or community group, including its purpose, the communities it works with, and relevant experience
- A clear description of the proposed project, including the issue it addresses, who it will benefit, how it aligns with Global Voices for Peace priorities, and the main activities you will carry out
- Expected outcomes, project timeline, budget summary in USD, and any key implementation risks and mitigation measures
- A short statement on alignment with AFSC and Quaker values, plus any optional information on partnerships, support, or other relevant context.
Submissions is preferable in English; proposals translated using AI translation are acceptable.
Cautionary note: using open platform translation tools carries risks including privacy concerns, loss of control over sensitive information, and the potential for biased or inaccurate translations that can misrepresent marginalized communities.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by an AFSC committee representing our international regions (Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia). Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with AFSC’s mission and Quaker values of peace, justice, equality, and nonviolence. The committee will consider the potential impact of proposed activities on democratic governance, institution-building, peacebuilding, human rights, and local communities, as well as the urgency of the need addressed. Special consideration will be given to initiatives led by communities directly affected by injustice or conflict.
Reporting and Learning
Grantees will be asked to submit a brief narrative report and financial summary at the conclusion of the project. Reporting requirements are intentionally designed to remain light and accessible, allowing partners to focus on community impact rather than administrative burden. AFSC will invite grantees to share lessons learned through community dialogues, webinars, or written reflections, helping strengthen networks of solidarity, and shared learning.
Submissions
All proposals must be received no later than September 15, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Please submit the completed application form and budget by September 15, 2026 to:
gvp-proposal@afsc.org with GVP Small Seed Grants – [entity name] in the subject line.