2025 Call for Projects: NGOs Face a Challenging Global Context

In 2025, NGOs worldwide are navigating a complex environment shaped by increasing political instability, humanitarian emergencies, restrictive government policies, and mounting financial pressure. These challenges have driven heightened interest in the Fondation Nexans’ annual call for projects, which officially closed at the end of March.

This year’s call was a major milestone, highlighting the Fondation’s growing visibility and relevance in the nonprofit sector.

“On our dedicated platform, we received over 330 initial requests, including 116 completed project submissions. Many organizations also reached out for further details about the process and requirements,” noted Mary Malone, General Delegate of the Fondation Nexans.

These figures underscore a significant trend: nonprofits and NGOs are facing declining funding opportunities, pushing them to seek new sources of support. In this context, the Fondation Nexans’ call for projects plays a vital role in enabling sustainable development and energy access projects.

NGOs struggle to fund projects: a shared challenge

All the associations that applied to the Fondation reported increasing difficulty in financing their initiatives, regardless of their area of intervention—be it education, healthcare, or energy access.

Africa: The Most Represented Region in 2025

Among the 116 submitted projects, 77 are based in Africa, once again making it the most represented continent. This is no surprise: Africa remains the region with the most critical energy access needs.

The high number of African projects reflects the urgent need for sustainable and reliable energy solutions across the continent—an area where the Fondation Nexans’ mission has strong, long-term impact.

Why the Fondation Nexans matters more than ever

With traditional funding channels tightening, the Fondation Nexans provides essential financial support to NGOs working on energy access, electrification, and community development. The Foundation not only funds projects, but also raises awareness on the importance of sustainable energy as a lever for social and economic development.

As global challenges intensify, the Nexans Foundation stands committed to supporting impactful projects where they are needed most—particularly in underserved regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.