The quest for funding can feel like a monumental challenge, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur with a groundbreaking startup, a researcher tackling a critical issue, or a non-profit organization driving social change.
In Brazil, a country of immense potential and diversity, grants in Brazil represent a vital lifeline, offering non-repayable capital to turn innovative ideas into reality.
However, the path to securing a grant in Brazil is often perceived as a labyrinth of bureaucracy and fierce competition.
The secret to success isn’t just a great idea—it’s a strategic and well-executed application.
This comprehensive guide will demystify the process, providing you with a clear, step-by-step roadmap on how to apply for grants in Brazil and significantly increase your chances of getting that coveted approval.
Also see: SA Agriculture & Agritech Grants: Find, Apply, Succeed
Understanding the Brazilian Grant Landscape
Before you start writing, you need to know where to look. Grants in Brazil typically come from three main sources:
- Government Grants (Editais Públicos): These are the most common and often the most substantial. They are issued by federal, state, and municipal agencies. Key players include:
- FINEP (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos): Focuses on innovation, research, and technological development in companies and institutions.
- BNDES (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social): Brazil’s national development bank, offering grants and financing for large-scale infrastructure, social, and cultural projects.
- CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico): Primarily funds academic research, scholarships, and scientific projects.
- SEBRAE (Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas): An essential resource for small businesses, offering grants, training, and competitive awards.
- Private and Corporate Grants: Many large Brazilian and multinational corporations run grant programs through their foundations or corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments. Examples include the Fundação Itaú Social, Instituto Votorantim, and Fundação Banco do Brasil. These often focus on education, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
- International Grants: Organizations like the BRICS Grants, the World Bank, and various European and North American foundations offer grants for projects aligned with global development goals, often implemented in partnership with Brazilian entities.
The Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Grants in Brazil
Step 1: Meticulous Research and Finding the Right “Edital”
The cornerstone of a successful application is finding the right opportunity. In Brazil, grant opportunities are almost always announced through an “edital”—a formal public notice or even through social media, from friends and grants awareness blogs.
In this post we will focus on the BRICS Grants, how to apply for it and get approval.
Step 2: The Deep Dive – Analyzing the BRICS Grants
The BRICS Grants Program offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support Brazilians across multiple sectors.
These grants are available for business start-ups, agricultural investments, research projects, educational advancement, NGO Grants and more, providing valuable financial assistance to individuals and organizations seeking growth and development.
Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $450,000, depending on the type of grant and the size or scope of the project being proposed.
The application process is designed to be efficient, with approval and fund disbursement taking approximately 14 to 30 days, depending on how quickly applicants submit and complete all required documentation.
Overall, the BRICS Grants Program serves as an important resource for empowering innovation, strengthening economic activity, and supporting sustainable progress across Brazil
Step 3: Crafting a Winning Project Proposal (“Projeto Básico”)
This is where you sell your idea. A strong proposal is clear, logical, and compelling.
- Structure it Logically: Use a framework like the 5W2H (What, Why, Where, When, Who, How, How much) or the classic academic structure:
- Introduction/Justification: Why is this project necessary? What problem does it solve?
- Objectives: What do you aim to achieve? (Be specific, measurable, and realistic).
- Methodology: How will you do it? This is the core of your proposal. Describe the activities, processes, and methods step-by-step.
- Expected Results and Impact: What will change because of your project? Quantify wherever possible.
- Sustainability Plan: How will the project continue after the grant money is spent? This is a key factor for approval.
Step 4: Preparing a Realistic and Transparent Budget
The budget is where trust is built—or broken.
- Be Detailed: Don’t just list “R$ 10.000 for equipment.” Specify: “Aquisição de 2 notebooks para coleta de dados em campo – R$ 5.000 cada.”
- Follow the Rules: The edital will often specify which costs are eligible (e.g., travel, materials, stipends) and which are not.
- Add “Contrapartida”: Many Brazilian grants require a “contrapartida,” or counterpart contribution. This is your organization’s own investment in the project, which can be financial or in-kind (e.g., staff time, office space).
- Justify Every Line Item: Be prepared to explain why each expense is necessary for the success of the project.
Step 5: Submission and Follow-Up
- Submit Early: Don’t wait until the final hour. Technical glitches on submission portals are not uncommon.
- Get a Receipt: Ensure you receive a formal confirmation of submission.
- Monitor the Process: After submission, keep an eye on the funder’s website for any updates, interview requests, or results.
Top 5 Tips to Get Your Grant Application Approved in Brazil
- Build a Strong Team: Funders don’t just invest in ideas; they invest in people. Showcase a team with the experience, skills, and credibility to execute the project. A strong Currículo Lattes (the standard Brazilian academic CV) is essential for research-focused grants.
- Demonstrate Clear Impact: Connect your activities to tangible outcomes. How will you measure success? Use indicators like “number of people trained,” “reduction in carbon emissions,” or “increase in local business revenue.”
- Network and Partner: Forming consortia or partnerships with other respected organizations (universities, other NGOs, private companies) can significantly strengthen your application by pooling resources and expertise.
How to apply for BRICS Grants
BRICS Grants application portal
Conclusion: Persistence and Precision are Key
Applying for grants in Brazil is a marathon, not a sprint. Your first application may not succeed, and that’s okay. Request feedback, refine your approach, and try again. The process demands persistence, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of both your own project and the funder’s objectives.
By treating the edital as your strategic guide, crafting a compelling narrative in your proposal, and building a transparent budget, you move from being just another applicant to a viable partner for investment. With this structured approach, you are now equipped to navigate the system confidently and unlock the funding needed to make your project a success in Brazil.
FAQs – How to apply for government and international funding online in Brazil?
What are the international Grants Available in Brazil?
UN Grants
World Bank Grants
What are the programs that help poor families in Brazil?
Grants are ways the poor can access funds for business, education and personal development
How to apply for a private or federal government grant?
You can apply through: https://bricsgrants.com/apply-for-grants/
