Melania Development Foundation is a Dutch women’s organization to foster solidarity between women’s groups in the Netherlands and grassroots women’s groups in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Melania does not directly fund projects. Rather, it aims to identify womens’ groups in the Netherlands to provide the needed financial support.
Grant Programs for Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Natural Resources
Support to Grassroots Womens’ Groups. Melania focuses on self-help projects which contribute to the improvement of the social, economic, and cultural position of women. Subject areas include agriculture, natural environment, and several others.
Melania invites and reviews project applications. Melania selects and proposes some of these projects to Dutch women’s groups for requested financial support. The Dutch women’s groups raise funds to support the project of their respective “sister group” in the developing world.
Most project budgets are less than €5 thousand.
APPLICATION: Project proposals describe the aim of the project and its geographical situation; the target group; proposed project activities and possible obstacles; available resources and local contribution; and the project time frame and budget.
Applications are sent to Melania by postal mail or email. There is no calendar deadline.
About the program, and how to apply (in English)
Geographical Distribution of Grant Activities in Developing Countries
Projects selected by Melania are located in countries corresponding to the following regional classification in the Terra Viva Grants Directory.
Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands
South Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
Latin America and Caribbean
Melania’s website is in Dutch, with a short summary in English and Spanish.
Melania posts projects in search of funding.
Melania was founded in 1921, with an original focus on Indonesia.
Melania is a member of the Dutch Women’s Council (NVR), an umbrella organization of about 45 Dutch womens’ organizations, with a combined membership of about one million women.
Melania provides full Contact information.
September 2021