There's a secret database that contains the exact formulas for winning every major grant, yet 99% of applicants never look at it. This bank of treasure reveals precisely what funders actually fund, the language that wins, the types of projects they prefer, and the approaches that consistently succeed. The database is completely free...

You know that feeling when you're stuck in traffic and everyone seems to be moving except you? That's exactly how grant seeking feels for most people. While some entrepreneurs and nonprofits seem to effortlessly secure funding, you're sitting there with a brilliant idea and empty pockets, wondering what magic formula they've discovered. The good news? There's no magic. The pattern is clear, and it comes down to three specific elements that winning proposals share.

This is the silent killer of grant applications that nobody warns you about. We obsess over writing the perfect proposal, agonising over every word and statistic, but completely forget that most serious grants require you to...

Grant funding operates on mathematical principles that most organisations completely ignore. The most successful grant winners understand that consistent application submission creates inevitable success, regardless of individual outcomes. While amateur grant seekers get devastated by single rejections, professional organisations play the volume game that turns rejection into an advantage and persistence into predictable revenue.

Despite all the noise and complexity, grant success really comes down to just two fundamental things. Master these, and you'll cut through the confusion like a hot knife through butter.

If you're reading this after another grant rejection email, take a deep breath. You're not alone. The grant funding landscape in Africa is competitive, with countless brilliant initiatives struggling to secure the vital resources they need. But what if the problem isn't your project, but your strategy?

Most NGOs and SMEs in Africa submit fewer than three grant applications per year, then wonder why funding remains elusive. Meanwhile, organizations like Crop2Cash secure $400,000 grants, social entrepreneurs win $38,000 in under twelve months, and community foundations land ₦32 million in funding. The difference isn't luck, connections, or even better projects. It's understanding that grant funding operates on mathematical principles...

While everyone focuses on mastering full grant proposals, EOIs quietly determine which organisations get invited to submit those proposals in the first place. These deceptively simple documents serve as gatekeepers to millions in funding opportunities...

There's a strategy that wins grant funding with remarkable consistency, yet 95% of grant seekers never discover it. This approach works regardless of your organisation's size, project type, or funding amount. It succeeds with federal agencies, private foundations, and corporate funders alike.

This 60-second rule is the invisible filter that eliminates most grant applications before they're truly considered, and it has nothing to do with the quality of your writing or the importance of your cause. It's ruthlessly simple...

Congratulations on winning your grant. You beat the odds, impressed the reviewers, and secured the funding you desperately needed. Winning the grant was actually the easy part. The real test begins now, and failure at this stage may destroy your reputation...

Some years ago, what seemed like a perfect youth development program was funded. The proposal was brilliant, the team passionate, and the initial results exceeded all expectations. Children were thriving, test scores improved, and the community was engaged. Then the funding period ended. Within six months, the program had completely shut down, leaving those same children without support and the community wondering what went wrong.

The principal thing in winning grants isn't perfect writing, insider connections, or even having the best project. It's something far simpler yet infinitely more powerful: the ability to see your proposal through the funder's eyes instead of your own.

Grant writing isn't mysterious or political. It's a skill with specific principles that, when mastered, dramatically increases your success rate. After reviewing thousands of proposals and funding hundreds of projects, we can tell you that winning applications share three common characteristics that most people completely overlook.

The reality is that grant success requires more than just good writing. It demands a strategic approach that goes beyond outsourcing to building internal capabilities and long-term relationships. Here are three tips that can help you...

You pour weeks into crafting what feels like a winning application, only to face another "thanks but no thanks" response. You start wondering if the whole system is rigged, if success is just about connections, or if you're missing some secret formula that everyone else seems to know. The mistake wasn't in your writing, your qualifications, or your project design. It was something far more fundamental and infinitely more costly.

This blog post exposes the three most dangerous grant scams currently circulating and provides clear warning signs to help you protect your organization. If you're actively pursuing grants this year, understanding these scams is essential to safeguarding your financial resources and organizational reputation.

The frustration is real, and you're starting to wonder if there's actually funding out there for people like you. But what if the problem isn't that opportunities don't exist? What if the real issue is that you're looking for them in all the wrong places?

