Author: Oluwole Omojofodun

As of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the impacts of the climate crisis are no longer a distant forecast for West Africa; they are our daily reality. From the devastating coastal erosion in Badagry to the creeping desertification in the Sahel, our communities are on the front lines. In response, a significant wave of global funding has been mobilized. However, accessing these funds requires a specialized skill: the ability to write a compelling, evidence-based, and policy-aligned proposal. Generic proposal writing techniques are not enough to succeed in this competitive space. Funders in the climate sector have unique expectations and a specific…

The European Union stands as one of the largest and most influential development partners in West Africa. For non-governmental organisations across the region, securing EU funding can be a game-changer, enabling large-scale, high-impact projects that transform communities. However, the process is notoriously perceived as complex, bureaucratic, and highly competitive. Many capable NGOs are deterred by the intricate jargon, demanding application processes, and stringent financial requirements. But it doesn’t have to be an impenetrable fortress. With the right knowledge and a strategic approach, accessing EU Funding for West African NGOs is achievable. As of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the landscape is…

Deadline: September 12, 2025 Are you a tech-driven startup or a digital solutions company passionate about public-sector transformation? The World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 is now open, offering innovators the opportunity to solve real-world governance challenges—beginning with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This unique global initiative supports the development of scalable, tech-enabled solutions for public-sector problems, with the chance to pitch and refine solutions in Switzerland’s innovation hub, Trust Valley. What is the World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025? The World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 is a flagship initiative launched during the GovTech and Public Sector Innovation Global…

Deadline: August 5, 2025 Are you a passionate young changemaker in Kenya looking to build emotional resilience and drive climate justice in your community? The Resilience Fellowship 2025–2026 is now open for applications! This fully funded 9-month programme offers immersive training, intergenerational mentorship, and practical leadership opportunities to youth aged 18–26 in Kenya. Through the Resilience Fellowship 2025–2026, selected fellows will deepen their facilitation skills, strengthen community care practices, and become certified Mental Health First Aiders—all while earning a monthly stipend. What Is the Resilience Fellowship 2025–2026? The Resilience Fellowship 2025–2026 is a transformational initiative led by The Resilience Project.…

Deadline: August 10, 2025 Are you a young Canadian professional or graduate student passionate about Canada-Asia relations? The Canada-Asia Young Professionals Fellowship Program 2025 is an exceptional opportunity to deepen your expertise, build international networks, and contribute to critical conversations on Asia-Pacific affairs — all through a fully funded, prestigious fellowship. Organised by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), this nine-month non-resident fellowship is designed to empower Canada’s next generation of thought leaders on Asia. Up to 20 outstanding individuals aged 22–30 will be selected to participate in virtual learning sessions, engage with global experts, and attend an…

Deadline: October 8, 2025 Are you a designer with bold ideas that reflect unique human experiences? The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2026 is now open for entries! This prestigious international competition invites innovative thinkers from around the world to submit original design concepts under the theme HAMON – Design that Resonates. Whether you are a student, professional, or design team, this is your opportunity to gain global recognition and a chance at commercialising your work with one of Japan’s most renowned stationery and furniture brands. About the KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2026 The KOKUYO DESIGN AWARD 2026 is one of Japan’s leading…

It’s 11 PM on a Monday night in Lagos. The grant deadline is in one hour. Your proposal is perfect, the budget is finalized, and you’re ready to submit. You log into the funder’s online portal, paste your perfectly crafted needs statement into a text box, and a red error message appears: “Character limit exceeded.” Panic sets in. This scenario is a nightmare all too familiar to grant writers. In 2025, virtually all major grant applications are submitted through online portals. These platforms are designed to streamline the process for funders, but for applicants, they can be a minefield of…

The scene is all too familiar for any grant writer in Nigeria. You have two major proposal deadlines looming. The finance department has just sent over a budget draft with missing figures. The M&E officer is on leave, and you urgently need the latest impact data. Meanwhile, your inbox is flooded with emails, and your phone won’t stop buzzing. Grant writing isn’t just about writing. It’s about project management, research, coordination, and diplomacy, all performed under immense pressure. In this chaotic environment, burnout isn’t just a risk; it’s a near certainty without a system. To thrive, you need more than…

Many NGO leaders in Nigeria believe that a brilliantly written grant proposal is the key to unlocking funding. While a strong proposal is essential, it’s only half the story. The unspoken truth of the development sector is this: funders give to organisations they know, trust, and believe in. That trust is built through relationships. Effective Networking with Funders is not about schmoozing or making transactional requests; it’s the strategic art of building genuine, professional relationships long before you ever submit an application. In the hybrid world of 2025, this means mastering both in-person events and savvy online interactions. This guide…

From the rapidly eroding shorelines of Lekki and Badagry to the saltwater intrusion threatening farms in the Niger Delta, the climate crisis is no longer a future threat for Nigeria’s coastal communities—it is a present-day reality. As we stand in mid-2025, the stakes have never been higher. Rising sea levels, increased flooding, and devastating coastal erosion are not just environmental issues; they are existential threats to the livelihoods, homes, and cultures of millions of Nigerians. The conversation must urgently shift from acknowledging the problem to funding the solutions. But where should the money go to have the most impact? For…