Looking for small research grants for individuals in developing countries in 2025?
You’re not alone — every year, thousands of students, grassroots changemakers, and early-career researchers in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, India, Ghana, and the Philippines seek funding to bring their ideas to life.
However, with limited access to big grants and complex application processes, many give up too soon. This guide was created specifically for YOU — the individual looking to create real impact with a focused project and modest funding.
In this 2025 list, you’ll find 14+ verified small research grants designed for:
-
Independent researchers and innovators
-
Students doing thesis/dissertation work
-
Community organizers and social entrepreneurs
-
Women, youth, and underrepresented voices
Whether you’re building a prototype, conducting fieldwork, or launching a community initiative, these small funding opportunities (from $500 to $25,000) can help turn your idea into action.
Let’s begin.
You can also: Explore Nigeria-specific scholarships and grant options for 2025
What Are Small Research Grants?
Small research grants are modest funding awards (typically between $500 and $25,000) provided to individuals or small teams to support:
-
Research studies
-
Pilot programs
-
Community interventions
-
Innovation testing
-
Academic thesis work
Unlike large institutional grants, small grants are:
-
Easier to apply for
-
More flexible with eligibility
-
Often open to individuals without formal university affiliation
-
Geared toward practical, measurable outcomes
Common use cases:
-
Field research in rural areas
-
Data collection and analysis
-
Prototype development
-
Equipment and travel costs
-
Workshops or community-based solutions
These grants are often awarded by international foundations, NGOs, scientific bodies, and global innovation funds focused on development impact in low-income or emerging regions.
Who Can Apply for These Grants?
One of the greatest strengths of small grants? They’re inclusive and accessible. You don’t need to be a professor or run an NGO to qualify.
Eligible applicants often include:
Students
-
Undergraduate or postgraduate students
-
Especially in science, agriculture, health, or development fields
Early-Career Researchers
-
Academics are starting to build their first portfolio
NGO Workers & Grassroots Leaders
-
Individuals running or supporting small-scale community initiatives
Independent Innovators
-
Anyone with a practical, well-structured project idea
Women & Youth in STEM
-
Many grants give priority to women, young researchers, or people from marginalized backgrounds.
✅ Pro Tip: Mention how your project will directly benefit your local community — this dramatically increases your chances of approval.
Top Small Research Grants for Individuals in Developing Countries (2025 List)
Finding the right small research grants for individuals in developing countries can open doors to impactful research, innovation, and local development.
Below are 14+ handpicked funding opportunities available in 2025, with many open to applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Kenya, Bangladesh, Uganda, and other developing regions.
1. The Global Innovation Fund (GIF)
-
Funding: Up to $50,000 (pilot stage)
-
Who Can Apply: Individuals and organizations
-
Focus: Innovations that improve the lives of people in developing countries
2. The Pollination Project
-
Funding: $1,000 seed grants
-
Who Can Apply: Individual changemakers
-
Focus: Social change, grassroots innovation, community improvement
3. TWAS Research Grants Programme
-
Funding: Up to $20,000
-
Who Can Apply: Scientists in low-income countries
-
Focus: Natural sciences, biology, agriculture, physics, etc.
4. International Foundation for Science (IFS)
-
Funding: Up to $15,000
-
Who Can Apply: Early-career researchers in developing countries
-
Focus: Agriculture, biodiversity, natural resources
5. AWARD (African Women in Agricultural Research and Development)
-
Funding: Varies (includes research support, mentorship)
-
Who Can Apply: Women in agriculture from Africa
-
Focus: Agricultural science, leadership, gender empowerment
6. The WISE Awards
-
Funding: $20,000
-
Who Can Apply: Individuals and teams from around the world
-
Focus: Education innovations with global impact
7. Schlumberger Foundation – Faculty for the Future
-
Funding: $5,000–$50,000/year
-
Who Can Apply: Women from developing countries pursuing PhDs/Postdocs
-
Focus: STEM research
8. Echoing Green Fellowship
-
Funding: $80,000 over 2 years (not strictly “small” but impactful)
-
Who Can Apply: Emerging leaders from underrepresented backgrounds
-
Focus: Social entrepreneurship
9. Global Fund for Women – Innovation Fund
-
Funding: Up to $10,000
-
Who Can Apply: Individual women and grassroots initiatives
-
Focus: Gender justice, women’s rights, leadership
10. United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF)
-
Funding: $10,000–$25,000 (sometimes more)
-
Who Can Apply: Individuals, NGOs, community leaders
-
Focus: Human rights, democracy, civic engagement
11. Nature Research Awards for Inspiring Women in Science
-
Funding: $10,000 + visibility
-
Who Can Apply: Women researchers in developing countries
-
Focus: Recognition for impact in scientific communities
12. YouthActionNet Global Fellowship
-
Funding: Varies (includes training + small grant)
-
Who Can Apply: Young social entrepreneurs (18–29)
-
Focus: Youth-led innovation and change
13. African Academy of Sciences (AAS) Research Grants
-
Funding: $5,000–$30,000
-
Who Can Apply: African researchers in STEM
-
Focus: Health, agriculture, climate science, policy
14. Women in Engineering (WiE) IEEE Grants
-
Funding: Small travel or research grants
-
Who Can Apply: Female students and researchers in developing countries
-
Focus: Engineering, technology
How to Apply and Win a Small Grant (2025 Tips)
To turn your idea into a funded project, you need more than eligibility — you need a strategy. Here’s how successful applicants from Nigeria, Kenya, India, Ghana, and beyond win small research grants:
1. Start with a Clear and Feasible Project Idea
Grant reviewers love specific and actionable ideas.