You've spent hours searching grant databases. You've read countless funding guidelines. Yet that perfect match, the grant opportunity that seems written specifically for your organization's work, remains frustratingly elusive. If you're nodding in recognition, you're facing one of the most common challenges in grant seeking...

You've identified a pressing social problem. You've assembled a passionate team. Your vision for change is crystal clear in your mind. Now it's time to secure that grant funding and change the world, right? Not so fast.

Have you ever submitted what you thought was a perfect grant application, only to receive that dreaded rejection email weeks later? You're not alone. At Grant Master, we have reviewed thousands of grant proposals, and trained many organizations to win grants, and in our journey, we have witnessed countless passionate, qualified organizations fall victim to the same invisible trap. Today, we are breaking the code of silence...

You've spent weeks crafting your grant proposal. You've polished your organization description until it’s glittering like gold. Your budget spreadsheet is a mathematical masterpiece. Yet something is still missing, that elusive element that transforms good proposals into funded ones. Having reviewed hundreds of grant proposals and helped our clients & students secure over $30 million in funding, we are about to share the uncomfortable truth about the section most applicants tragically underestimate.

Have you ever wondered why some organizations seem to effortlessly secure grant funding while others struggle for years without success? The difference isn't luck, connections, or even having a better cause. It's about understanding the unwritten rules of the grant game, rules that most applicants never learn.

Have you spent countless hours scouring the internet for grant opportunities, only to find most of them aren't a good fit? You're not alone.

Here's the uncomfortable truth about grant funding that nobody talks about: most organizations spend countless hours searching for grants that fit their existing projects, when they should be designing projects that fit what funders actually want to support.

At Grant Master, after reviewing thousands of proposals, we've noticed unmistakable patterns that instantly signal a proposal's fate.

Grant writing intimidates many founders. The process seems complex, overwhelming, and filled with unknown territories. But with the right approach, you can transform this challenge into a strategic opportunity for your venture.

Many attend multiple grant writing schools, hoping to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to craft winning proposals. However, repeatedly, these programs fall short of their lofty promises

The euphoria of securing financial support can quickly fade...

How do funders actually score your grant proposals? This insider look reveals the specific evaluation criteria and scoring systems used by major grant providers in 2025.

The frustration is real.

Many startup and NGO founders dismiss grant opportunities that primarily offer in-kind support, fixating instead on cash-based funding.

When it comes to applying for grants, one of the most common questions grant seekers wrestle with is this:

As funding opportunities expand across the global startup ecosystem, grant scams have become increasingly sophisticated.

As a grant seeker, securing grant funding can be a game-changer, providing the necessary resources to turn your innovative ideas into reality.

In the world of grant funding, one big question stands out: "How do we convince grantors we can sustain our project's impact after the grant ends?" Funders want more than quick results; they want lasting change.

Grant funding is a cutthroat game. More grant seekers, less cash to go around. But if you've got an original, impactful idea, you're already halfway there.

Imagine receiving news that your grant application has been approved—it's like the moment a runner crosses the finish line after a gruelling marathon.

Two things are not news anymore. One, grant funding is fiercely competitive. Two, you can win. We know what your question is: how? Grant funding is in three stages.

When seeking grant funding, demonstrating ownership and authenticity in your project idea is crucial. Funders want to support innovative solutions from the founder's heart, not borrowed or copied concepts.

At Grant Master, we've helped countless startups and NGOs secure millions of dollars in grant funding. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on the exact strategies that work.

Imagine losing a funding opportunity because you didn't cross your T's and dot your I's. Painful and heartbreaking, isn't it? As a new founder, you're eager to chase grant funding opportunities for your impactful project idea.

This dilemma is common among African startup founders. Hiring professional help costs money, which most early-stage startups lack. But a well-crafted grant application could mean the difference between securing life-changing funding and another rejection.

In this post, I'm going to show you how to take your grant proposal from average to exceptional. These are the exact strategies we've used to help our clients secure millions in funding at Grant Master.

Look, I get it. You've got a killer idea, but the funding just isn't there yet. And let's face it – the competition for grants is fierce. But don't worry, I've got your back.

As the sun rises over the streets of Nairobi, Sarah wipes the sleep from her eyes and powers up her laptop. Another day, another grant application.

