Taiwan has developed a dynamic ecosystem of international NGOs, nonprofit organizations, and funding agencies that support humanitarian aid, international development, democracy promotion, and cross-cultural exchange.
For NGOs, NPOs, and social enterprises seeking grants and financial support in Taiwan, understanding the landscape of funding agencies, grant-making foundations, and international cooperation organizations is essential.
This comprehensive guide covers the top international NGOs and funding agencies in Taiwan for 2026, including detailed information about their grant programs, application processes, and focus areas.
1. Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD)
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) is Asia’s first national democracy assistance foundation, established to promote research on global democracy and human rights.
The Foundation provides grants to academic institutions, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations working to advance democracy and human rights in Taiwan and abroad.
Grant Programs
TFD offers several grant categories relevant to NGOs and NPOs:
- Domestic Grants Program – Supports academic institutions, think tanks, and NGOs in Taiwan promoting democracy, human rights, and related fields. The award ceiling is NT$150,000.
- International Grants Program – Provides funding for nonprofit organizations outside Taiwan working to advance democracy and human rights globally.
- Visiting Fellowships – Offers Postdoctoral Fellowships, Dissertation Fellowships, and Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowships for graduate students and scholars.
- Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) – An annual award recognizing outstanding contributions to democracy and human rights in Asia. The average grant ranges from $3,000 to $20,000.
The TFD also hosts the annual East Asia Democracy Forum (EADF), launched in 2014, to convene members of civil society from across the region.
3. Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF)
The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) is Taiwan’s dedicated development assistance agency that carries out the government’s official development assistance (ODA) work.
TaiwanICDF offers technical assistance, hosts overseas volunteer programs, provides humanitarian aid, organizes international workshops, and sponsors scholarships.
Core Operations
TaiwanICDF’s mission is based on four core operations:
- Lending and Investment – Providing financial resources for development projects
- Technical Cooperation – Sharing Taiwan’s expertise in agriculture, public health, and technology
- Humanitarian Assistance – Responding to natural disasters and international refugee crises
- International Education and Training – Offering scholarships and professional development programs
Partnership Opportunities
It is important to note that TaiwanICDF does not offer direct funding or subsidies to other organizations.
Instead, projects are carried out according to the project cycle, passing through identification, preparation, appraisal, and implementation phases.
NGOs interested in collaboration should explore the Private Sector Cooperation section of the TaiwanICDF website or contact the organization for further discussion.
TaiwanICDF’s main partners are governments, international organizations, corporate bodies, and nongovernmental organizations. The organization has partnered with over 26 INGOs on various projects.
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) NGO Subsidies
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) provides subsidies to civil associations and institutions engaged in international exchanges and activities.
The program was established to help civil associations and institutions participate in or organize international exchanges and meetings related to international affairs.
Eligible Activities
Civil associations may apply for subsidies when engaged in:
- Protecting or vying for Taiwan’s rights and interests in international organizations
- Acting in concert with government policies to promote multilateral or bilateral relations resulting in diplomatic benefit
- Attending or organizing international exchange activities that help advance friendship toward and mutual understanding of Taiwan
- INGOs may apply for subsidies for part of the start-up expenses when setting up headquarters, secretariats, offices, or other branches in Taiwan
Subsidy Details
- Membership registration fees: MOFA may assist with up to half of the membership registration fee amount
- International meetings in Taiwan: Subsidies are capped at 50 percent of total actual expenditures for the meeting
- INGO start-up expenses: Each INGO is eligible for a one-time subsidy for start-up expenses and first-year rent subsidies capped at 30% of total rent
5. Taiwan AID (Taiwan Alliance in International Development)
Taiwan AID is the first NGO platform dedicated to international development and relief in Taiwan. It brings together Taiwanese NGOs and provides a collaborative framework for international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
NGO Fellowship Program
Taiwan AID’s flagship program is the NGO Fellowship Program, which invites NGO professionals from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands to participate in a four-week professional experience in Taiwan.
Program Features
- NGO Placement: Fellows are placed in Taiwanese NGOs according to their professional backgrounds and engage in daily operations for three weeks
- Capacity Building: Workshops on project management, fundraising, and advocacy
- Roundtable Events: Fellows and Taiwanese NGO professionals share practical experience and observations
- Future Collaboration: Fellows propose a project draft at the end of the program for future cooperation in their home countries
Eligibility Requirements
- At least three years of work experience in the NGO sector
- Age: 25 to 40 years old
- Country of Origin: Southeast Asia, South Asia, Northeast Asia, or Pacific Islands
- Proficiency in written and oral English; fluency in Mandarin is a plus
Benefits
Round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the stay in Taiwan are fully covered. The program selects approximately 12 fellows per cohort.
The program was developed based on the U.S. Department of State’s Professional Fellows Program (PFP) and has been supported by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
6. Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange
The Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation was established in January 1989 as the first Taiwan-based foundation to provide grants to scholars and institutions in Chinese Studies worldwide.
