Apply for the Africa Fundraising Incubator Grant Program

The Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI), launched by the New Africa Fund, is a multi-stage capacity-building program that helps African organizations strengthen fundraising skills, build sustainable funding pipelines, and improve institutional capacity. Selected organizations receive online training, free fiscal sponsorship, and the opportunity to earn up to USD 5,000 in matching funds through a fundraising challenge.

Top-performing organizations will also attend an all-expenses-paid leadership and fundraising boot camp in Kigali, Rwanda, while gaining access to additional fundraising opportunities and long-term organizational support.

Overview of the Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI)

The Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) is a professional development and fundraising program designed to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of nonprofit organizations across Africa.

Previously known as the Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIFG), the program equips organizations with practical fundraising knowledge, institutional support, and leadership skills to diversify funding sources and reduce dependence on traditional grant funding.

Purpose of the Program

The Africa Fundraising Incubator aims to:

• Strengthen fundraising capacity among African organizations.
• Build sustainable funding pipelines.
• Improve institutional capacity and organizational resilience.
• Support local fundraising strategies.
• Develop leadership and financial management skills.
• Increase long-term organizational impact.
• Encourage small-donor fundraising and community giving.

Program Focus Areas

The program supports capacity building in areas including:

• Fundraising strategy
• Small-donor fundraising campaigns
• Sustainable funding pipelines
• Institutional capacity building
• Leadership development
• Financial management
• Marketing and communications
• Grant writing
• Donor research
• Donor cultivation and stewardship
• Donor retention
• Individual giving campaigns
• Local fundraising strategies

Program Structure

The Africa Fundraising Incubator follows a multi-stage learning approach designed to help organizations build practical fundraising experience.

Stage 1: Online Fundraising Training

Selected organizations will participate in specialized online training covering essential fundraising topics, including campaign planning, donor engagement, communication strategies, and fundraising management.

Stage 2: 30-Day Fundraising Challenge

Participants will apply their newly acquired skills through a 30-day fundraising campaign designed to strengthen practical fundraising experience and build donor engagement.

Organizations that successfully complete the challenge may receive matching funds of up to USD 5,000 from the New Africa Fund.

Stage 3: Fiscal Sponsorship

Every participating organization will receive:

• 12 months of free fiscal sponsorship

This support helps reduce administrative barriers and may be extended based on organizational needs and program decisions.

Stage 4: Leadership Boot Camp

Top-performing organizations will be invited to participate in an:

• All-expenses-paid one-week training boot camp
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda

The boot camp provides advanced instruction in fundraising, leadership, organizational development, and long-term sustainability.

Funding Opportunity

Organizations participating in the fundraising challenge may receive:

• Up to USD 5,000 in matching funds

Funding is awarded based on fundraising performance during the campaign.

Additional fundraising opportunities may become available as the program expands.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to:

• Registered nonprofit organizations
• Organizations legally established in any of the 54 African Union member states

Applicants must demonstrate legal registration before applying.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Organization registration certificate or registration document
• Most recent external audit

If an external audit is unavailable, applicants may instead submit:

• Financial statements covering the previous five months for all organizational accounts

All documents must be submitted in PDF format.

Program Benefits

Selected organizations receive numerous benefits, including:

• Professional fundraising training
• Practical fundraising experience
• Opportunity to receive matching funds
• Free fiscal sponsorship for 12 months
• Organizational capacity development
• Leadership training
• Marketing and communications support
• Financial management guidance
• Access to fundraising networks
• Potential participation in the Kigali leadership boot camp

Why This Program Matters

Many African nonprofit organizations face challenges securing sustainable funding and diversifying revenue sources.

The Africa Fundraising Incubator helps organizations:

• Reduce dependence on short-term grants.
• Build local fundraising capacity.
• Strengthen donor relationships.
• Improve financial sustainability.
• Develop long-term organizational resilience.
• Increase community engagement and philanthropic support.

The program empowers organizations to build stronger fundraising systems that support lasting social impact.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare all required documentation before submitting an application.

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is legally registered.
• Operates within an African Union member state.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather:

• Registration certificate
• External audit report or recent financial statements

Convert all files to PDF format.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Provide organizational information, fundraising needs, and supporting documentation as required by the application process.

Step 4: Participate in Online Training

Selected organizations will complete the fundraising training program before launching their fundraising campaigns.

Step 5: Complete the Fundraising Challenge

Implement a 30-day fundraising campaign and apply the fundraising techniques learned during training.

Outstanding performers may qualify for matching funds and additional opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete registration documents.
• Providing outdated or missing financial records.
• Failing to demonstrate legal organizational status.
• Missing PDF document requirements.
• Underestimating the importance of donor engagement during the fundraising challenge.
• Ignoring opportunities for long-term fundraising planning.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Ensure all organizational documents are complete and accurate.
• Demonstrate your organization’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
• Highlight previous fundraising or community engagement experience.
• Show readiness to participate fully in the training program.
• Present clear financial documentation.
• Emphasize your organization’s potential for long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Africa Fundraising Incubator?

Registered nonprofit organizations located in any of the 54 African Union member states are eligible to apply.

What is the main purpose of the program?

The program helps African organizations strengthen fundraising capacity, improve institutional sustainability, and build long-term funding pipelines.

How much funding is available?

Organizations participating in the fundraising challenge may receive up to USD 5,000 in matching funds, based on performance.

What training will participants receive?

Participants receive specialized online training covering fundraising strategy, donor engagement, leadership, financial management, marketing, communications, and grant writing.

What is fiscal sponsorship?

The program provides 12 months of free fiscal sponsorship, helping participating organizations reduce administrative barriers and improve operational capacity.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit their registration document and either their latest external audit or financial statements covering the previous five months, all in PDF format.

What additional opportunities are available for top-performing organizations?

Top-performing participants will be invited to an all-expenses-paid leadership and fundraising boot camp in Kigali, Rwanda, with opportunities for additional fundraising support as the program grows.

Conclusion

The Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) offers African nonprofit organizations a valuable opportunity to strengthen fundraising skills, improve organizational capacity, and build sustainable funding models. Through expert training, practical fundraising experience, fiscal sponsorship, matching funds, and leadership development, the program equips organizations with the tools needed to achieve long-term financial sustainability and expand their social impact across Africa.