Call for Proposals: WINGS #LiftUpPhilanthropy Fund 2025

WINGS (Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support) has officially opened the 2025 Call for Proposals for its expanded #LiftUpPhilanthropy Fund (LUP Fund).

This initiative, building on the success of its predecessor, is dedicated to catalysing positive change within the global philanthropic sector.

It aims to empower WINGS members to strengthen their ecosystems, foster enabling environments, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With an investment of EUR 350,000, co-funded by the European Union, the LUP Fund aims to leverage the collective intelligence and financial resources of WINGS’ network.

The goal is to cultivate a more robust and supportive landscape for philanthropy worldwide, supporting its role in addressing pressing issues, including climate change.

The 2025 Call for Proposals is open now, with an application deadline of June 30, 2025.

Funded actions must be implemented in one or more target countries within the LEAP4Dev regions: Africa, Latin America, or Asia.

Funding Thematic Lots

Funds for this call are distributed across three distinct thematic lots. Projects must align with one of these areas.

Lot 1: Ecosystem Building (Allocated: EUR 100,000)

This lot supports initiatives focused on strengthening Philanthropy Support Ecosystems (PSE) in target countries and regions.

Prioritized projects will demonstrate collaborative actions with a direct impact on the field.

2025 Priorities include:

• Evidencing PSE/PSO impact: Projects generating research and data to showcase the effectiveness of PSEs and Philanthropy Support Organisations (PSOs), aiming to increase investment into the ecosystem, especially for harnessing local resources.
• Growing philanthropy: Initiatives working with diverse actors (corporates, families, diaspora) to expand giving, and piloting new ways to resource civil society (e.g., through community and intermediary philanthropy).

Lot 2: Enabling Environment (Allocated: EUR 50,000)

This lot funds projects aimed at improving the enabling environment for philanthropy (e.g., regulations, cultural shifts).

Projects will prioritize impact where philanthropic freedom is at risk, strengthening PSOs’ advocacy, and unlocking investments to enhance the enabling environment.

The fund aims to influence public policies and procedures that facilitate the philanthropy space, such as simplifying registration, easing donation processes, and reducing the burdens of cross-border giving.

2025 Priorities include:

• Government engagement: Developing stronger relationships with governments to improve philanthropic enabling and partnership environments.
• Addressing barriers: Improving cross-border funding rights, confronting shrinking civic space, tackling legal/administrative barriers, promoting positive public policy, and enhancing funding transparency and public dialogue.

Lot 3: Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for the SDGs (Allocated: EUR 200,000)

This lot focuses on initiatives that increase foundations’ engagement in concrete multi-stakeholder action around the SDGs.

Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSPs) are collaborative initiatives involving three or more diverse actors (e.g., philanthropic organizations, private sector, government, civil society, PSOs).

They leverage unique strengths and resources to address complex systemic challenges at scale, often with a systems change approach.

MSPs can range from Public-Private-Philanthropy Partnerships (PPPPs) and innovative financing mechanisms to coordination mechanisms and learning spaces.

Note: Lot allocations may vary based on emerging needs; unallocated funds may be reallocated.

 Eligibility Criteria

For Lead Applicants:

Proposals must be submitted by a single eligible organization that will be the main implementer. Applicants must be:

• A legal body.
• A WINGS Member in good standing at submission.
• Registered in a LEAP4Dev target country.
• Capable of receiving funds, providing bank statements, and having a financial management system for reporting.
• Not having received total WINGS LUP Fund grants (EU LEAP4Dev co-funded) exceeding EUR 60,000.

An organization can submit only one application as a lead applicant, but may participate as a partner in other proposals.

For the Proposed Project (Action):

• Duration: Maximum of 14 months (projects should start by November 2025 and be completed by December 2026).
• Funding Request: Minimum EUR 5,000 to maximum EUR 50,000.
• Co-funding: Not compulsory, but positively evaluated. In-kind contributions are not counted. Co-funding cannot be from other EU funds.
• Partnerships: Allowed, with the lead applicant responsible for all funds.
• Sub-granting: Not permitted.

Application and Selection Process

The process includes:

1. Eligibility and administrative check.
2. Technical assessment and scoring.
3. Final evaluation and selection by the #LUPFund Peer-to-Peer Selection Committee.
4. Pre-notification and due diligence for pre-selected applicants.
5. Confirmation and communication of awards.

WINGS members interested in this opportunity should consult the Call for Proposals 2025 Guidelines for Proposal Development and Submission for detailed information herehttps://wings-office.cdn.prismic.io/wings-office/aCR8DidWJ-7kSEl2_LEAP4DevOpenCfPs2025_Guidelines.docx.pdf