Request for Applications: Katalpa Fund Grants (Mongolia, Belgium)

The Katalpa Fund provides grants of up to EUR 30,000 to eligible non-profit and non-governmental organizations registered in Mongolia or Belgium that are implementing impactful and sustainable projects in Mongolia. The fund supports community-focused initiatives that demonstrate clear social impact, efficient use of resources, equality and diversity, and long-term sustainability while maintaining low administrative costs.

Katalpa Fund Grants for NGOs Implementing Projects in Mongolia

The Katalpa Fund is inviting grant applications from eligible non-profit organizations and NGOs registered in Mongolia or Belgium that are implementing projects in Mongolia. The fund aims to support practical, sustainable, and high-impact initiatives that improve communities while promoting responsible use of grant funding.

Projects should clearly identify the problem they address, demonstrate measurable benefits, and align with the overall objectives of the Katalpa Fund.

About the Katalpa Fund

The Katalpa Fund is dedicated to supporting community development projects that create meaningful and sustainable change in Mongolia.

The fund prioritizes projects that:

• Address genuine community needs.
• Deliver measurable and long-term impact.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Use funding efficiently and responsibly.
• Maintain transparency and accountability throughout implementation.

The fund also encourages organizations to build projects that continue delivering benefits after the grant period has ended.

Focus Areas

The Katalpa Fund supports projects that emphasize:

• Community development
• Sustainable development
• Social impact
• Equality and diversity
• Effective use of grant funding
• Organizational sustainability
• Responsible financial management
• Low administrative and overhead costs
• Long-term community benefits

Funding Information

Successful applicants can receive:

• Grants of up to EUR 30,000

The exact funding awarded depends on the quality, feasibility, and impact of the proposed project.

Project Requirements

Projects should demonstrate:

• A clearly defined community need.
• Realistic objectives and implementation plans.
• Sustainable outcomes beyond the funding period.
• Efficient and transparent use of grant funding.
• Positive and measurable social impact.
• Alignment with the objectives of the Katalpa Fund.
• Promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Organizations should also ensure that:

• Administrative, fundraising, and advertising expenses remain below 10% of the total grant amount.
• Grant resources are primarily directed toward project implementation and beneficiary support.

Why This Grant Matters

The Katalpa Fund helps nonprofit organizations strengthen communities across Mongolia by providing financial support for sustainable development initiatives.

The grant enables organizations to:

• Expand community services.
• Improve project quality and reach.
• Address local social challenges.
• Build long-term community resilience.
• Promote inclusive and equitable development.
• Increase the sustainability of nonprofit initiatives.

Grant Assessment Process

Applications undergo a detailed review process.

During assessment, the advisory committee may:

• Request additional information.
• Conduct telephone discussions with applicants.
• Visit the applicant organization when necessary.
• Evaluate project feasibility, sustainability, and expected impact.

This process helps ensure that funding is awarded to projects capable of delivering meaningful and lasting results.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Non-profit organizations.
• Organizations registered in Mongolia or Belgium.
• Organizations implementing projects in Mongolia.
• NGOs actively working in Mongolia’s provinces or Ulaanbaatar.

Applicants should have the organizational capacity to successfully implement and manage the proposed project.

Who is Not Eligible?

The Katalpa Fund does not support:

• Individual applicants.
• Commercial sponsorships.
• Fundraising events.
• Political organizations or politically affiliated projects.
• Religious promotion activities.
• Overseas projects outside Mongolia.
• Incomplete applications.
• Projects with excessive administrative or overhead costs.
• Projects that do not align with the objectives of the Katalpa Fund.

Eligible Project Characteristics

Strong applications generally include:

• Clearly identified community challenges.
• Practical and achievable solutions.
• Well-planned activities.
• Measurable outcomes.
• Sustainable long-term impact.
• Efficient budgeting.
• Responsible governance.
• Inclusive project design.

Funding Conditions

Grant recipients are expected to:

• Use funds solely for approved project activities.
• Inform the Katalpa Fund of any implementation delays.
• Comply with all reporting requirements.
• Cooperate with monitoring and evaluation activities when requested.

Additional monitoring requirements may apply depending on the size and nature of the funded project.

Reporting Requirements

Successful organizations must submit:

• A complete project report.
• Reports in both Mongolian and English.
• Final reports within one month after project completion.

The report should explain:

• Activities completed.
• Project achievements.
• Use of grant funds.
• Outcomes and impact.
• Challenges encountered.
• Lessons learned.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your organization meets all eligibility requirements.
2. Develop a project that aligns with the objectives of the Katalpa Fund.
3. Clearly explain the community need your project addresses.
4. Prepare a realistic implementation plan.
5. Develop a transparent and detailed project budget.
6. Ensure overhead, advertising, and fundraising expenses remain below 10% of the requested funding.
7. Complete the grant application with all required information.
8. Submit a complete application before the applicable review cycle.

Following submission:

• The advisory committee reviews eligible applications.
• Additional documents or clarification may be requested.
• Site visits or phone interviews may be conducted if necessary.
• Applicants receive assessment feedback by email within approximately two weeks.
• Successful applicants are notified within approximately three weeks and receive grant payment instructions and reporting requirements.

Application Tips

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly define the community problem.
• Present realistic and measurable objectives.
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability.
• Show how grant funding will be used efficiently.
• Keep administrative costs below the permitted limit.
• Submit a complete application with accurate information.
• Explain the expected community impact using measurable indicators.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Requesting funding for ineligible activities.
• Including excessive administrative or fundraising costs.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Failing to explain long-term sustainability.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets.
• Demonstrating weak alignment with the Katalpa Fund’s objectives.
• Missing reporting or compliance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Katalpa Fund?

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and NGOs registered in Mongolia or Belgium that are implementing projects in Mongolia.

What is the maximum grant amount?

Organizations may apply for grants of up to EUR 30,000.

Can individuals apply?

No. Individual applicants are not eligible.

Which projects are not supported?

The fund does not support political activities, religious promotion, fundraising events, commercial sponsorships, overseas projects, incomplete applications, or projects with excessive overhead costs.

Are organizations outside Mongolia eligible?

Yes. Organizations registered in Belgium may apply if they are implementing eligible projects in Mongolia.

Are project reports required?

Yes. Successful applicants must submit final project reports in both Mongolian and English within one month after project completion.

Can the advisory committee request additional information?

Yes. During assessment, the committee may request additional documents, conduct telephone discussions, or visit the applicant organization.

Conclusion

The Katalpa Fund offers valuable financial support to nonprofit organizations working to create sustainable social impact across Mongolia. With grants of up to EUR 30,000, the program encourages practical, community-driven projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes, responsible financial management, and long-term sustainability. Organizations that present well-planned, impactful, and inclusive initiatives while meeting all eligibility and reporting requirements will be well positioned to compete for funding.