Meet Tunde, a young entrepreneur who lives in Kano, Nigeria. He had a brilliant idea for a tech startup that could transform the agricultural sector in Africa.

In Africa, community trust is essential. This is especially true for securing funding for your organization. Many deserving causes and entrepreneurs struggle to get financial support because donors and grantmakers don't know enough about them.

Meet Ada, a Nigerian startup entrepreneur who uses technology to solve social problems. Ada, an introvert, struggled with networking and presentations.

Dear founders, the challenge of securing funding to start or scale your operations is a common one. You might have exhausted your bootstrapped funds and are considering a loan.

As a newbie grant seeker, you've probably heard a lot about grant funding and how applications are often rejected en masse. What you might not know is why over 90% of submitted grant applications get rejected.

As a startup, crafting a robust business plan or concept note is essential for securing funding and achieving operational success.

Getting grants can greatly benefit organizations and initiatives, but understanding and meeting unique requirements for credentials and documents is crucial.

To scale through the sea of grant applications, demonstrating the potential impact and outcomes of your project is crucial. Grantors want more than well-written proposals; they need clear evidence that your project will create meaningful change.

The arts and culture sector is a vibrant world of creators, innovators, and visionaries. From music and film to visual and performing arts, this sector is a vital part of our society and economy.

A well-crafted business plan is crucial. It serves as a roadmap, guiding your decisions and actions toward achieving your goals. In this post, we'll walk you through the essential components of a business plan to help you get started.

Are you struggling to secure funding for your startup? Your startup team composition may be the culprit behind your multiple rejected proposals and missed funding opportunities. 18% of startups fail due to team problems and other human-resource-related issues, according to multiple sources.

Submitting a grant proposal can be a nerve-wracking experience. You've invested time, energy, and resources into crafting a compelling and well-prepared application, and now it's in the hands of the grantor.

Getting funding as a startup is tough, and grants can make a big difference. But with little history, it’s hard to prove you’re capable.

Securing funding is a constant challenge for both non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and innovative startups. Grant opportunities are increasingly competitive, with stringent eligibility criteria narrowing the applicant pool.

Applying for grants can be a daunting task, especially for African NGOs and startups eager to secure funding for their projects.

Your organization can lose its reputation post-funding if found guilty of falsification at any stage of the application. This is in addition to withdrawal if funding has been disbursed.

Securing grant funding is a dream come true for many organizations, whether it’s a non-governmental organization (NGO) or a startup.

Nigeria's tech startups, according to Voice of America are facing reluctance from investors, stemming from the shutdown of some prominent young companies last year.

One of the most critical components of a grant proposal is the budget. However, many grant seekers often overlook or misunderstand the importance of including contingency funding in their budget. 

For NGOs, waiting for funding opportunities can be a long and challenging process. However, that doesn't mean you have to put your mission on hold. Aside from cutting costs and optimizing resource use, with limited resources, you can still make a significant impact and set yourself up for success when grant funding becomes available.

Grant funding is crucial for supporting NGOs and startups in driving sustainable development, economic growth, and positive social impact across Africa. From building infrastructure and delivering health services to implementing educational programs and advancing research, grants provide the financial backbone for turning visions into reality.

Funding sustainability is a critical concern for businesses, nonprofits as well as other organizations that rely on external funding to support their mission and programs.

Getting grants can be a big win for start-ups, SMEs, and nonprofits. With the right funding, you can scale programs, hire staff, and make a bigger impact.

For African startup and NGO founders, securing grant funding is a journey filled with hurdles and opportunities.

You've poured your heart into your grant application, meticulously crafting each section. But just before hitting submit, there's one last query: provide your social media handles.

A well-crafted proposal can help you secure the funding you need to support your mission and make a difference in your community.

While the allure of quick alternative financing sources can be tempting when faced with rejection from grant opportunities, it's crucial to understand the potential pitfalls that may jeopardize your long-term success.

NGOs address pressing global and local issues with a commitment unmatched by profit-driven entities.

Do you run a nonprofit organization that relies on grant funding to drive your mission forward?

Are you an entrepreneur or organization striving to make the world a better place through sustainable initiatives? Incorporating eco-friendly practices into your work can make you a shining star to grant funders who prioritize projects that protect our planet.

