Saturday is international & global development day on The Grant Brief.

Both of these funders say "global" on the label, but the money tells two different stories. Cisco's foundation made 70 expenditure-responsibility grants across 22 countries. Climate Emergency Fund's 990 data shows zero direct foreign grants, meaning its international reach likely flows through US-domiciled partners.

Up to $100,000 for first-time recipients. Global scope. Rolling (LOI accepted year-round).

cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/community/nonprofits/global-impact-cash-grants.html

Funder profile: kindora.co/funders/770443347

What we know: Cisco's foundation made 70 expenditure-responsibility grants totaling $6.5 million across 22 countries, with top recipient countries including Indonesia, Canada, Costa Rica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. On the domestic side, four of six tracked grants went to California recipients. The foundation's 990 shows heavy concentration: one line item ("See Statement 18") accounts for $59.4 million of $74.9 million in lifetime giving, so the addressable pool for outside applicants is considerably smaller than the headline total suggests. Programs must serve an audience that is more than 65% economically underserved and align with Cisco's priority sectors (crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience). The intake process starts with an eligibility quiz, then an LOI, then a full proposal if invited.

Realistic fit: early-stage nonprofits or NGOs with a technology-enabled solution, national or multinational operations, and overhead under 25%.

$25,000 to $85,000. US and global. Rolling.

climateemergencyfund.org/apply

Funder profile: kindora.co/funders/842151545

What we know: Climate Emergency Fund made 45 grants totaling $5 million from 2023 to 2025, with a median grant of $50,000. The largest recipients include Oil and Gas Action Network ($722,500), International Center on Nonviolent Conflict ($652,000), and New York Communities for Change ($490,000). Grants cluster in California (9), New York (7), and Oregon (5). Despite listing global eligibility, 990 data shows zero direct foreign grants, so international work likely runs through US-based fiscal sponsors. The funder's sector mix leans environment, community improvement, and public benefit. Grants cannot fund litigation, conservation projects, art, app development, bail funds, or political campaigns.

Realistic fit: US-based direct action and protest organizations doing disruptive, nonviolent climate work with a clear organizing model, not research shops or conservation groups.

If your organization does service delivery, conservation, or policy research without an organizing or direct-action component, Climate Emergency Fund isn't the right fit. Cisco's program has broader sector range but a narrow intake funnel: the LOI-to-invite process means lead time matters more than speed.