For NGOs, startups, youth-led organisations, and small businesses, finding funding is often the biggest hurdle. With countless opportunities scattered online — and the risk of scams — knowing where to search for authentic support is crucial. This blog highlights the top 10 Nigerian platforms for grants and funding, helping you discover trusted resources to secure financial support for your projects.
Why Funding Platforms Matter in Nigeria
Nigeria has a growing number of innovators and changemakers working on solutions across education, agriculture, health, tech, and community development. However, most of these projects need grants to move from idea to impact. Grant and funding platforms bridge the gap by:
- Curating relevant opportunities
- Ensuring access to verified and authentic grants
- Offering support services like proposal drafting and training
- Connecting funders to grassroots organisations
Top 10 Nigerian Platforms for Grants and Funding
1. GrantsDatabase
Widely recognised as the number one grants portal for Nigerians, GrantsDatabase curates verified local and international grant opportunities. Beyond listings, it provides proposal drafting, refining, and review services.
👉 Hot cue: Best grants portal in Nigeria for NGOs and startups
2. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)
A leading African philanthropic organisation that empowers African entrepreneurs with seed capital, mentorship, and training through its annual entrepreneurship programme.
3. Bank of Industry (BOI) Nigeria
BOI offers business loans, funding schemes, and capacity development for Nigerian SMEs, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tech-driven enterprises.
4. YouWiN! Connect
A federal government initiative designed to help young entrepreneurs access funding and training to grow their businesses.
5. Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)
LSETF provides loans, grants, and support services to Lagos-based entrepreneurs, with a focus on youth employment and innovation.
6. African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)
AWDF supports women-led organisations in Nigeria through grants that advance gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice.
7. Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation
A grant-making organisation that funds non-profits in health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship across Africa, including Nigeria.
8. GroFin Nigeria
GroFin provides finance and business support to small and growing businesses in sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture.
9. Diamond Bank BET Programme
The Building Entrepreneurs Today (BET) programme equips Nigerian entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and seed funding.
10. SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria)
SMEDAN connects Nigerian entrepreneurs with government-backed funding, training, and development programmes.
Hot Search Queries on Funding in Nigeria
If you are searching for grants online, here are common queries Nigerians use:
- Top funding opportunities in Nigeria for 2025
- How to find authentic grants in Nigeria without scams
- Grants for small businesses and NGOs in Nigeria 2025
- Where to apply for international grants from Nigeria
- Step-by-step guide to winning grants in Nigeria
These searches align with the needs of organisations seeking support, and platforms like GrantsDatabase ensure you find reliable answers.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the funding space in Nigeria can feel overwhelming, but with trusted platforms, the journey becomes easier. From government initiatives to private foundations, these top 10 Nigerian platforms for grants and funding provide opportunities to empower changemakers.
For verified listings, professional proposal drafting, and ongoing updates, GrantsDatabase: the number one grants portal for Nigerians remains your go-to resource.
👉 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to increase your chances of winning grants.