You've poured your heart and soul into crafting the perfect grant proposal. Every word has been meticulously chosen, every statistic carefully checked, and every argument skillfully presented.

Imagine pouring your heart and soul into crafting what you believe is the perfect grant proposal. Your team toils night and day, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of securing that life-changing grant.

The sting of grant rejection can be disheartening, especially when it becomes a recurring pattern. We've all been there – pouring our hearts into a proposal, only to face the bitter disappointment of rejection.

Are you a grant seeker, eagerly hunting for funding to fuel your organization's mission? The excitement of potential grants can sometimes lead us to jump at every opportunity that comes our way, like a kid in a candy store.

Those two little words – "Matching Funds" – hold the power to unlock a world of possibilities for organizations seeking funding for their impactful projects.

Are you a changemaker struggling to get the word out about your important work? Do you dream of seeing the positive changes made possible by your grant ripple across communities? Social media isn't just about connecting with friends anymore – it's your key to unlocking a wider world of supporters and making your impact truly felt.

Imagine a world where brilliant minds from all walks of life have an equal shot at turning their ground-breaking ideas into reality. A world where your background, identity, or zip code doesn't determine whether your vision gets funded or fades into obscurity.

Securing ongoing funding is a major challenge for African startups. While grants provide crucial support, they eventually expire. To avoid the risk of closure post-funding, strategic planning is vital to keep the startup in operation.

Beyond securing financial support, the grant application process can be a game-changer, equipping you with invaluable skills, connections, and insights that will propel your venture to new heights

Grants provide a lifeline for cash-strapped startups and nonprofits. But not all grants are created equal. Matching fund grants up the ante by requiring recipients to contribute a portion of the funding.

Securing grant funding is the lifeblood for African organizations with big dreams but empty pockets. It's what transforms an idea scribbled on the back of a napkin into a high-impact project or initiative.

The quality of a startup’s leadership, team composition, and dynamic is critical to securing funding for long-term success. This article explores what a startup needs to position itself for funding. 

Many promising African startups fail in their first years of operation. High startup failure rates plague African countries like Kenya (24%), South Africa (42%), and Nigeria (33%), [Statista, 2020]. Reasons range from financial constraints to competition, team issues, regulations, acquisition troubles, and more.

In the world of impact-driven work, grant funding is like oxygen – it allows your mission to breathe, grow, and reach its full potential. But with more organizations chasing limited funds, how do you write a proposal that truly shines?

In today's fast-paced world, your NGO competes for attention, funding, and support. That's where storytelling becomes your greatest asset. A well-crafted story can cut through the noise, capturing hearts and inspiring action in ways that statistics and project lists never will.

Securing startup grants can be a major milestone for young African companies. However, the journey from proposal to project execution rarely goes exactly as planned.

Across Africa, nonprofit organizations are on the frontlines driving grassroots social change in underserved communities. Their programs aim to uplift lives by improving access, building capacity and empowering change.

Raising capital is a pivotal moment for any new business. A persuasive investor pitch deck is essential to secure the funding you need to get your startup off the ground.

Finding enough capital is a crucial hurdle for any startup founder. With limited personal finances, where can early-stage entrepreneurs secure the resources to turn their ideas into thriving companies?

As competition grows for limited grant money, nonprofits and startups need creative strategies to stand out to potential funders. This article explores three innovative approaches to help your organization secure the crucial funding it needs to drive impact.

Securing funding remains an ongoing struggle for many African startups and NGOs trying to drive meaningful impact. However, many myths and misconceptions about startup funding often hold entrepreneurs back from getting the financial support and investment they need.

Compelling stories are a critical key for African nonprofits to open doors to crucial funding and community backing. By balancing empathy and results in their narratives, NGOs can stir funders’ hearts while spotlighting on-the-ground needs.

Research drives progress. Without it, society misses out on groundbreaking discoveries and solutions to complex problems. However, quality research requires adequate funding

Grant application portals serve as gateways to secure critical funding for your visionary projects and innovative ideas. However, for first-time applicants, navigating these digital platforms can feel like an overwhelming odyssey into unfamiliar territory.

The nonprofit grant landscape is shifting rapidly. Major changes are on the horizon that could make or break your organization's funding.