Bad: “I want to help my community.”
Good: “I want to train 100 women in rural Oyo State on solar-powered irrigation systems to improve food production.”
Keep your idea simple but impactful — small grants = focused goals.
2. Show Strong Local Impact
Most small grants prioritize community benefit.
Clearly explain:
-
Who will benefit?
-
What will change?
-
How will you measure success?
Example: “This project will reduce waterborne diseases in my village by 60% in six months.”
3. Get Support Letters (Even Informal Ones)
A letter from a mentor, local leader, professor, or NGO partner boosts your credibility.
If you’re not affiliated with a university, letters can come from community chiefs, religious leaders, or even local government offices.
4. Budget Wisely and Transparently
Small grants don’t like vague or bloated budgets.
Be realistic
Break it down (e.g., “$250 for internet access, $1000 for training materials”)
Use Excel or Google Sheets, and attach it if allowed.
5. Follow Instructions Exactly
This sounds obvious, but most people fail here.
If the grant says:
-
Max 500 words? Stick to it.
-
PDF format only? Don’t upload Word docs.
-
Application close at 5 PM UTC? Don’t wait till 5:01 PM.
Being professional from the start builds trust.
6. Apply Early, Not Last Minute
Many reviewers scan earlier applications more closely (especially when they’re fresh and fewer in number). Plus, last-minute mistakes = missed chances.
Final Tips to Help You Win a Research Grant in 2025
Treat each application like a job interview. Be clear, honest, and show how your work will make a difference — even if it’s just in one small village, one classroom, or one neighborhood.
FAQs About Small Research Grants for Individuals in Developing Countries
Here are answers to the most common questions people have when looking for small research grants, especially from Nigeria, India, Kenya, Ghana, and similar regions.
1. How much funding can I get from a small research grant?
Most small research grants offer $500 to $25,000, depending on the funder and project scope. Some, like The Pollination Project, give $1,000, while others, like TWAS or IFS, can go up to $20,000 or more.
2. Can individuals apply, or do I need to be part of an organization?
Yes, many small grants are open to individuals, especially those running grassroots initiatives or research projects. Some may prefer university or NGO affiliation, but it’s not always required.
3. Can I apply if I’m not a student or academic?
Absolutely. Many grants are designed for community leaders, entrepreneurs, or independent researchers. As long as your project has a clear goal and impact, you’re eligible.
4. How long does it take to get a decision after applying?
It varies. Some respond in 2–4 weeks (like The Pollination Project), while others take 2–3 months, depending on review rounds and funding cycles. Always check the timeline on the grant’s official site.
5. Are there grants specifically for Africans or Asians?
Yes! Many programs target African, Asian, and Latin American countries, especially in science, education, agriculture, and development. For example:
-
AWARD focuses on African women in agriculture.
-
TWAS supports researchers across Africa and Asia.
-
GIF funds innovations in low-income countries globally.
6. Can I apply for multiple grants at once?
Yes, you can apply to several grants at the same time — and it’s encouraged! Just make sure you tailor each application specifically to the grant provider’s requirements.
Where can I find updates or new grant opportunities?
Follow platforms like:
-
Twitter and LinkedIn (many grant-giving orgs post updates there)
You may also qualify for these fully funded USA scholarships
How to Start Applying for Small Grants in 2025
Getting funding doesn’t always require a million-dollar proposal or institutional backing.
As you’ve just seen, there are real opportunities out there — especially for individuals in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, the Philippines, and other developing countries — to secure small research grants that can create real impact.
Whether you’re a student, early-career researcher, community innovator, or someone with a passion project that needs funding, now is the time to act.
Bookmark this page
Choose 2–3 grants from the list
Start preparing your application today
Download the 2025 PDF List of Small Grants
I’m working on a downloadable PDF version of this 2025 grant list — with deadlines, links, and application tips.
If you’d like to receive it (100% free), drop your email below or stay tuned for updates.
“Small grants, big impact.”
Never underestimate what you can achieve with even a modest amount of funding — one idea, one project, one step at a time.
Don’t wait! These small research grants for individuals in developing countries could be the stepping stone to your next breakthrough.
Related Articles
