The Dana Foundation has opened applications for funding aimed at supporting locally led development initiatives that address multiple, interconnected dimensions of poverty. The foundation emphasizes strong governance, community leadership, and evidence-based programming in its selection process. About The Dana Foundation The Dana Foundation (formerly Fondazione Lotto L.R. ETS) is a philanthropic organisation registered in Italy under the Third Sector Single National Register (RUNTS). It focuses on supporting development programmes that are locally led and grounded in sustainable, community-driven approaches. The organisation prioritizes initiatives that strengthen resilience, improve governance, and support long-term social and economic development in underserved communities. Funding Priorities and Selection Criteria Applicants seeking support from The Dana Foundation are assessed against a set of core criteria designed to ensure impact, accountability, and sustainability. Key Assessment Criteria The foundation evaluates organisations based on the following: Strong community legitimacy and local leadership Effective governance and sound financial management Robust safeguarding policies and practices Clear strategic vision and theory of change Evidence-based programme design Monitoring and evaluation systems that support learning and improvement Commitment to “do no harm” principles These criteria reflect the foundation’s emphasis on responsible, locally grounded development work. Application Approach The Dana Foundation uses a blended selection model to ensure both openness and efficiency in reviewing applications. Open Call for Applications The foundation accepts applications through an open call, encouraging participation from organisations that may not yet be known to established funders. This approach is designed to broaden access to funding opportunities. Targeted Outreach In addition to the open call, the foundation also identifies potential partners through: Sector networks Recommendations from trusted philanthropic partners Strategic outreach to relevant organisations AI-Enabled Screening Process To manage high application volumes, the foundation uses an AI-enabled evaluation system developed in partnership with Fieldwise Philanthropy. This system performs initial screening and due diligence, helping to create a shortlist for detailed human review. Final funding decisions are made through a combination of AI-assisted filtering and expert human assessment. What the Foundation Looks For in Strong Applications Successful applicants typically demonstrate: A clear and coherent theory of change Evidence-based programme design Strong internal governance systems Commitment to community engagement and leadership Measurable impact and learning frameworks Ethical implementation aligned with safeguarding standards Organisations are expected to show both technical capacity and strong alignment with local community needs. Commitment to Accessible Funding The Dana Foundation states that it aims to make funding processes more democratic and accessible, particularly for smaller or less established organisations. However, due to limited review capacity, the foundation relies on structured screening processes to ensure applications can be assessed efficiently while still maintaining fairness and quality in selection. Eligibility and Application Invitation Organisations whose work aligns with the foundation’s priorities are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants should demonstrate strong local grounding, effective programme design, and a commitment to sustainable impact. The foundation invites interested organisations to submit applications through its official platform. Call for Action Through its funding programme, The Dana Foundation aims to support locally led development efforts that address poverty in holistic and sustainable ways. By combining open applications, targeted outreach, and AI-supported screening, the foundation seeks to balance accessibility with rigorous selection, ensuring that funded projects are both impactful and community-driven. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.