Grant funding beckons like a golden key, promising to unlock the doors to your ambition. A new business, a social enterprise, a nonprofit dream – all seemingly poised to take flight with the right injection of financial fuel.

Imagine walking down the streets of your community, witnessing potential in every corner. You see the old library that could do with a technology upgrade, the promising start-up that struggles to scale due to lack of funding, or the local park that could be transformed into a haven for children with just a little financial support.

Searching for grants can feel like hunting for gold in a sea of opportunities. But staying up-to-date is key to strike funding gold for your African startup or organization.

With 6X more unrestricted funding, you could exponentially grow your ability to drive meaningful change.

Securing competitive grant funding is far from simple. Producing proposals that truly capture funders' attention and imagination requires skills bordering on artistry.

Unlike loans, grants are non-repayable funds or products disbursed by grant makers, often a government department, corporation, foundation, or trust, to a recipient, often (but not always) a nonprofit entity, educational institution, business, or individual.

The world of grant-seeking is often filled with anticipation and uncertainty. Imagine, if you will, the thrill and excitement of hitting the 'submit' button on your meticulously prepared grant application.

The long-term impact section of a grant proposal is where your vision for the future takes shape. It's not just about the immediate outcomes but the enduring legacy of your project.

When it comes to grant writing, there is a common misconception that it follows a one-size-fits-all approach.

In the high-stakes world of grant seeking, application deadlines are make-or-break. Miss the cutoff date by even a few hours, and your hopes of securing critical funding sail away.

As a grant seeker, entrepreneur, and start-up founder, you are no stranger to the rollercoaster ride of emotions that comes with pursuing funding for your projects.

Impact-driven initiatives are at the forefront of societal transformation. These initiatives go beyond traditional charity work and instead focus on creating sustainable and long-lasting change.

Take, for example, two entrepreneurs brimming with the same passion and vision, both ready to transform their dreams into reality. They have their business plans all mapped out, their target market defined, and their goals set. Y

Imagine yourself sitting in a room, anxiously waiting for your turn to impress a panel of grant funders. The air is thick with anticipation as you rehearse your answers in your head, hoping to secure the funding you need to bring your project to life.

MrBeast recently broke the internet when He announced that He built 100 wells in Africa to provide clean drinking water to an estimated 500,000 people across 5 African countries.

If you're an aspiring startup founder in Africa, understanding the landscape of grant funding is crucial to your venture's success.

Are you a startup founder seeking funding for your project but unsure which grants to pursue? You're not alone. Many startups struggle to find funding sources that fit their needs.

Congratulations on securing a new grant for your startup! While this funding doesn't require repayment, it comes with an expectation of accountability and performance.

Grant writing is a meticulous and strategic process where language and presentation significantly influence the outcome

Have you ever considered how many African organizations owe their existence to grant funding? The transformative impact of grant funding on African NGOs and startups is monumental.

Securing financial support through grant proposals is a challenging yet crucial endeavour, especially for organisations operating in Africa. The budget component of a grant proposal is particularly pivotal in this process.

Morning Glory is a nonprofit youth center providing critical services to vulnerable children in the community. Its after-school programs give children safe places to play and access tutoring to stay in school.

If what you get a few weeks after submitting a grant proposal in your mailbox is “thank you for…,” instead of “congratulations”, this blog post is for you.

How can grantees transform grant funding into a catalyst for far-reaching impact? This pivotal question is at the heart of any nonprofit or social enterprise's mission. Securing a grant is just the beginning – the true journey starts with the strategic use of these funds.

For early-stage startups, getting access to the right resources and support can be make or break. Incubator and accelerator programs are dedicated to providing startups with the tools they need to survive the critical first few years and hopefully thrive.

Welcome to the ultimate guide designed to empower early-stage startups in Nigeria with the essential roadmap for securing grant funding.

In the competitive grant seeking arena, rejection is a reality every applicant must prepare for. But declining proposals is rarely arbitrary or personal.

Securing grant funding can be an absolute game-changer for early-stage startups, providing critical resources to transform ideas into reality.

Misconceptions about grant funding processes abound, leaving many early-stage startup founders feeling discouraged and uncertain.

Recently, TechCabal broke the news that DASH, a Ghanaian fintech startup, had closed its doors for good. Surprisingly, lack of funds wasn't the culprit; the company had raised an impressive $86.1 million in just five years. The real reason for its downfall? Mismanagement.

