Laos, officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia that has become a significant focus for international development cooperation.
Over the years, a diverse ecosystem of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), bilateral funding agencies, multilateral development banks, and philanthropic foundations has emerged to address critical issues ranging from rural poverty and food security to biodiversity conservation, public health, and gender equality.
For local civil society organizations (CSOs), nonprofit associations, social enterprises, and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Laos, understanding which funders are active, what they prioritize, and how to access their grant programs is essential for securing the resources needed to drive meaningful change.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of international NGOs and funding agencies operating in Laos, along with practical information on grants, funding opportunities, and application processes for the 2026–2027 cycle.
1. USAID (United States Agency for International Development)
Organization Type: Bilateral Government Development Agency
Focus Areas: Health, nutrition, clean energy, civil society strengthening, economic growth
USAID has been a longstanding development partner in Laos, supporting programs that improve health outcomes, expand access to clean energy, and strengthen civil society organizations.
In May 2024, USAID provided grants totaling $690,000 to four private companies, NGOs, and local associations to scale innovative clean energy models, with recipients mobilizing an additional $900,000 in matching funds.
The agency also supports maternal and child health through cooperative agreements and partners with the Lao government on public service delivery improvement initiatives.
USAID works closely with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) to improve the business enabling environment and expand partnerships into renewable energy and climate change mitigation.
For local organizations, USAID funding opportunities are typically announced through requests for proposals or cooperative agreements managed by the Regional Development Mission for Asia.
3. IUCN Lao PDR (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Organization Type: International Conservation Organization
Focus Areas: Biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, waste management
IUCN Lao PDR implements the Lao Ecology Small Grant Program (LESGP), now in its third phase, which supports local CSOs and NGOs in biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and waste management.
The program is financed by the McConnell Foundation and follows the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) model, which IUCN implements across the Indo-Burma Hotspot, including Laos.
Funding Levels and Eligibility:
Eligible local CSOs and NGOs that are legally registered and headquartered in Lao PDR can apply for grants of up to US$25,000 per proposal.
Projects must be completed within 12 months, with an estimated start date of January 1, 2027.
There are no geographical restrictions within Laos, but projects must be implemented within the country.
How to Apply:
Applicants must use the proposal and budget templates provided by IUCN and submit proposals in either Lao or English language. The application deadline for the current phase is October 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM Indochina Time. IUCN recommends that interested organizations attend the online information session scheduled for September 14, 2026, to fully understand the application process.
4. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)
Organization Type: Multi-Donor Conservation Fund
Focus Areas: Biodiversity conservation in the Indo-Burma Hotspot
Website: https://www.cepf.net/
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative involving l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Canada, the Government of Japan, and the World Bank.
In the Indo-Burma Hotspot, which includes Laos, CEPF is also supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.
Grant Sizes and Eligibility:
CEPF offers small grants of up to US$50,000 and large grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$250,000.
Applications for small grants can be submitted in Lao, English, and several other regional languages, while large grant applications are accepted in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
The current call for Letters of Inquiry focuses on Strategic Directions 3 and 6 and Investment Priority 9.1, addressing the conservation of biodiversity in the Indo-Burma Hotspot.
Preference is given to projects that align closely with investment priorities, demonstrate a high likelihood of achieving sustainable conservation outcomes, build upon past initiatives, represent good value for money, and show institutional capacity.
How to Apply:
Interested organizations can submit Letters of Inquiry through the CEPF website. The application window for the current call is open from February 2, 2026, to March 16, 2026. Another call covering Strategic Directions 1 and 2 is expected in the second half of 2026.
5. Fonds Équipe France – Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC)
Organization Type: Bilateral Government Funding Program (French Embassy in Laos)
Focus Areas: Gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, youth entrepreneurship, vocational training
The FEF-OSC is a grant program funded by the French Embassy in Laos and designed specifically for Laotian civil society organizations.
The 2026–2027 edition of the program is dedicated to gender equality issues, with a focus on promoting the economic empowerment of women and young people.
Funding Objectives:
The program aims to strengthen the organizational, technical, and entrepreneurial capacities of social enterprises and CSOs; fund micro-projects with social, environmental, and local development impact; promote youth and feminist organizations; foster income-generating activities; and encourage innovation, particularly digital innovation.
Priority Themes:
- Promoting entrepreneurship among women and young people
- Access to decent work
- Access to appropriate financial resources
- Access to vocational training and inclusion of young women in STEM fields
- Production and marketing of goods and services with high social value
Eligibility:
Eligible organizations include social enterprises, nonprofit associations registered or awaiting registration under Lao law, CSO consortia with a lead organization, and registered foundations with social activities.
