Grant funding isn't just a buzzword, but a catalyst for tangible impact. In Africa, and Nigeria especially, where many brilliant ideas and promising interventions don’t see the light of day due to financial barriers, grant funding offers the key to jump from paper to reality. But here's the thing: not every project or organization is cut out for every grant.

If you're hunting for grants, you're probably asking yourself, "Is my project the right type for these grants? Can my organization really make a difference with this funding?"

In this blog post, we're going to clear up all that confusion. We’ll walk you through who's who and what's what in the grant world. It’s like having a map in a treasure hunt – we’ll show you what types of projects and organizations are likely to hit the jackpot with grant funding. Let’s get started and see if your project is ready to shine!

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Fundable organizations 

If your organization falls into one of the categories below, you’ve crossed the initial eligibility threshold for many grant opportunities.

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1. Nonprofit Organizations

All nonprofits are eligible for grant funding. The nonprofit status is a tax designation, indicating that the organization exists to serve a charitable or other socially beneficial purpose. It is established with zero interest in making profits but in the case of profit, the surplus funds are reinvested into the organization's mission rather than distributed to owners or shareholders. They come in diverse forms with each having a unique mission. 

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• Non-governmental organizations: are a subset of nonprofit organizations that operate independently of government control. They are independent but may collaborate with governments or other entities on specific projects. All NGOs are nonprofit but not all nonprofits are NGOs. Examples are World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, etc. 

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• Charity organization: this entity addresses immediate needs, from hunger relief to disaster response. Foundations, like pillars of support, provide long-term funding for societal change, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, and social justice. Examples are Tony Elumelu Foundation, Bill Gates Foundation, etc. 

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• Civil Society Organization (CSO): CSOs operate at a broader level, often encompassing regional, national, or even international spheres. They address a wide range of issues, including human rights, environmental protection, governance, and social justice, with an impact that extends beyond individual communities. CSOs are frequently engaged in advocacy, lobbying, and policy-related activities.

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• Community-based organizations, deeply rooted in local contexts, tackle grassroots challenges, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. CBOs are rooted in specific communities or localities, addressing issues that directly affect those communities. They often have a grassroots orientation and work closely with the residents they serve, tailoring their activities to meet the specific needs of the community.

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2. Government Agencies

Government agencies are eligible for grant funding because they are stewards of public welfare and they operate in strata. They are in existence to address the myriads of people they govern. It is their primary right, unlike nonprofit organizations. The different levels of government eligible for funding are.  

• Local governments are the closest to the people and are often referred to as frontline responders. Their responsibilities include community development, infrastructure, and public services. 
• State governments are the intermediary between local and federal governments. Their scope is wider and broader than the first and includes statewide projects on enhancing education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. 
• Federal government focuses on national development through large-scale initiatives and nationwide infrastructure projects. 

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3. Educational Institutions

Educational institutions, especially colleges and universities, are eligible for grant funding. These institutions are involved in knowledge creation, groundbreaking research, infrastructure development, and shaping the minds of future leaders. The list also includes vocational training centers.

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4. Small Businesses/Startups

Startups and SMEs are eligible for grant funding because their existence is tied to needing financial support. While they are by default eligible, a premium is placed on their commitment to social impact, sustainability, or technological advancement. To stand a better chance, startups must have a clear mission, robust business plans, and commitment to community development. 

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5. Research Institutions

Research institutions, by the nature of what they do, are eligible for grant funding. The outcomes of their work lead to scientific and academic progress, medical advancements, and technological innovations. There are conditions attached to meriting grant funding in this sphere and they include rigorous peer-review processes, well-defined research objectives, and a demonstrated commitment to disseminating findings for the betterment of society. 

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Fundable activity 

The first half of the question has been answered, now we are on to the second part. What activities can be funded? 

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1. Physical projects grants:

There is grant funding for every project so long as it has a potential positive impact on the beneficiaries. Projects in this sense can be educational, financial, occupational, or medical.  Grants for projects are typically awarded for a fixed period and require organizations to outline clear objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. A typical example will be Addax & oryx grant as well as the Reece Foundation grant. All the above-mentioned organizations except research institutions and startups are qualified for funding for this activity.

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2. Training and capacity-building grants

For some societal challenges like skill mismatch which is a lack of manpower for existing jobs, training beneficiaries in the needed skills is the solution. Training grants are a type of funding provided to support initiatives focused on skill development, education, and training programs. These grants aim to enhance the capabilities of individuals, organizations, or communities by providing resources for learning and capacity-building activities. Examples of training grants are TVET and EU-SIFA. All the above-mentioned organizations except research institutions and startups are qualified for funding for this activity.

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3. Research grants 

Research grants are financial awards provided to support the undertaking of research projects. The financial support funds the investigation of a specific question, problem, or hypothesis and supports the creation of new knowledge. Research grants contribute to advancements in science, technology, social sciences, humanities, and other fields. The Chief S. L. Edu Ph.D. research grant is a good example. These activities are often exclusive to universities and research institutions. 

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4. Innovation Grants:

Innovation grants are for creative and outside-the-box approaches to problem-solving. These grants are often awarded to organizations that propose innovative products or services using cutting-edge technologies, implement novel social programs, or introduce innovative business models. With the world increasingly adopting AI, activities incorporating AI are the best fit for innovation grants. Bill and Melinda Gates Health, as well as OpenAI grants come to mind. Startups are the most qualified for this. 

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Conclusion 

Think of chasing grant funding without knowing the rules like entering a maze blindfolded. You might wander aimlessly, hoping to stumble upon the exit, but chances are, you'll end up going in circles. 

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The journey to successful grant funding doesn't just start with impressing the reviewers; it starts with you choosing the right path for your organization and project. It's like packing for a trip – you need to know the destination to bring the right gear. Get familiar with the eligibility criteria of each grant opportunity. 

This knowledge is your compass, helping you navigate the grant world more effectively. Now that you're equipped with the essentials – understanding what and who is fundable – remember, the real magic in securing grants lies in applying with a clear goal and a sharp strategy. You're not just throwing darts in the dark; you're aiming with purpose and precision. So, take a deep breath, you've got this – your journey to making a difference starts now!

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