The landscape of grant funding is as dynamic as the world itself. As we navigate through seismic shifts in society and technology, funding organizations are also evolving.

Gender disparity is a pervasive issue even within the startup ecosystem. In Nigeria, this divide is apparent.

Getting funding isn’t just about having a great idea and writing a good proposal anymore. If the team behind a startup isn’t skilled or experienced, it can hurt the startup's chances of getting the funds they need.

Every startup’s journey is littered with obstacles, and perhaps one of the most daunting is securing that all-important funding.

Startups and the need for funding go hand in hand, like two inseparable companions. Among the various funding options available, grants stand out because they rarely come with strings attached.

An elevator pitch is a familiar concept, often associated with the quick sell of an idea in the time it takes an elevator to reach its destination.

Although available year-round and non-refundable, grant funding is not simply given to startups without purpose.

If you're a founder wondering, "How do I navigate this maze and emerge successfully?" — you're in the right place.

Imagine you're shopping for shoes. You wouldn't buy every attractive pair you see, right? You'd look for the one that fits, matches your style, and feels comfortable.

In our previous blog post, we discussed grant reporting and how a grant report's integrity and thoroughness significantly impact the relationship between a grantor and a grantee.

At its core, a grant report is a structured document that offers insights into the progression of a project, delineating expenditures, achieved objectives, and the resultant impact.

Only a small fraction of grant proposals submitted actually receive funding. Faced with such steep competition, it's essential to leverage every advantage possible. Unlike other writing endeavors, crafting a grant proposal is a distinct challenge. 

The recent splash of $5,000,000 by Bill and Melinda Gates on 50 AI-related projects—with four Nigerian founders emerging as victors—is emblematic of a paradigm shift.

Ever felt like grant funding applications come with their own secret language? For many startups and entrepreneurs, wading through the maze of grant jargon can be as challenging as designing the next big product.

Ifeoluwa, the force behind Soupah Kitchen in Ibadan, showcased the power of grant utilization when she emerged as one of the winners of the 2021 YouthADAPT Solutions Challenge.

Navigating the grant funding terrain can be both intimidating and opportunistic. For your startup to secure a share of the available funding, you need to strategically convey the potential impact of your project.

The Odongunyan community in Olokodana State is grappling with an ecological crisis. A vandalized pipeline has led to an oil spill in the local stream - the community's primary water source.

In 2022, Disrupt Africa reported that 633 African startups raised a combined $3.3 billion. Fast forward to the first half of 2023, TechPoint Africa reported that $1.4 billion had already been raised.

Think of grant funding as the rocket fuel propelling your startup to stratospheric heights, equipping you with resources and shielding you from financial turbulence during the early stages.

Grant funding, a concept deeply rooted in history, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Before the rise to prominence of the modern-day kind of grant funding during the mid-20th century, it was the sole responsibility of the government to give grant-in-aid to the sub-government.

Securing a grant is akin to cracking a code - it requires precision, dedication, and a thorough understanding of the process.

A financial plan is like a see-through window that allows funders to have a peep at how the organization will spend their money. It outlines an organization's financial goals, strategies, and actions.

Securing grant funding can be a game-changer for startups, providing essential resources to fuel growth and innovation. However, with stiff competition, it's crucial to stand out from the crowd.

Think about a farmer during the rainy season. He doesn't have to worry about watering his crops; nature takes care of that. Now, imagine that the farmer represents your startup, and the rain is grant funding.

The journey of a startup can be likened to nurturing a seedling into a tree; both require essential resources to grow.

As grant writers, we see ourselves as skilled sailors, navigating the turbulent seas of funding opportunities with your promising ideas aboard.

In the world of nonprofits and research institutions, winning grants is as critical as acing an Olympic gymnastics routine. It requires precision, practice, and the ability to stick the landing.

Scenario: Consider yourself on the ground floor of a building at 8:50 am and you are to submit a file before the deadline of 9:00 am on the thirtieth floor of the same building.

As rightfully stated by Sir Isaac Newton, to see further than others, one must stand on the shoulders of giants. Navigating the terrain of securing grant funding is a critical venture, yet crafting a compelling grant application is a formidable task.

