The Katalpa Fund: Empowering Education, Women, Culture, and Nature

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The Katalpa Fund provides grants of up to €30,000 to NGOs in Mongolia and Belgium that create sustainable social impact. Projects focusing on education, youth empowerment, women’s social development, environmental protection, and the preservation of nomadic culture are prioritized.

Overview of the Fund

The Katalpa Fund supports initiatives that empower communities and generate lasting positive social impact in Mongolia and Belgium. Fund priorities include:

• Education and youth development – Supporting children and young people to achieve their goals

• Women’s empowerment – Advancing opportunities and participation in social initiatives

• Environmental protection – Promoting sustainability and responsible resource management

• Cultural preservation – Protecting traditional lifestyles, especially of nomadic herders in Mongolia

Projects are expected to:

• Be realistic and impactful, clearly addressing community needs

• Demonstrate effective use of grant funds

• Uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion

• Allocate at least 90% of funding directly to project objectives

• Contribute to sustainable, lasting positive change

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant Amount: €30,000

• Allocation: Varies depending on project scope, with a minimum of 90% of funds going directly to project objectives

• Restrictions: Grants cannot be used for political, religious, commercial, or fundraising activities

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• NGOs registered in Mongolia or Belgium

• NGOs that are actively operating in rural provinces or Ulaanbaatar

• Organisations that demonstrate alignment with the Fund’s priority areas

The Fund emphasizes equal consideration for all applicants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, or nationality.

Project Priorities

Priority projects include but are not limited to:

• Preserving nomadic cultural traditions

• Providing education and care for orphaned or underprivileged children

• Supporting youth initiatives that develop skills, knowledge, and opportunities

• Empowering women in social fields

• Protecting and enhancing the natural environment

Ineligible Projects

The Katalpa Fund does not support:

• Projects that do not align with its objectives

• Commercial sponsorships or event fundraising

• Projects affiliated with political organizations or promoting religion

• Individual applicants or overseas projects

• Projects with high overhead or administrative costs

• Incomplete or late applications

Reapplication Rules:

• NGOs receiving a grant must wait one year before reapplying

• Unsuccessful applicants may reapply one year after rejection

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your NGO is registered in Mongolia or Belgium and aligns with Fund priorities.

2. Prepare Proposal: Clearly outline objectives, target beneficiaries, expected impact, and budget allocation.

3. Submit Application: Follow Katalpa Fund guidelines and provide complete documentation.

4. Demonstrate Impact: Highlight how the project creates sustainable and lasting social change.

Expected Outcomes

Projects funded by the Katalpa Fund are expected to:

• Improve education and opportunities for children and youth

• Empower women in social initiatives

• Protect and sustain the natural environment

• Preserve cultural traditions and nomadic lifestyles

• Demonstrate clear, measurable impact on communities

FAQs

1. Who can apply to the Katalpa Fund?
Eligible applicants are NGOs registered in Mongolia or Belgium that actively operate in rural provinces or Ulaanbaatar.

2. What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects supporting education, youth empowerment, women’s social development, environmental protection, and preservation of nomadic culture are prioritized.

3. What is the maximum grant amount?
The maximum grant is €30,000, with at least 90% of funds allocated directly to project objectives.

4. Can individuals or commercial entities apply?
No. Only registered NGOs are eligible. Commercial sponsorships or individual applications are not supported.

5. How often can an NGO reapply?
NGOs receiving a grant must wait one year before reapplying. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after one year from rejection.

6. Are political or religious projects supported?
No. Projects affiliated with political organizations or promoting religion are ineligible.

7. How is impact measured?
The Fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate realistic, measurable, and sustainable outcomes, with at least 90% of funds used for project objectives.

Why It Matters

The Katalpa Fund strengthens communities by supporting projects that empower youth, women, and local communities, protect the environment, and preserve cultural heritage, especially nomadic traditions in Mongolia. It ensures that funding is effectively used to create lasting positive change.

Conclusion

The Katalpa Fund offers NGOs a strategic opportunity to implement impactful projects that enhance education, cultural preservation, social empowerment, and environmental protection. By funding initiatives aligned with its objectives, the Fund promotes sustainable community development and equality across Mongolia and Belgium.

For more information, visit Katalpa fund.