Author: Oluwole Omojofodun

Your NGO has just completed a major project. The final report, filled with valuable data, charts, and beneficiary feedback, is submitted to the donor. The project is closed, and that report is filed away on a hard drive, never to be seen again. Does this sound familiar? For many Nigerian NGOs, this is standard practice. We treat project data as a final obligation rather than what it truly is: a powerful, reusable asset. That “dusty” report is a goldmine of evidence that can—and should—be the secret weapon for your next funding proposal. In the increasingly competitive funding landscape of 2025,…

As the founder or leader of a small non-governmental organisation in West Africa, you wear many hats. You are the chief fundraiser, the head of programs, the communications director, and often, the reluctant head of Human Resources. In the drive to make an impact, managing people can sometimes feel like a secondary task—a luxury for larger, better-funded organisations. This is a dangerous misconception. Your team is your single greatest asset. Without a solid approach to hiring, managing, and retaining them, even the most passionate mission can falter due to high turnover, low morale, and burnout. Effective HR for Small NGOs…

Crowdfunding has revolutionized the way ideas get funded. It’s a powerful, democratic tool that allows you to bypass traditional gatekeepers and take your vision directly to the people. From funding a community health outreach in Kano to launching a tech start-up in Lagos or producing a documentary in Enugu, this method holds immense promise. But here is the hard truth many learn too late: a crowdfunding campaign is not a case of “if you build it, they will come.” Most campaigns that fail do so not because the idea was bad, but because the strategy was non-existent. A Successful Crowdfunding…

A grant proposal can feel like a complex, intimidating document. Many Nigerian NGOs, despite doing incredible work on the ground, struggle to translate that impact into a compelling written case for funding. The result? A rejected proposal and a missed opportunity. Think of a grant proposal like a human body. For it to be strong and effective, every part must be present, healthy, and work in harmony with the others. A brilliant solution (the hands) is useless without a clear problem statement (the heart). A detailed budget (the fuel) means nothing without a plan for measuring success (the eyes and…

Deadline: August 10, 2025 Are you a changemaker aged 18–35 from a Commonwealth country? The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust Network for Young Leaders 2025 offers a golden opportunity to elevate your social impact initiative to the global stage. Whether you’re tackling climate change, education, gender equity or health, this initiative can connect you with funding, training, and a powerful network of young leaders like yourself. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through all you need to know about the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust Network for Young Leaders 2025—including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply. About the Queen…

Deadline: August 4, 2025 Are you an early-career woman lawyer passionate about advancing gender justice in Africa? Applications are now open for the prestigious CFJ Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026 — a transformative, fully funded opportunity to build your career while making meaningful legal impact in your community. About the CFJ Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026 The CFJ Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026 is a flagship initiative of the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) in collaboration with the Legal Empowerment Fund at the Fund for Global Human Rights. Launched in 2023, this ground-breaking fellowship supports ten outstanding…

Deadline: September 1, 2025 The iF Social Impact Prize 2025 – Round 2 is now open for submissions! This prestigious global prize supports impactful projects that promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a total annual fund of €100,000, split into two rounds of €50,000 each. If your organisation is driving social change through design, innovation, or ethical impact, this is your opportunity to gain international recognition and support. What Is the iF Social Impact Prize? The iF Social Impact Prize 2025 – Round 2 is hosted by iF Design, Germany. It aims to promote and support design-driven…

Deadline: August 14, 2025 The BlackNorth Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, proudly sponsored by Enbridge, is now open for nominations. This prestigious honour recognises a distinguished individual who has made a profound, measurable, and long-lasting impact in advancing the rights, freedoms, and well-being of Black Canadians. Whether through advocacy, education, leadership, or systemic change, this award celebrates those whose legacy has uplifted communities and inspired generations. About the BlackNorth Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award The BlackNorth Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 honours individuals with a minimum of 10 years of impactful contributions that have influenced individuals, organisations, or society at large…

Deadline: July 31, 2025 Are you working on a digital health innovation that could benefit millions, particularly in underserved communities? The Chat for Health & AI Accelerator is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort. This 24-week global accelerator empowers organisations to scale chat- and AI-powered health services designed for low-resource settings. If your organisation is ready to 10× its impact, this opportunity could be your launchpad to sustainable, technology-enabled growth. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Chat for Health & AI Accelerator, from benefits and eligibility to how to apply. What is the…

Deadline: August 31, 2025 Klarna, in collaboration with Milkywire and WRLD Foundation, has launched the AI for Climate Resilience Program—a major new funding opportunity supporting AI-powered climate adaptation efforts in low- and middle-income countries. With grants of up to $300,000 per project, the initiative aims to scale responsible artificial intelligence solutions that improve local resilience to climate-related challenges. In this blog post, we highlight everything you need to know about the AI for Climate Resilience Program, including who can apply, key dates, eligibility criteria, and how to get started. What is the AI for Climate Resilience Program? The AI for…