The Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) has launched the NGO Support Initiative, a mentorship-driven capacity-building program designed to empower 17 Nigerian NGOs affected by recent USAID funding disruptions. The initiative aims to safeguard Nigeria’s civil society sector, particularly organizations promoting social inclusion, women’s rights, and good governance, by providing resources, guidance, and strategic support to help them attract new donors and achieve sustainability. Over N150 million has been allocated under the initiative, impacting thousands of vulnerable individuals, women, and children across local communities.
The programme pairs each participating NGO with an experienced development practitioner for a structured six-month mentorship. This mentorship focuses on strategic planning, financial management, communications, monitoring and evaluation, donor engagement, proposal writing, compliance readiness, and donor mapping. By equipping NGOs with these skills, the initiative prepares them to meet rigorous donor criteria and thrive in competitive funding environments, fostering both short-term resilience and long-term self-reliance.
Beyond individual mentoring, the NGO Support Initiative fosters a community of practice among participants, encouraging peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences. This approach enables local organizations to build strong networks, form partnerships, and develop joint action plans, creating a sustainable foundation for locally led civil society efforts.
Early feedback from participants indicates a renewed sense of confidence and capability. NGOs report improvements in accountability, proposal writing, and donor engagement, allowing them to pursue independent funding opportunities and restore their organizational operations after the withdrawal of previous support.
The dRPC initiative aligns with global trends emphasizing localization in development cooperation. By combining mentorship, capacity building, and local leadership, it offers a practical model for rebuilding Nigeria’s civil society infrastructure. The program calls on international donors, foundations, and development agencies to support and scale up the approach, ensuring that local NGOs remain accountable, effective, and capable of sustaining development impact while also mentoring future community-based organizations.
