Deadline: 18-Jul-2025
The Trevor Noah Foundation has launched the Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund, aimed at driving innovation and long-term impact in South Africa’s education sector. This fund offers flexible, unrestricted support to help scale transformative work in teacher development and youth opportunity pathways.
The goal is to fuel innovative ideas, strengthen nonprofit capacity, and support systemic change in education. The fund follows a trust-based model that promotes sustainable growth, continuous learning, and collaborative action.
The fund focuses on two main areas:
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Teacher Development
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Youth Pathways (for ages 15–35)
Successful applicants can receive multi-year funding of up to R3 million over three years, along with access to a community of innovators and ongoing support that extends beyond just financial aid.
To qualify, organizations must be South African-registered nonprofits or Public Benefit Organisations with Section 18A status, a good standing with SARS, a valid bank account, and audited financial statements. Preference is given to organizations that have been legally registered and operational for at least two years, with a proven capacity for sound governance and financial stability.
Applicants should already be in the early or growth stage, with tested innovations or unique strategies that are ready to scale. Those applying under the youth pathways stream must demonstrate direct engagement with young people and have a clear, measurable impact plan.
Eligible organizations must have an annual turnover between R4.5 million and R45 million, supported by recent audited financials.
The fund does not support unregistered entities, individuals, for-profit companies, or ideation-stage projects. It also excludes purely religious innovations, student bursaries, scholarships, research projects, and programs not directly focused on teacher development or youth pathways.
This is a unique opportunity for education-focused nonprofits in South Africa looking to deepen their impact and scale proven models.
For more information, visit Trevor Noah Foundation.
