Empowering Change: Grants Available for Women and Youth-Led Organizations in Nigeria
The Atiku Institute for Development, in partnership with UNFPA and the American University of Nigeria (AUN), and with funding from the Norwegian Government, is offering small grants to women and youth-led organizations in Nigeria. This initiative aims to bolster their capacity to address critical issues such as gender-based violence in emergencies (GBViE), sexual and reproductive health in emergencies (SRHiE), and to promote livelihood and protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
Driving Social Change: The Role of WLOs and YLOs
Women-led and youth-led organizations (WLOs and YLOs) are pivotal in advancing gender equality, advocating for women’s rights, and tackling issues that disproportionately affect women and girls. These organizations are crucial for amplifying women’s voices and instigating social, economic, and political transformation. UNFPA provides essential technical support and guidance to these groups, focusing on effective service delivery, accountability, organizational management, and sustainable development.
Grant Focus and Objectives
This call for applications seeks to provide micro-grants to 72 eligible WLOs and YLOs across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states. The objective is to enhance their ability to implement community-level capacity-building actions for the prevention and response to GBViE and SRHiE initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Target Regions: Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states.
- Thematic Areas: Proposals must address GBViE, SRHiE, and youth and women empowerment.
- Organizational Focus: Support for women-led organizations (majority women in leadership) and youth-led organizations (at least 70% youth membership/staff).
- Inclusivity: Encouragement for proposals that ensure disability inclusion and address the principle of "Leaving No One Behind."
- Integrated Approaches: Proposals should seek to integrate peacebuilding and environmental protection programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for these grants, organizations must meet specific criteria:
- Thematic Alignment: Proposals must align with GBViE, SRHiE, and youth and women empowerment.
- Leadership Structure: Organizations must be either women-led (with more women in board or leadership positions) or youth-led (with at least 70% youth membership and staff).
- Financial Management: A valid accounting system with separation of powers is required.
- Registration: Must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and provide verifiable copies of certificates with RC numbers.
- Experience: Photo evidence of previous engagements over the past two years is necessary.
- Inclusion: Proposals that promote disability inclusion and the "Leaving No One Behind" principle are highly encouraged.
- Holistic Approach: Integration of peacebuilding and environmental protection programs is a plus.
Application Details
Organizations can apply for only one grant. The deadline for applications is April 12, 2025. Further information can be found through the Atiku Institute for Development.
