Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Luena Foundation microgrant programme supports grassroots organizations working directly with children in underserved communities across the MENA region.
It focuses on removing practical barriers to education through small-scale, locally implemented solutions that improve access, safety, and learning conditions.
Core Objectives of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Improve access to early childhood, primary, and secondary education
- Support marginalized children, including refugees, displaced, and migrant groups
- Strengthen foundational learning and literacy outcomes
- Improve school infrastructure and learning environments
- Enhance access to education through practical local solutions
- Promote community ownership of education initiatives
Key Areas of Support
Funded activities include:
- Provision of school supplies and textbooks
- Small-scale classroom repairs and upgrades
- Establishment of community learning spaces
- Literacy and foundational education support
- Safe transport or access solutions for school attendance
- Parent and caregiver engagement initiatives
- Pilot low-cost, locally appropriate education solutions
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
- Small, locally led community-based organizations
- Operating within the MENA region
- Independently managing project design and delivery
- Working directly with children and communities
Financial Eligibility Requirement
- Annual revenue must be under USD 50,000
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: USD 1,500 per project
- Duration: up to 12 months
- Funding type: Microgrants for direct, practical interventions
Community Contribution Requirement
A minimum of:
- 25% community contribution is required
This may include:
- Cash contributions
- Volunteer labor
- Materials or in-kind support
- Local services or resources
This requirement ensures local ownership and sustainability.
Eligible and Ineligible Project Types
Eligible Projects
- Small, practical education access improvements
- School environment enhancements
- Learning material distribution
- Community-based learning support systems
- Access and attendance support initiatives
Ineligible Projects
- Large-scale education system reforms
- Academic research or studies
- Advocacy or policy-level initiatives
- Broad national or regional programmes
- High-cost infrastructure development
Selection Priorities
The programme prioritises:
- Clear and practical barriers to education access
- Direct impact on children’s learning conditions
- Strong community involvement and leadership
- Feasible, low-cost implementation plans
- Support for vulnerable and displaced populations
- Sustainability through local ownership
Why the Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Improves education access in crisis-affected communities
- Supports displaced and marginalized children
- Strengthens grassroots education systems
- Enables low-cost, high-impact local solutions
- Enhances learning environments with minimal infrastructure
- Encourages strong community ownership of education
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing large-scale or high-budget education reforms
- Weak or missing community contribution
- Lack of clear focus on education access barriers
- Overly complex or non-local implementation plans
- Insufficient evidence of grassroots leadership
- Ignoring financial eligibility limits
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on a specific, clearly defined education barrier
- Keep the project simple, practical, and local
- Show strong community involvement and contribution
- Emphasize direct benefits to children’s learning access
- Demonstrate realistic implementation within 12 months
- Highlight sustainability through local ownership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Luena Foundation Microgrant Programme?
A small grant initiative supporting grassroots education access projects in the MENA region.
Who can apply?
Small, locally led organisations with annual revenues under USD 50,000.
How much funding is available?
Up to USD 1,500 per project.
What is the project duration?
Up to 12 months.
What types of projects are supported?
Practical education access improvements like school supplies, repairs, and learning spaces.
Is community contribution required?
Yes, at least 25% of total project value.
Can large-scale projects be funded?
No, only small, locally implemented initiatives are eligible.
Conclusion
The Luena Foundation microgrants support small, community-led education initiatives that remove practical barriers to learning for children in the MENA region. By funding low-cost, locally driven solutions, the programme strengthens access to education, improves learning environments, and empowers communities to support vulnerable children effectively.
For more information, visit Luena Foundation.