Priority is given to small and newly established CSOs, those not already funded by other programs, women’s cooperatives, and organizations managed by women or youth.
How to Apply:
The application deadline for the 2026–2027 cycle is June 8, 2026. Detailed application packages and templates are available through the French Embassy in Laos.
6. World Vision International – Laos
Organization Type: International Humanitarian and Development NGO
Focus Areas: Child protection, nutrition, education, emergency relief, WASH
World Vision has been operating in Laos for over 40 years, working to improve the well-being of vulnerable children and their communities.
The organization implements multi-sector rural development programs called Area Development Programmes (ADPs), focusing on health, nutrition, education, child rights, and disaster risk reduction.
World Vision Laos is a recognized partner for food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and health programming.
For three consecutive years, it has been the only international NGO in Laos implementing cash programming in emergency relief.
The organization works closely with government authorities, community leaders, and local partners to address issues such as unsafe migration, domestic violence, and child trafficking.
While World Vision primarily implements its own programs with institutional funding, it frequently collaborates with local CSOs and community-based organizations as implementing partners, offering opportunities for local capacity building and sub-granting arrangements.
7. Oxfam in Laos
Organization Type: International Confederation of NGOs
Focus Areas: Livelihoods, women’s economic leadership, agribusiness, social justice
Website: https://laos.oxfam.org/
Oxfam has been working in Laos since the late 1980s and continues to partner with Lao government agencies, local authorities, and civil society organizations on livelihood programs for vulnerable communities.
With an annual budget of approximately €3 million, Oxfam in Laos works with around 30 partners, including ministries, mass organizations, INGOs, CSOs, universities, UN agencies, and the private sector.
Oxfam’s vision for Laos is one where all citizens—particularly women, marginalized groups, and discriminated populations—can claim their right to access opportunities and live with dignity.
The organization implements initiatives such as strengthening women’s economic leadership in agribusiness, with funding from Oxfam Hong Kong and co-funding from UNESCAP.
Local organizations interested in partnering with Oxfam can explore partnership opportunities through their country office in Vientiane.
8. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Organization Type: Bilateral Government Development Agency
Focus Areas: Infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, rural development
JICA has been a major development partner in Laos for decades, providing grant aid and technical cooperation across multiple sectors.
In January 2025, JICA signed a grant agreement with the Lao government for the “Project for Improvement of Core Hospitals in the Southern Region,” aimed at strengthening regional healthcare systems.
JICA also produces comprehensive guides for INGOs operating in Laos, covering registration procedures, operation permits, and project implementation requirements.
For local organizations, JICA funding typically flows through government channels and large-scale infrastructure projects, though the agency also supports capacity-building initiatives and technical training programs that engage local NGOs and CSOs.
9. Save the Children International – Laos
Organization Type: International Child-Focused NGO
Focus Areas: Child protection, education, health, nutrition, disaster risk reduction
Save the Children has a strong presence in Laos, partnering with government ministries, local civil society organizations, and international co-partners to deliver programs benefiting children and youth.
The organization works with partners including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Lao Women’s Union, and Lao Youth Union.
At the community level, Save the Children collaborates with local organizations such as the Association for Promoting Good Life to Children and Youth (APERN), Namjai Community Association (NCA), Huam Jai Association (HJA), Gender Development Association (GDA), Zero Waste Laos, and others.
This partnership model creates opportunities for local CSOs to access sub-grants and capacity-building support through Save the Children’s programs.
10. CARE International in Lao PDR
Organization Type: International Humanitarian and Development NGO
Focus Areas: Agriculture, community development, education, health, emergency relief, natural resource management
CARE International has been operating in Laos for many years, implementing programs across a wide range of sectors including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, community development, education, emergency and humanitarian relief, health care, income generation, and natural resources management.
CARE Laos works with local partners and communities to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, with a particular emphasis on women and girls.
The organization’s programming in Laos reflects CARE’s global commitment to saving lives, defeating poverty, and achieving social justice. Local organizations can explore partnership and sub-granting opportunities through CARE’s country office in Vientiane.
Understanding the Funding Landscape in Laos
INGO Registration and Operation Requirements
For international NGOs seeking to operate in Laos, the process begins with obtaining an Operation Permit (OP) from the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
After receiving all required documents, the process may take several months to complete.
Following the OP, INGOs must submit project proposals and draft Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to the relevant government ministries.
For local CSOs and nonprofit associations, registration under Lao law is a prerequisite for most funding opportunities.
The FEF-OSC program, for example, accepts applications from nonprofit associations that are either registered or awaiting registration, with the latter option allowing grants to be paid through a partner NGO with the organization’s consent.
Types of Funding Available
Project Grants: Most funding agencies in Laos provide project-based grants with specific objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
These grants typically range from $5,000 to $250,000, depending on the donor and project scope.
