CFAs: Advancing Equality and Inclusion for LGBTI People

Deadline: 03-Jul-2026

The Other Foundation is accepting grant applications from eligible organizations across Southern Africa to support initiatives that advance the freedom, equality, dignity, and socio-economic participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people. Funding is available through the Inyosi (Honey Bee) and Hungwe (Fish Eagle) grant categories for projects focused on advocacy, inclusion, research, public engagement, alliance-building, and social change.

Program Overview

The Other Foundation Grant Program supports organizations working to strengthen the rights, wellbeing, visibility, and inclusion of LGBTI communities across Southern Africa.

The program seeks to address increasing challenges facing LGBTI communities, including discrimination, exclusion, harmful narratives, legal barriers, social stigma, and economic inequality. Through strategic grant-making, the Foundation supports advocacy, research, movement-building, public education, and collaboration initiatives that contribute to long-term social transformation.

The funding opportunity is designed to strengthen organizations and networks working to advance human rights, social justice, equality, and inclusion throughout the region.

Program Objectives

The grant program aims to:

• Advance the rights and dignity of LGBTI people.
• Strengthen advocacy and social justice movements.
• Counter discrimination and harmful public narratives.
• Promote equality and social inclusion.
• Support evidence-based advocacy and research.
• Strengthen community organizing and leadership.
• Foster collaboration across sectors.
• Increase economic participation and workplace inclusion.
• Engage policymakers, businesses, and civil society.
• Build sustainable support systems for LGBTI communities.

Priority Funding Areas

The Foundation encourages projects that address one or more of the following priorities:

Advocacy and Social Change

• Repositioning LGBTI advocacy in response to growing backlash.
• Strengthening national and regional advocacy efforts.
• Influencing policy and legal reform.
• Promoting human rights and equality.

Research and Evidence-Based Action

• Generating new research and knowledge.
• Collecting and analyzing data on LGBTI issues.
• Using evidence to improve public understanding.
• Countering misinformation and harmful stereotypes.

Public Awareness and Narrative Change

• Large-scale public education campaigns.
• Media engagement initiatives.
• Community awareness programs.
• Strategic communications projects.

Support for Specific Communities

• Advocacy for intersex rights.
• Programs supporting lesbian women.
• Initiatives focused on transgender communities.
• Community-led inclusion projects.

Alliance Building and Collaboration

• Building partnerships across sectors.
• Engaging faith-based organizations.
• Working with traditional leaders.
• Strengthening support from parents and families of LGBTI individuals.
• Developing cross-movement collaborations.

Economic Participation and Inclusion

• Workplace inclusion initiatives.
• Economic empowerment programs.
• Private-sector engagement.
• Business diversity and inclusion strategies.

Philanthropy and Movement Strengthening

• Resource mobilization efforts.
• Development of sustainable funding strategies.
• Capacity-building initiatives.
• Strengthening organizational resilience.

Grant Categories

Applications are accepted under two grant categories.

Inyosi (Honey Bee) Grants

These grants are intended for:

• Smaller organizations.
• Emerging organizations.
• New advocacy groups.
• Organizations seeking project support.
• Organizations requiring institutional development support.

Hungwe (Fish Eagle) Grants

These grants are designed for:

• Established organizations.
• Experienced advocacy groups.
• Organizations with proven implementation capacity.
• Projects requiring larger-scale support.

Categories Not Available Under This Call

The following categories are not open during the current funding round:

• Namaqualand Daisy Grants (individual grants).
• Mosu Core Support Grants.

Although Namaqualand Daisy grants can provide up to ZAR 10,000 for individuals, this category is not accepting applications under the current call.

Funding Information

• Funding Organization: The Other Foundation
• Eligible Regions: Southern Africa
• Grant Categories: Inyosi and Hungwe
• Funding Amount: Determined through the application process
• Funding Focus: LGBTI rights, advocacy, inclusion, research, and social change

Specific grant amounts will be determined based on project scope, organizational capacity, and funding availability.