To date, the Foundation’s grants have totaled NT$4,558,000,000 (over US$168,350,000).
Grant Programs
The Foundation offers a comprehensive range of grant categories:
- Institutional Enhancement Grants – For strengthening academic institutions
- Research Grants – For individual and collaborative research projects
- Conference and Seminar Grants – For academic conferences and seminars
- Publication Subsidies – For publishing scholarly works
- Doctoral Fellowships and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships – For advanced research
- Dissertation Fellowships for ROC Students Abroad – For Taiwanese students studying overseas
Application Timeline
Effective August 1, 2026, the Foundation will resume accepting grant and fellowship applications for the Asia-Pacific region, including Lecture Series Grants, Research Grants, Conference and Seminar Grants, Publication Subsidies, and Dissertation Fellowships for R.O.C. students studying in New Zealand.
The Foundation distributes an annual budget of approximately four million US dollars across its grant categories.
7. National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) – Citizen Innovation Programs
The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan supports citizen-driven innovation and social practice projects through various funding programs designed to engage civil society organizations in addressing societal challenges.
Citizen Group Innovation Demonstration and Sandbox Trial Program
This program invites civil society groups to propose innovative solutions in five key areas of net-zero technology:
- Sustainable and advanced energy
- Low-carbon and carbon reduction
- Negative carbon
- Circular economy
- Humanities and social sciences
The NSTC has funded 14 innovative projects with a total budget of NT$10 million, with plans to invest NT$20 million in the following year.
Humanities Innovation and Social Practice (HISP) Project
Initiated in 2013, the HISP project invites research teams from different universities to integrate social practices and academic research.
This provides a space for universities, NGOs, and community organizations to collaborate on innovative solutions to social challenges.
Eligibility
Funding is available for Taiwanese public and private colleges and universities, research institutions, and medical institutions.
The maximum amount per year per project is approximately €90,000 (about NT$3,000,000).
8. Yuanta Dream Big Project
The Yuanta Dream Big Project, launched in 2016 by Yuanta Financial Holding Company and the Yuanta Cultural and Educational Foundation, supports public welfare organizations in realizing their dreams. The program marks its tenth anniversary in 2026.
Program Scope
The Dream Big Project supports diverse fields including:
- Children’s and youth education
- Companionship for seniors
- Empowerment of people with disabilities
- Environmental sustainability
- Arts education
- Community revitalization
- Financial literacy
What the Program Offers
- Dream Fulfilling Grants – Financial support for selected organizations
- Corporate Volunteers – Employee volunteers from the Yuanta Group
- Professional Resources – Access to professional expertise and networks
- Co-Creation Workshop – Bringing together Dream-Fulfilling Groups for experience sharing and cross-disciplinary dialogue
Application Details
Applications are open to all schools of all levels, nonprofit organizations, and social welfare groups across Taiwan.
The application deadline is August 31, 2026. Over the past decade, the Dream Big Project has helped 60 educational public welfare organizations, mobilizing nearly 12,000 volunteer participations and benefiting almost 250,000 people.
9. Corporate and Private Foundations in Taiwan
Taiwan has a vibrant ecosystem of corporate foundations and private philanthropic organizations that provide grants to NGOs and NPOs.
Major Corporate Foundations
- TSMC Education and Culture Foundation – Founded in 1998, supports education, culture, and community development initiatives. The foundation sponsors scholarships and provides grants to help students pursue their dreams.
- CTBC Charity Foundation – Focuses on providing long-term, comprehensive assistance to disadvantaged children and their families, including those struggling financially or living in remote communities.
- Novatek Social Caring Fund – Supports social welfare initiatives, including a NT$3.6 million donation to create a secure end-of-life home for people with intellectual disabilities.
- DBS Foundation – Supports vulnerable communities across Asia, with grants awarded to Taiwanese social enterprises including Silver Gate, Duofu Holidays, and DOMI EARTH.
Private Philanthropic Foundations
- 万海慈善基金会 (Wan Hai Charity Foundation) – Since 2016, has operated the “Let Love Shine” public welfare subsidy project, supporting small and medium-sized social welfare units. The annual budget has grown from NT$12 million to over NT$33 million, supporting more than 80 organizations.
- 果慈善基金会 (Guo Charity Foundation) – Supports student service groups with an annual budget of NT$1.5 million.
10. International NGOs Operating in Taiwan
Taiwan hosts offices and operations of numerous international NGOs that work on humanitarian aid, development, and social welfare.
Major International NGOs in Taiwan
- World Vision Taiwan – Provides food assistance, clean water and sanitation, and increased access to medical care for children. Partners with TaiwanICDF for disaster relief coordination.
- Mercy Corps – Works on emergency relief, sustainable economic development, and civil society initiatives.
- Terre de Hommes – Helps children escape poverty, violence, inequality, and poor health conditions.
- Salvation Army – Provides disaster relief response and grants to families affected by disasters.
