The African Collaborative is once again inviting applications from organizations across Sub-Saharan Africa that are founded, led, and rooted within the continent. The initiative seeks to strengthen African-driven solutions in critical sectors such as education, health, livelihoods, technology, climate resilience, human rights, and gender equity.
At the heart of this effort is a commitment to equitable and transparent grantmaking, ensuring that organizations at different stages of growth can access the resources they need to thrive. By supporting African institutions with deep community ties, the Collaborative helps ensure that development remains locally owned and sustainable.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet several baseline requirements. Eligible organizations should:
- Be founded and led by Africans
- Be registered and operating within their home country
- Have paid leadership or senior management staff
- Be governed by at least a founding board
The program does not provide funding to individuals, for-profit entities, or social enterprises. Instead, it prioritizes community-based nonprofits with a clear mission and accountable structures.
Financial readiness is also essential. Applicants must demonstrate:
- A minimum of three years in operation
- At least two consecutive years of external audits
- An annual budget of $150,000 or more
- Basic financial management systems, including budgeting and reporting processes
Two Funding Pathways
Recognizing that organizations are at different stages of growth, African Collaborative offers two tracks:
1. Ignite Track – Sparking Growth
This pathway is designed for younger organizations with promising potential. Key features include:
- An annual budget between $150,000 and $500,000
- A founding board in place
- Leadership or senior staff on payroll (even partial compensation)
- Aspirational or emerging strategic direction
2. Fuel Track – Building Momentum
For more mature organizations looking to expand or deepen their impact, this track requires:
- An annual budget above $500,000
- A governance board beyond the founding stage
- A clear long-term strategy
- Full staff compensation across the team
Both tracks emphasize an organization’s ability to clearly define its mission, explain why its work matters, and demonstrate tangible community impact even if formal evaluations such as RCTs are not in place.
What Else Matters?
Beyond eligibility and budget, African Collaborative also values resilience and leadership. Organizations that stand out often demonstrate:
- Leaders with lived experience connected to their mission
- Strong community trust and accountability
- A learning culture that adapts to challenges
- Gender-inclusive practices embedded across programs
- Succession planning and leadership development
- Active and engaged governance boards
These qualities help ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful change.
Application Timeline
Applications for the current grant cycle are open until 17 September at 11:59 PM (UTC-1). Interested organizations can submit proposals through the official grantmaking portal on the African Collaborative website.
For questions, applicants should write directly to: grants@africancollab.org.
Final Note
The African Collaborative firmly believes that Africa’s future must be shaped and led by Africans themselves. By investing in community-rooted organizations, the initiative is building pathways for sustainable, inclusive development across the continent.
Visit the official website to apply – www.africancollab.org