Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) 2026: Get Fundraising Training, Up to $5,000 in Matching Funds & Free Fiscal Sponsorship

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

Many African nonprofits are creating meaningful change but struggle to secure sustainable funding. To help bridge this gap, the New Africa Fund (NAF) has opened applications for the Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) 2026—a comprehensive fundraising capacity-building programme designed for African NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), and social enterprises.

Previously known as the Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIFG), the programme goes beyond offering financial support. Participants receive practical fundraising training, expert mentorship, institutional support, and the opportunity to unlock up to USD 5,000 in matching funds while strengthening their long-term fundraising strategies. 

Programme Summary

• Host Organization: New Africa Fund (NAF)
• Programme: Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) 2026
• Eligible Applicants: Registered NGOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Social Enterprises across Africa
• Funding Opportunity: Up to USD 5,000 in matching funds
• Additional Benefits: Free fundraising training, one-year fiscal sponsorship, mentorship, and networking
• Application Deadline: 14 August 2026 (5:00 PM UTC)
• Programme Location: Online, with an advanced in-person workshop in Kigali, Rwanda for selected top-performing organizations
• Application Mode: Online 

About the Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) 2026

The Africa Fundraising Incubator is a multi-stage programme created to help African organizations develop sustainable fundraising systems instead of relying solely on short-term grants.

Participants will learn practical fundraising techniques, build donor engagement strategies, improve organizational sustainability, and gain access to experienced fundraising professionals.

Following the virtual learning phase, organizations will put their new skills into practice through a fundraising campaign, where qualifying participants can receive matching funds of up to USD 5,000 to amplify donations raised during the campaign. 

Benefits of the AFI 2026 Programme

Successful applicants will receive:

• Comprehensive online fundraising training.
• Practical coaching on small-donor fundraising campaigns.
• Access to experienced fundraising mentors.
• Opportunity to receive up to USD 5,000 in matching funds.
• One year of free fiscal sponsorship.
• Institutional capacity-building support.
• Access to a growing network of African nonprofit leaders.
• Opportunity for top-performing organizations to attend an intensive fundraising workshop in Kigali, Rwanda covering:
  • Grant writing
  • Financial management
  • Marketing and communications
  • Donor research
  • Donor cultivation and retention
  • Local fundraising strategies
  • Individual giving campaigns 

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to organizations that:

• Are legally registered in one of the 54 African Union member states.
• Operate as:
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
  • Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
  • Social enterprises
• Are committed to strengthening their fundraising capacity.
• Want to build sustainable and diversified funding sources. 

Programme Structure

The Africa Fundraising Incubator follows a structured learning pathway:

1. Online Fundraising Training

Participants receive practical instruction on designing and managing successful fundraising campaigns.

2. Live Fundraising Campaign

Organizations launch a 30-day fundraising campaign and apply the skills gained during training.

3. Matching Funds

Eligible organizations can receive up to USD 5,000 in matching contributions based on their fundraising performance.

4. Advanced Kigali Workshop

Top-performing organizations are invited to Rwanda for advanced fundraising and organizational development training. 

Application Deadline

Deadline: 14 August 2026 (5:00 PM UTC)

Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so interested organizations are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline. 

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should complete the official online application through the New Africa Fund portal.

Official Application Portal: Apply for the Africa Fundraising Incubator (AFI) 2026

Applicants are also encouraged to watch the official AFI information webinar before completing the application to better understand the programme requirements and selection process.