- Caritas Taiwan – Operates international volunteer programs, works with migrants, and partners with the Catholic Church.
- Luke International – Provides resources for children sponsorship, youth employment, and food banking, building networks for disadvantaged families, children, youth, women, seniors, and indigenous peoples.
Local NGO Platforms
- Taiwan AID – The first NGO platform dedicated to international development and relief in Taiwan, bringing together Taiwanese NGOs for collaborative humanitarian work.
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation – Taiwan’s most well-known NGO, with millions of members globally. Tzu Chi provides extensive humanitarian aid domestically and internationally, having assisted 136 countries and regions as of 2025.
NGOs and Funding in Taiwan
When searching for funding opportunities in Taiwan, understanding key terminology can help you navigate the landscape more effectively:
- International NGOs in Taiwan – Organizations with global reach based in Taiwan
- NGO grants Taiwan – Funding opportunities specifically for NGOs
- Nonprofit organizations in Taiwan – NPOs registered under Taiwan law
- Taiwan development funding – Grants for international development projects
- Taiwan funding agencies for NGOs – Organizations providing financial support
- Grant-making foundations Taiwan – Private foundations offering grants
- NGO support programs Taiwan – Capacity building and financial assistance
- SDGs funding Taiwan – Grants aligned with Sustainable Development Goals
- Humanitarian aid funding Taiwan – Emergency and crisis response grants
- Democracy and human rights grants – Funding for governance and rights projects
- International cooperation Taiwan – Organizations working on global issues
- NPO grants Taiwan – Funding for Taiwanese nonprofit organizations
- TaiwanICDF partnership – Collaboration opportunities with Taiwan’s development agency
- Taiwan Foundation for Democracy grants – Democracy promotion funding
- Taiwan corporate foundation grants – Private sector philanthropic funding
How to Choose the Right Funding Agency for Your NGO in Taiwan
Selecting the right funding agency depends on several factors:
- Focus Area Alignment – Match your organization’s mission with the funding agency’s priorities (democracy promotion, development, environment, education, etc.)
- Geographic Scope – Determine whether the grant supports domestic (Taiwan) or international projects
- Grant Size and Duration – Consider whether your project needs small-scale seed funding or larger multi-year support
- Eligibility Requirements – Check organizational age, legal status, financial scale, and location requirements
- Application Complexity – Some programs require extensive documentation, while others have streamlined processes
- Reporting and Compliance – Understand the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting obligations
- Language Requirements – Many Taiwanese funding programs require applications and reports in Chinese, though some international programs accept English
- Partnership Potential – Consider whether the funding agency offers collaboration opportunities beyond financial support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best funding agency for international NGOs in Taiwan?
The “best” funding agency depends on your organization’s focus and needs. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy is ideal for democracy and human rights projects. TaiwanICDF provides partnership opportunities for development projects. For corporate funding, the Yuanta Dream Big Project and TSMC Foundation are excellent options.
2. What types of grants does the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy offer?
TFD offers Domestic Grants for Taiwan-based organizations (up to NT$150,000), International Grants for organizations outside Taiwan working on democracy and human rights, Visiting Fellowships for scholars and practitioners, and the annual Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award.
3. Can foreign NGOs apply for funding in Taiwan?
Yes, several programs accept applications from foreign NGOs. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy’s International Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations outside Taiwan. INGOs establishing offices in Taiwan can apply for MOFA start-up expense subsidies and first-year rent subsidies.
4. What is TaiwanICDF and how can NGOs work with it?
TaiwanICDF is Taiwan’s dedicated development assistance agency that carries out the government’s official development assistance work. It does not offer direct funding or subsidies, but NGOs can explore partnership opportunities through the Private Sector Cooperation section of its website or by contacting the organization for collaboration discussions.
Conclusion
Taiwan offers a robust and growing ecosystem of international NGOs, funding agencies, and grant-making foundations dedicated to supporting humanitarian aid, international development, democracy promotion, and social innovation.
The key to successful fundraising in Taiwan lies in understanding the specific requirements, timelines, and focus areas of each funding agency. Organizations should carefully align their project goals with the priorities of potential funders, prepare comprehensive applications, and consider building long-term relationships with funding partners. Taiwan’s NGO sector is characterized by strong domestic self-reliance, with more than 90% of Taiwanese development NGOs raising funds domestically even for international work.
Whether you are a Taiwan-based NGO seeking international development funding or an international organization looking to establish a presence in Taiwan, the funding agencies and grant programs outlined in this guide provide a strong foundation for your fundraising strategy.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
List of International NGOs & Funding Agencies in Belgium (2026 Guide)
List of International NGOs & Funding Agencies in Pakistan (2026 Updated List)
Top 10+ International NGOs & Funding Agencies in Australia (2026 Guide)
Top 30+ International NGOs & Funding Agencies in South Africa (2026 Guide)
List Of Church Funding Organizations & Faith-Based Grant Opportunities In Philippines (2026)
