New report on how non-profits secure funding for scale

We've investigated how 28 non-profits across 70 countries secured funding to increase their reach and impact

Funding remains one of the toughest barriers to scaling, with little to no guidance available on how to navigate it. So we’ve asked: how do non-profits that successfully sustain solutions at scale secure funding for it? And who’s paying?

Our new study uncovers the funding models of 28 leading non-profits operating across 70 countries and 10 issue areas, the majority of which are delivering solutions in low- and middle-income countries.

We examined five types of funding sources for scale – philanthropy, governments, corporates, bilateral and multilateral institutions, and end users – highlighting their unique trade-offs and lessons specific to each.

You’ll learn about:

The key success factors that enabled non-profits to secure funding
Tailored funding approaches for different stages of scaling
Key learnings for funders who want to effectively support scale
The advantages and disadvantages of five key funding sources

EXPLORE THE INSIGHTS

What we've learned

The findings emphasise the importance of long-term support to sustain impact at scale, and reinforce philanthropy's continued critical role in enabling it.

Non-profits still need philanthropy, even when operating at big scale

23 out of the 28 organisations interviewed have philanthropy as their primary source of funding, with ongoing philanthropic support normally required to sustain their impact at scale.

Unrestricted, long-term funding enables scale and sustainability

Unrestricted funding makes up 67% of the 28 non-profits’ funding, allowing non-profits the flexibility to allocate resources where they are most needed and respond quickly to challenges.

Governments are critical for scale, but provide minimal funding

All 28 organisations in our study engage with the government in some capacity, but only 8 receive funding for the ongoing support they provide governments in implementing a solution at scale.

Non-profits need to bridge funding gaps left by partners

All types of partners usually require long-term support to deliver the solution, but will rarely pay for it. Only 4 out of 28 non-profits receive payments from other NGOs or CBOs.

Embedding costs in partners' existing systems is key

13 of the 28 organisations in this study have achieved scale by embedding at least some aspects of their solution into existing government structures, such as health, education, or transport systems.

Explore the insights

Download report