Information for Grant Seekers

GPA encourages grant proposals from grassroots organizations in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa working in the areas of community development, youth empowerment and local philanthropy.  GPA is committed to supporting social entrepreneurs and innovative ideas. Our grantees use an innovative approaches and are creating value or new goods to solve problems in their community.

Grants are awarded twice per year, and range in size from 2,500 to 15,000 USD. GPA hopes to maintain funding relationships with grantees over time, with funding growing in size and scope. GPA supports specific project grants and overhead costs (staff time, rent, etc.) associated with the project. GPA supports capacity building, training and other organizational growth activities in addition to its programmatic interests. GPA supports capacity building costs such as training and other organizational growth activities in addition to programmatic costs.

Areas of Interest

In order to leverage the impact of our funding, GPA is only able to fund initiatives working as social entrepreneurs on youth development; including identity development as well as youth participation in community and economic development.

General Eligibility

• Organizations must be locally operated and based in Kenya, Nigeria or South Africa.
• Organizations must be registered NGO's in their country, and funds must be used for a charitable purpose. (Charitable purpose is defined by the US IRS as a broad range of activities that benefit the general welfare or the community.)
• Organizations must work with youth preferably developing strong identities for effective leadership as well as support youth work on behalf of their communities. For sustainability, economic development is an important component.
• While GPA will pay overhead costs associated with grants, proposals must have a programmatic focus.
• Organizations must have reliable email address and ability to submit application and other documentation electronically.

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility requirements above to ensure your organization meets GPA's funding criteria.
2. Submit a proposal online or via email.  GPA reviews grant applications twice per year, usually in May and November
3. GPA will respond to all inquiries and proposals.  If an organization is chosen to receive funding, GPA may ask for additional information on the history and financial situation of an organization.
4. GPA may request a site visit prior to funding. A site visit is especially likely prior to any second grants.
   
   *GPA does not fund individuals, fundraising efforts, ongoing service provision, endowments or general operating costs not associated with a grant.
   
   

How to Apply

The application period for fall is now closed.  Please check back after February 1, 2012 for the GPA grant application.

The following document is the application for a grant for funds from GPA.  Please fill out the application completely, and return to GPA.  If you have any questions regarding this application, please email grants@globalphilanthropyalliance.org.

What GPA is looking for in a grant application:

1. Description of the project.  This includes who is involved and a detailed description of what they plan to do as well as why the project will be carried out.  GPA wants to learn from our partners and understand what they plan to do and why they think their project will be successful.
2. Proposal amounts.  First proposals to GPA should not exceed $5000.  GPA awards first time grants in the amount of $2,500 to $5,000.  Organizations at the lower end of that range are more likely to be funded.  Second proposals from previous grantees should be submitted after a first grant is complete; these proposals may be larger.
3. Involvement of youth.  GPA is very interested in promoting youth development and activities that promote youth social entrepreneurship.