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UK local councils have shown a great interest in getting involved in international development. However, budget issues can be a barrier as far as international activities are concerned. Furthermore, the increasing financial pressures that are facing local government make resources even harder to mobilise.

Yet, international development is not just about getting funding. Understanding the internal, community and wider benefits of such work, local councils have come up with alternative ways to promote development issues and share knowledge, even with very small budgets.

When searching for external funding for international development activities, local authorities face a range of possibilities at different levels: national, regional and international.

The main potential donors relevant for UK councils are the following:

• UK funding : DFID (Department for International Development), British Council (International organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities);
• EU funding: European Commission and its delegations;
• International funding : World Bank, United Nations.

Useful links:

DFID website

British Council

European Commission

European Commission delegations

World Bank

United Nations