Eligible Countries

Organizations must operate in one of the following 13 eligible countries:

• Angola
• Botswana
• eSwatini
• Lesotho
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a legally recognized organization.
• Operate within an eligible Southern African country.
• Demonstrate sound financial management systems.
• Have effective governance structures.
• Possess the capacity to implement proposed activities.
• Align proposed projects with the Foundation’s objectives.
• Demonstrate commitment to advancing LGBTI rights and inclusion.

The Foundation supports organizations of varying sizes, from emerging grassroots groups to established advocacy organizations.

Why This Funding Matters

LGBTI communities across Southern Africa continue to face challenges related to discrimination, exclusion, violence, legal barriers, and unequal access to opportunities.

This funding helps organizations:

• Strengthen advocacy efforts.
• Expand community support services.
• Improve public understanding.
• Promote policy reform.
• Build stronger alliances.
• Increase economic opportunities.
• Generate evidence for change.
• Create lasting social impact.

By investing in community-led organizations, the program contributes to more inclusive and equitable societies.

How the Application Process Works

The grant-making process consists of two stages.

Stage 1: Concept Proposal Submission

Applicants must submit a concept proposal using the prescribed format.

The concept should clearly explain:

• The problem being addressed.
• Proposed activities.
• Expected outcomes.
• Target beneficiaries.
• Organizational capacity.
• Alignment with Foundation priorities.

Stage 2: Full Proposal and Capacity Assessment

Organizations shortlisted during the first stage will be invited to:

• Submit a detailed full proposal.
• Participate in an organizational assessment.
• Complete a financial management review.
• Demonstrate implementation capacity.

Final funding decisions are made after reviewing all required documentation and assessments.

Selection Process

Applications are assessed through a structured review process.

Peer Assessment Review

Submitted concept proposals are reviewed by a peer assessment panel.

The panel evaluates:

• Relevance.
• Innovation.
• Feasibility.
• Potential impact.
• Strategic value.

Full Proposal Review

Shortlisted organizations undergo further evaluation based on:

• Program quality.
• Organizational capacity.
• Financial management systems.
• Governance structures.
• Sustainability potential.

Final Approval

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees makes final funding decisions following review of recommendations and assessment findings.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define the problem your project addresses.
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and impact.
• Use evidence and data to support your proposal.
• Show strong community engagement.
• Explain how the project contributes to long-term change.
• Highlight partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
• Present realistic budgets and timelines.
• Demonstrate organizational readiness and capacity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete concept proposals.
• Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity.
• Providing vague project objectives.
• Lacking measurable outcomes.
• Ignoring financial management requirements.
• Proposing activities unrelated to funding priorities.
• Underestimating implementation challenges.
• Failing to demonstrate community relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Other Foundation Grant Program?

It is a funding initiative that supports organizations working to advance the rights, inclusion, equality, and wellbeing of LGBTI communities across Southern Africa.

Which grant categories are open?

Applications are currently accepted under the Inyosi (Honey Bee) and Hungwe (Fish Eagle) grant categories.

Are individual grants available?

No. The Namaqualand Daisy individual grant category is not available under this funding call.

Which countries are eligible?

Organizations operating in Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are eligible.

What types of projects can receive funding?

Projects focused on advocacy, research, public awareness, economic inclusion, alliance-building, policy engagement, and LGBTI rights advancement are eligible.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed through a two-stage process involving concept proposal assessment, full proposal review, organizational capacity evaluation, and final approval by the Board of Trustees.

Are collaborations encouraged?

Yes. The Foundation strongly encourages partnerships, coalition-building, cross-sector engagement, and collaborative advocacy initiatives.

Conclusion

The Other Foundation Grants Program provides a significant opportunity for organizations across Southern Africa to strengthen advocacy, promote equality, and advance the rights and inclusion of LGBTI communities. Through support for research, public engagement, alliance-building, economic participation, and policy advocacy, the program aims to foster sustainable social change and create more inclusive societies. Organizations with strong ideas, effective leadership, and a commitment to human rights are encouraged to apply and contribute to a more equitable future for LGBTI people across the region.

For more information, visit The Other Foundation.