The US African Development Foundation | Grants for African CBOs

The United States African Development Foundation (ADF) is an independent Federal agency established to support African‐designed and African‐driven solutions that address grassroots economic and social problems. USADF provides grants of up to $250,000 directly to underserved and marginalized community groups and enterprises. The grants help organizations create tangible benefits such as increasing or sustaining the number of jobs in a community, improving income levels, and addressing social development needs.

Program Characteristics

• Grant Size: Up to $20,000 (preferably $5,000 ‐ $10,000)

• Duration: Up to 12 months

• Review Cycles: Open

• Disbursements: Direct to Grantee or Third Party, Usually only 1 or 2 disbursements.

• Monitoring: Closeout Report

Application Process

In order to simplify the USADF funding process to accommodate the Self Help programs in various countries, USADF will rely on the application and screening processes required by the individual Ambassadors’ Special Self Help Programs. To support the decision to fund a particular project, when submitting the application to USADF, a Site Visit Report and a Recommendation from the Self Help Coordinator should also be submitted.

During the Site Visit, the Self Help Coordinator will work with the applicant to refine the project activities and budget. The recommendation to fund can be included in the Site Visit Report or as a separate memo as long as it confirms that the applicant meets the Self Help funding criteria and the seven USADF eligibility requirements (listed below). The recommended funding should be provided in USD. In cases where there is not a defined project application, the proposals submitted to USADF should include the following minimum information:

Organization Eligibility Requirements:

1. The organization must consist solely of indigenous Africans.

2. The organization and/or its members are nationals of the host country.

3. The organization must be a legally registered African entity.

4. The organization has successfully worked together and has the potential to productively utilize development funds.

5. The ownership and management must be in agreement on the problem to be addressed and have a commitment to benefit their community.

6. The organization represents a marginalized or under‐served community.

7. The outcome of the project must provide real (measurable) benefits to the community. Benefits include job creation, increased incomes levels, improved market access, and quality of life improvements.

For more information & application, click here.