The principal aim of the African Development Foundation (ADF)'s grants is to enable grassroots groups to generate increased income through productive enterprises that expand the overall economic production capacity and increase the economic security of their families and communities.

ADF provides small grants of US$250,000 or less to private and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Africa to:

• finance sustainable poverty alleviating initiatives that are conceived, designed, and implemented by Africans and aimed at enlarging opportunities for community development;
• stimulate and expand the participation of Africa's economically poor in the development of their countries; and
• build sustainable African institutions that foster grassroots development.

ADF only provides funding to organisations based in African countries where it works and
has offices. Presently, ADF works in: Benin, Botswana, Cape Verde, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

ADF can provide assistance directly to community-based organisations (CBOs) including, but not limited
to, legally registered cooperatives, economic interest groups, associations, collectives, micro- and small
businesses and community development organisations. ADF also provides funding to intermediary organisations that work with low-income people and groups. ADF does not provide funding to
government agencies, political parties, or organisations that are not based in Africa. ADF does not provide support to individuals.

ADF provides unsolicited grant support for projects focused on the development of micro- and small
enterprises, export trade and investment activities of small and medium-scale enterprises, and
participatory community development projects. ADF may from time to time issue a Request for
Applications (RFAs) for other activities.

General eligibility requirements

To be eligible for funding, groups meeting the above-mentioned criteria must complete the application form and submit a proposal. The application should demonstrate at a minimum that the group: is or will be a legally recognised African entity; has experience working together successfully as a group - i.e., a successful track record; has shared goals and agree on the problem to be addressed; has a
functional management and organisational structure; has a reputation for honesty and the capability to
handle and manage funds; and proposes a project that meets ADF funding criteria.

General selection criteria

In determining which applicants will be considered for funding, ADF considers and weighs those that submit evidence that the project:

• originates from a community-based organisation and benefits the local community;
• responds to the needs of the underserved;
• shows evidence of community members’ involvement and participation in the design,
  implementation, and management of the project; and
• has clearly defined, measurable and achievable goals and objectives.

Click here to download more information and application forms in English as a PDF file.

Click here to download more information and application forms in French as a PDF file.