Grants – these coveted treasures are the lifeblood for SMEs desiring to scale their ventures without the weighty shackles of debt or relinquishing equity.

 Think of a tiny seedling, planted near a gushing river, sprouting into a lush, majestic tree. This is what grant funding can do for SMEs - transform them into flourishing enterprises.

Much like traversing a dense jungle, grant applications can be challenging and complex for SMEs seeking funding to fuel their growth.

In the vast savannah of Africa's business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are akin to the agile gazelles that gracefully navigate the terrain.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Africa's economy, driving innovation and job creation.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of innovation, dynamically fueling various sectors and industries. Like countless brushstrokes creating a vibrant painting, SMEs enrich the business landscape.

Securing grant funding can feel like unlocking a hidden treasure, but the journey towards writing a successful proposal can be complex and challenging.

Picture a fisherman navigating through stormy waters in a small boat, skillfully steering his vessel to avoid the perilous waves and obstacles on his way to the shore.

Rejection can feel like pouring your heart and soul into cultivating a garden, only to see your efforts fail to bear fruit. The disappointment experienced by grant seekers when a proposal is rejected is no exception.

Securing a grant is similar to orchestrating a symphony: each individual component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious outcome.

As a for-profit startup, securing grant funding can feel like an uphill battle, similar to climbing Mount Everest without proper equipment. It's no secret that nonprofit organizations often have an easier time attracting grant money,

Imagine this: organizations with groundbreaking ideas and projects that could transform lives and entire communities. Sounds incredible, right? But there's one major obstacle that keeps these amazing ideas from becoming a reality: funding.

Welcome to the concluding part of the series. In this blog post, we will explore seven ways in which using facts can boost your grant proposal's success rate.

Hello! Welcome to the third installment in the series. We have shared with you what facts and data are and how their use can boost your grant-winning chances.

Grants are a key source of funding for many organizations, and a well-crafted grant proposal can make all the difference in securing those funds.

While storytelling is an important part of any grant proposal, it's not enough on its own. A compelling narrative can help the grant committee understand the human impact of your project,

Stakeholders are individuals or organizations that have an interest in, or are affected by, a particular project or initiative. They can include project beneficiaries, grant makers, government agencies, businesses, NGOs, and others.

Grant funding is a vital source of financing for social impact projects, but navigating the legal and ethical landscape can be a daunting task.

When I first started designing projects for social impact, one of the scariest and most confusing concepts I came across was theory of change. Over time, I realised that I was not the only one that faced the challenge...

There are numerous grant opportunities that are available every year for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Startups in Africa and across the globe.

Nonprofits make the world a better place to live in, whether by fighting hunger, catering for the homeless, or beating plastic pollution. Nonprofit organisations exist for the sole purpose of creating positive impact often at the expense of profits.

2023 can be a game changer for your impact-driven organisation, whether it is an NGO or a startup. Nonetheless, this depends on the decisions you make before and within the year.

Just last week, the African mobility startup, Moove, raised $30 million in a funding round – despite the recent downsizing in tech companies, from global giants like Twitter and Amazon to local players like Jumia.

A request for proposal is that document where the grantmaker says, "here's what I want to put my money into!". In today's world, you would often find requests for proposals on the funder's website along with the call for applications.

Since the bill was passed on October 19, several tech communities have been abuzz with questions about the Act, as incomplete or misunderstood analyses of the Act have floated around.

As simple as this sounds, it can be the deal breaker to determine if you will win the next grant you apply for. Why? One of the biggest things funders look out for in a grant proposal is a track record of your achievements.

Trying to secure grant funding for your big idea? We understand your plight.

A grant proposal budget is specific to your proposed project or program. This budget would outline your intended expenditures if you were awarded the grant funding. 

While grants can be a game changer for your business, pursuing grants takes a lot of time.

We know grant processes can be undeniably intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you are new to grants.

If learning how to manage your money sounds intimidating or stressful, take it one step at a time. Here are 5 tips to help you gain control and, more importantly, peace of mind:

A grave mistake is to assume that if you get a 60-minute meeting, you get 60-minutes worth of attention. The typical attention span in a business meeting is 15 minutes. To be a successful entrepreneur, you must learn how to make the most of each clock's ticking. If you can earn the investor's attention in the first five minutes, you can be guaranteed that they will invest more time listening to you.