Core Funding: Some donors provide unrestricted or core funding to support organizational development and operational costs, though this is less common in Laos than in other contexts.
Sub-Grants: Local organizations can often access funding as sub-grantees or implementing partners of larger INGOs, UN agencies, or government projects.
This pathway can be particularly valuable for smaller CSOs that may not yet meet the direct funding requirements of major donors.
Technical Assistance: Beyond financial support, many funding agencies provide capacity-building, training, and technical assistance to strengthen local organizations’ ability to design and implement effective programs.
Key Sectors and Thematic Priorities
The funding landscape in Laos reflects the country’s development priorities, with several cross-cutting themes emerging across donor programs:
- Climate Change and Environment: Biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and climate adaptation are priorities for IUCN, CEPF, and the World Bank.
- Gender Equality: FEF-OSC, Canada Fund, and Oxfam all prioritize gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
- Health and Nutrition: USAID, World Vision, and FAO focus on improving health outcomes and food security.
- Rural Development and Agriculture: IFAD, JICA, and FAO support agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
- Civil Society Strengthening: UNDP, USAID, and Switzerland support civil society capacity building and governance.
How to Find and Apply for Grants in Laos
1. Identify the Right Funder
Start by researching which organizations fund work in your sector and geographic area. The list above provides a starting point, but you should also consult the Lao CSO Directory, the INGO directory maintained by ADB, and the NGO Explorer database, which tracks UK-registered NGOs working in Laos.
2. Review Eligibility Criteria Carefully
Each funder has specific eligibility requirements regarding organization type, registration status, geographic focus, and project scope. Make sure you meet all criteria before investing time in an application.
3. Prepare Your Organization
Most donors require proof of legal registration, a track record of successful project implementation, financial management capacity, and a clear organizational structure. Investing in these foundational elements will make your organization more competitive for grant funding.
4. Build Relationships with Funders
Attend information sessions, networking events, and coordination meetings where funders are present. Organizations like IUCN and USAID regularly hold information sessions that provide valuable insights into their funding priorities and application processes.
5. Develop Strong Proposals
A successful grant proposal clearly articulates the problem, presents a logical intervention strategy, includes a realistic budget, and demonstrates how the project will contribute to the funder’s priorities. For complex applications, consider seeking technical assistance from experienced grant writers or capacity-building organizations.
6. Leverage Sub-Granting Opportunities
If your organization is not yet ready to apply for direct funding, consider partnering with larger INGOs as a sub-grantee. Organizations like Save the Children, World Vision, and CARE frequently work with local partners and can provide both funding and technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are international NGOs allowed to operate in Laos?
Yes, international NGOs can operate in Laos, but they must obtain an Operation Permit (OP) from the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
The process involves submitting an application letter from the INGO’s headquarters, project proposals, and draft MoUs with relevant government ministries. The registration process can take several months to complete.
What types of grants are available for local CSOs in Laos?
Local civil society organizations in Laos can access several types of grants, including project grants (typically $5,000–$250,000), small grants from programs like the Lao Ecology Small Grant Program (up to $25,000), and sub-grants through partnerships with larger INGOs and UN agencies.
Some donors also provide core funding or technical assistance to strengthen organizational capacity.
Which funding agencies prioritize gender equality in Laos?
The Fonds Équipe France – Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC) has dedicated its 2026–2027 funding cycle to gender equality, with a focus on women’s economic empowerment and youth entrepreneurship.
Other donors prioritizing gender equality include Oxfam in Laos, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), and UN Women.
Save the Children also integrates gender equality across its child protection and education programs.
How can I find out about upcoming grant opportunities in Laos?
Grant opportunities are announced through multiple channels. The IUCN Lao PDR website publishes calls for proposals for the Lao Ecology Small Grant Program. The French Embassy in Laos announces FEF-OSC calls for projects. USAID and other bilateral agencies publish funding opportunities on their websites and through the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Additionally, the ADB maintains a directory of development organizations in Laos, and the NGO Explorer database lists UK NGOs working in the country.
Final Thoughts
The development landscape in Laos is vibrant and diverse, with numerous international NGOs, bilateral agencies, multilateral institutions, and philanthropic foundations actively supporting local organizations and communities.
Success in accessing these funding opportunities requires careful research, strong organizational capacity, and a clear understanding of each funder’s priorities and application processes.
By leveraging the resources and networks available through the organizations listed in this guide, local CSOs, social enterprises, and community organizations in Laos can secure the support needed to create lasting, positive change.
Whether you are a newly established nonprofit association, a growing social enterprise, or an experienced development organization, the funding landscape in Laos offers pathways to resources that can help turn your vision for a better Laos into reality.
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