Deadline: 16-Dec-2025

The New Africa Fund’s Africa Impact Fundraising (AIF) Grant Program helps African NGOs, CBOs, and social enterprises build strong local fundraising capacity. Through training, a 30-day fundraising challenge, matching funds, intensive workshops, and fiscal sponsorship, the program strengthens financial sustainability and expands access to new funding pathways. It is open to legally registered organisations in all 55 African Union member states.

Africa Impact Fundraising (AIF) Grant Program: Full AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

The Africa Impact Fundraising (AIF) Grant Program, launched by the New Africa Fund, is designed to strengthen the long-term fundraising capacity of African NGOs, community-based organisations, and social enterprises. The program blends training, practical fundraising experience, matched funding, and mentorship into one structured pathway for sustainable growth.

What the Program Offers

The program provides capacity building and funding support in four core stages:
1. Online Training Program
A structured training course teaches organisations how to design and run successful small-donor fundraising campaigns.
2. 30-Day Fundraising Challenge
Participants apply their new skills in a real-time 30-day challenge to raise funds from grassroots supporters.
3. Matching Grants (Up to USD 5,000)
High-performing organisations in the challenge qualify for up to US$5,000 in matching funds to boost their campaign results.
4. Kigali Intensive Workshop
Selected winners are invited to Kigali, Rwanda, for a week-long capacity-building workshop covering:

• Financial management

• Grant writing

• Donor research

• Marketing and communications

• Local fundraising strategies
  5. 12-Month Fiscal Sponsorship
  All participants receive one year of free fiscal sponsorship, helping them stabilize financial systems and improve compliance.
  6. Additional Funding Opportunities
  Top performers may receive further funding or investment opportunities as the program expands.

Why It Matters

• Builds long-term sustainability for African grassroots organisations

• Strengthens local fundraising capacity instead of depending solely on external donors

• Expands financial literacy, donor engagement, and communication skills

• Connects organisations to a wider network of funders and supporters

• Supports emerging social enterprises and NGOs across all African Union member states

Who Is Eligible?

Organisations must meet the following criteria:

• Be legally registered in one of the 55 African Union member states

• Operate as a nonprofit, community-based organisation, or social enterprise

• Demonstrate active community engagement or social impact

• Be able to provide supporting documents such as:

  • Registration certificates

  • Recent financial statements

  • Proof of organizational activities or previous projects

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Submit your application with required documents
Step 2: Join the online training course and complete all modules
Step 3: Participate in the 30-day fundraising challenge
Step 4: Compete for up to US$5,000 in matching funds
Step 5: If selected, attend the intensive workshop in Kigali
Step 6: Receive 12 months of fiscal sponsorship from the New Africa Fund
Step 7: Access additional funding opportunities based on performance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete documentation

• Failing to demonstrate community impact or fundraising potential

• Not preparing a clear fundraising strategy before the 30-day challenge

• Ignoring communication, storytelling, or donor engagement

• Missing training sessions or deadlines

FAQ

1. What is the maximum funding available?
High-performing organisations can receive up to US$5,000 in matching funds after the 30-day challenge.

2. Do all participants receive funding?
No. All participants receive training and fiscal sponsorship, but only top performers qualify for matching funds.

3. Is travel to Kigali covered?
The program typically invites winners to Kigali, but applicants should check each cycle’s guidelines for travel support details.

4. Can start-up organisations apply?
Yes, as long as they are legally registered and can provide the required documents.

5. What is fiscal sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship means the New Africa Fund provides administrative and financial oversight, helping your organisation receive donations securely and manage funds effectively.

6. Is the program open to individuals?
No. Only legally registered organisations are eligible.

7. Can organisations outside Africa apply?
No. Only organisations registered in African Union member states qualify.

Conclusion

The Africa Impact Fundraising (AIF) Grant Program is a powerful pathway for African NGOs, CBOs, and social enterprises seeking to strengthen their fundraising capacity and achieve long-term sustainability. With training, practical challenges, matched funding, workshops, and fiscal sponsorship, the program equips organisations with the tools they need to grow, scale, and deepen their community impact.

For more information, visit New Africa Fund.