The search for a more productive workday has led to many misconceptions about productivity, and it’s a lot more than checking tasks off your to-do list. Truly productive people aren’t focused on doing more things; this is the opposite of productivity. If you want to be effective, you’ve got to do fewer things.

With both grant writing and fundraising, you need to do research, pursue leads, prepare talking points, evaluate opportunities, and cultivate relationships. The essence of both practices is the same. What is different is focus and context.

Jim Collins, renowned business author, lecturer, and researcher, once said, "Great vision without great people is irrelevant." There is nothing more accurate than this, considering the essential contributions of grant writers in the development and sustainability of any organization.

The journey to winning a grant can be undeniably tedious, from finding grant(s) that are a good fit for your organization to writing the proposal and to managing the fund when you are awarded – it can all be draining!

Winning grant funds can be a game-changer for your organization. Grants help you kickstart your business, execute planned projects, and scale your organization. But, while the idea of winning them sounds exciting, the process is not.

Have you ever bought an item you don't need but bought it anyway because the salesperson delivered an irresistible pitch? That right there is the power of persuasion also known as hypnotic writing.A strong argument and logic are not just enough to tug at the emotions of your reviewer. Follow these simple step-by-step tips we have drafted to trigger a positive response from the reviewer.

Have you ever wondered why your proposals get turned down? Why do people read your landing pages and yet you have low conversion rates? Why do people see your email broadcast and never click?

Getting rejection emails from funders can be discouraging, depressing, and heart-rendering. With the stress of putting together a winning grant, the long hours invested, and the endless wait after, losing grants can depress even the strongest of men.

Huge amounts in funding opportunities are undeniably tempting. Merely sighting a 6-figure grant opportunity can set your heart racing. You may even begin to think about the many things you can do with such huge funding.

Grant readiness is the measurement of your organization’s capacity to research, apply, win, and manage grant applications successfully. It includes the overall structure of your organization; the strength, mode of operations, sustainability, finances, and impact.

As a business owner, you are concerned about growing your business. You want to expand your frontiers and 10X your profits. So, you seek grants to help achieve these goals.

The problem statement establishes the problem and describes the conditions in the community that your organization will address. The problem statement is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the community issue and your organization’s ability to address the need.

2 weeks ago we shared some pitfalls to avoid in Grant writing. Today, we are sharing a list of more grant writing mistakes you should avoid winning that fat cheque.

A proposal title sets the reviewer’s first impression, summarizes the project, and makes an application memorable. The title is an opportunity for the grant writer to artistically provide the evaluator an idea of what the grant proposal is all about, in a few words.

Grant writing poses a difficult task even to skilled grant writers. Most proposals never get fair consideration because of minor errors and silly mistakes.

Grant requests for proposals (RFP) have distinct words and phrases. Having a good understanding of commonly used terms will help strengthen your grant applications and ensure you meet the requirements.

For every single call for a proposal, many are called, but few are chosen. Some grant proposals are so badly written, that the reviewer spends less than 10 secs on them before discarding them forever. A few end up captivating and inspiring the reviewer.

Light functions in mysterious ways. A single beam of light can do a million different things depending on what it reflects on or through. If you shine a ray of light into a crystal, you can see rainbows on the wall. Flash it on a mirror, and you can project the beam into a dark corner. Focus a single laser beam just right, and you can slice steel...

Thousands of people worldwide have amazing ideas to help humanity but lack the financial backing to carry out these projects. Little wonder every year, billions of dollars are given out to social enterprises to support their noble projects.

My first attempt at grant writing opened my eyes to a lot of things. I was unprepared for it and didn't realize I had to spend so much time thinking about the project, what dimension to go, sustainability...you get the gist.

Many nonprofit organizations rely on grants to deliver on their projects. But not so many come close to winning. Winning grants is still a puzzle many nonprofits struggle with. The line between those who win and those who don't ... Strategy!

Without funding, it’s near impossible to pull off a project. Innovation remains a pipe dream without financial backing. ‍Just before you click the submit button, here are 6 steps to take before embarking on Grant Writing.

To be successful both in grant writing and any other funding process, your organization needs strategic planning before embarking on writing proposals.