Deadline: July 18, 2025
The Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund 2025 has officially launched, offering a powerful opportunity for registered South African non-profit and public benefit organisations (PBOs) to access up to R3 million in flexible, multi-year funding. With a total fund size of R30 million, this initiative is set to drive innovative solutions in education and youth development across the country.
This blog post outlines everything you need to know about the Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund 2025 — including funding details, eligibility criteria, application process, and important deadlines.
About the Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund 2025
The Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund — which translates as “Grow with Us” — was launched by the Trevor Noah Foundation in July 2025. With a deep commitment to education equity and youth development, the fund embodies trust-based philanthropy by providing long-term support with fewer restrictions, allowing organisations to scale their impact sustainably.
The fund aims to strengthen South Africa’s education ecosystem by supporting organisations that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, inclusion, sustainability, and community-rooted leadership.
Focus Areas of the Fund
The Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund 2025 prioritises organisations working within the following core focus areas:
- Teacher Development: Enhancing the capacity, motivation, and effectiveness of educators in underserved communities.
- Youth Opportunity Pathways: Designing and implementing scalable models that connect youth (ages 15–35) to post-school opportunities such as higher education, vocational training, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund 2025, your organisation must:
- Be a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) or public benefit organisation (PBO) in South Africa.
- Possess Section 18A status.
- Have at least 2 years of operational history.
- Maintain annual revenue between R4.5 million and R45 million.
- Be in good standing with SARS and CIPC, with updated financial statements and a functional organisational bank account.
Additionally, preference will be given to organisations with:
- Demonstrated innovation in programming.
- Proximate leadership (leadership drawn from the communities served).
- Sustainable operational models.
- A clear framework for learning, adaptation, and scaling.
What the Fund Offers
Selected organisations will receive:
- Up to R3 million in funding, disbursed over a 3-year period.
- Flexible, trust-based financial support with minimal reporting requirements.
- Access to a peer learning network and non-financial support resources.
The funding is designed to reduce administrative burdens and allow grantees to focus on high-impact, community-driven innovation in education.
Timeline & Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 18 July 2025 at 11:59 PM SAST
- Virtual Briefing Session: 3 July 2025 from 14:30 to 15:30 SAST via Microsoft Teams (recommended for prospective applicants)
Application Process
The application process is structured in multiple stages:
- Pre-screening Eligibility Quiz
- Concept Note Submission
- Full Application (invitation-only, for shortlisted applicants)
- Final Review and Notification
Organisations are encouraged to attend the virtual briefing session for further clarity and guidance on the application process.
🤝 Support and Proposal Assistance
Need help with drafting or refining your concept note or full proposal for the Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund?
👉 Contact grantsdatabase.org for expert support in proposal drafting, refining, and review.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow with the Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund. Apply today and take your organisation’s impact to the next level.
