The Andrew Carnegie Foundation (formerly Carnegie Corporation of New York) is inviting concept notes for peacebuilding and mediation projects under its International Program, with grants of USD 500,000 to 1.5 million. Non-profits registered in Uganda are eligible. It suits organisations in our network with a track record in dialogue, mediation or policy research on conflict. Concept notes close on Sunday 8 November 2026, 11:59 PM US Eastern Time (Monday 9 November, 7:59 AM EAT).
At a glance
- Funder: Andrew Carnegie Foundation, International Program
- Funding: USD 500,000 to 1,500,000 per grant, for 12 to 36 months; indirect costs normally capped at 15%
- Who can apply: US 501(c)(3) non-profits and non-profits in the countries listed in the call’s Annex A, including Uganda; one application per organisation
- Timeline: shortlisted applicants hear in February 2027, full proposals are due in March 2027, and grants are expected to start in the second half of 2027
- Deadline: Sunday 8 November 2026, 11:59 PM US Eastern Time, which is Monday 9 November 2026, 7:59 AM (EAT)
What it funds
The foundation is looking for work that prevents or reduces armed conflict and political violence, lays foundations for lasting peace and shapes policy and practice. It is interested in credible mediation, dialogue and diplomatic initiatives, from formal processes to grassroots efforts; new approaches that existing models have not tried; and action-oriented research with a clear route to policymakers and practitioners. Strong proposals have a clear theory of change, close ties with local and regional actors, and a real window of opportunity in the conflict concerned. Pilots are welcome from organisations with a strong record.
It does not fund academic research with no link to policy or practice, or service delivery such as humanitarian aid, direct legal aid or programmes without a mediation or dialogue component.
Who can apply
- US-based 501(c)(3) public charities, including universities, and projects fiscally sponsored by one
- Non-profits registered in a country listed in Annex A; in Africa these are Botswana, Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Partnerships with US organisations are encouraged; past and current grantees may apply, though new ideas are favoured
- No grants to individuals, and no support for UN budgets
How to apply
Submit a concept note through the foundation’s online form (a Google account is needed) by Sunday 8 November 2026, 11:59 PM US Eastern Time (Monday 9 November, 7:59 AM EAT). The note covers the organisation and its track record, and the project’s title, duration, amount and outline budget, the problem and the window of opportunity, activities, intended impact, audience, how it differs from existing work, and risks. Each section has a character limit. Questions go to internationalprogram@carnegie.org.
Source: Andrew Carnegie Foundation call page, published 12 October 2026. The foundation, set up by Andrew Carnegie in 1911, funds education, democracy and international peace and security.