International cooperation: how to access funds for nonprofits in 2025
COLCES Editorial
The international cooperation landscape in Colombia
Colombia is one of the main recipients of international cooperation in Latin America. According to the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation (APC-Colombia), the country annually receives more than USD 800 million in cooperation resources from multilateral organizations, foreign governments, international foundations, and non-governmental organizations.
For Colombian nonprofits, these resources represent a strategic financing opportunity that allows scaling social programs, strengthening institutional capacities, and expanding geographical coverage.
Main cooperation sources for nonprofits
- European Union: Thematic programs on civil society, human rights, and sustainable development
- USAID: Programs for institutional strengthening, peace, and reconciliation
- United Nations: UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women funds for SDG-aligned projects
- International foundations: Ford Foundation, Open Society, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Bilateral cooperation: Agencies from Germany (GIZ), Canada (GAC), Sweden (SIDA), Norway (NORAD)
Requirements for accessing international cooperation
International cooperators look for organizations that demonstrate institutional capacity, financial transparency, and proven experience. The most common requirements are:
- Valid legal status and updated registration with the Chamber of Commerce
- Audited financial statements from the last 2-3 years
- Documented experience in executing similar projects
- Administrative and financial management capacity
- Internal policies on gender, inclusion, and corruption prevention
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