Grants are vital sources of funding for NGOs, women-led enterprises, and startups in Nigeria, especially amid economic instability and rising unemployment. With access to the right funding opportunities, Nigerian youths, entrepreneurs, and organizations can build sustainable solutions, scale innovations, and create jobs. This article provides a curated, up-to-date list of the best grants available in 2025 for Nigerians, including eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application links.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate launching your first startup, a woman leading a community-based project, or an NGO tackling social issues, this guide is designed to connect you with actionable funding opportunities in Nigeria.
Why Grants Matter in 2025
Grants are non-repayable funds provided by governments, foundations, or development agencies. In 2025, many Nigerian entrepreneurs and NGOs face challenges accessing credit due to high interest rates and inflation. Grants eliminate the burden of repayment while encouraging innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development. For women and youth-led initiatives, they offer a platform for economic empowerment.
Best Grants for NGOs in Nigeria (2025)
1. TY Danjuma Foundation Grant
- Eligibility: Registered Nigerian NGOs focusing on health, education, and poverty alleviation
- Funding Amount: Up to N20 million
- Application Timeline: January to March 2025
- Application Link: www.tydanjumafoundation.org
- Notes: Projects must directly impact underserved communities. Proposal submission is followed by a multi-stage review.
2. ACT Foundation Grant (Aspire Coronation Trust)
- Eligibility: Non-profits registered with CAC and operating within Africa
- Focus Areas: Health, Environment, Entrepreneurship, Leadership
- Funding Amount: Up to $50,000
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Application Link: www.actrustfoundation.org
- Notes: Requires detailed impact framework and sustainability plan.
3. United States African Development Foundation (USADF) Nigeria Grants
- Eligibility: African-owned and -managed NGOs or social enterprises
- Focus: Agricultural cooperatives, youth entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment
- Funding Amount: $10,000 to $250,000
- Application Link: www.usadf.gov/apply
- Notes: Must demonstrate measurable impact and community involvement.
Top Grants for Women in Nigeria (2025)
1. Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton (by Access Bank)
- Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria with a registered business (at least one year in operation)
- Funding/Support: Up to N5 million plus mini-MBA training
- Application Window: June – August 2025
- Application Link: www.womenpreneur.ng
- Notes: Includes pitch competition and mentorship opportunities.
2. African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) Grants
- Eligibility: Women-led NGOs and CSOs in Africa
- Focus: Women’s rights, economic empowerment, reproductive health
- Funding Amount: $5,000 to $100,000
- Application Cycle: Quarterly
- Application Link: www.awdf.org
- Notes: Preference for projects led by young and grassroots women.
3. She Leads Africa Accelerator
- Eligibility: Women-led startups in Nigeria
- Support: Business training, visibility, access to investors, and up to $20,000 funding
- Application Opens: April 2025
- Application Link: www.sheleadsafrica.org
- Notes: Includes participation in Demo Day and media exposure.
Best Startup Grants in Nigeria (2025)
1. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
- Eligibility: Nigerian startups and SMEs (0-3 years old)
- Support: $5,000 seed capital, 12-week business training, mentorship
- Application Period: January 1 – March 31, 2025
- Application Link: www.tefconnect.com
- Notes: Highly competitive; applicants should prepare a detailed business plan.
2. Bank of Industry (BOI) Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme
- Eligibility: Nigerians aged 18–35 with viable business ideas
- Support: Up to N5 million loan with 5% interest and business training
- Application Period: Ongoing
- Application Link: www.boi.ng
- Notes: Although a loan program, includes grant-like startup support and technical assistance.
3. Orange Corners Nigeria (by the Netherlands Government)
- Eligibility: Youth entrepreneurs (18–35) in Lagos and Abuja
- Support: Business incubation, mentorship, and up to €40,000 in funding
- Application Cycle: Two cohorts yearly
- Application Link: www.orangecorners.com
- Notes: Focus on product-based businesses with growth potential.
Grants with Broader Eligibility (Open to NGOs, Startups, and Individuals)
1. Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF)
- Eligibility: Youths aged 18–35 with registered businesses or business ideas
- Funding Range: N250,000 to N3 million
- Application Link: nyif.nmfb.com.ng
- Administered by: NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB)
- Notes: Applicants must undergo entrepreneurship training.
2. Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Grant & Loan Support
- Eligibility: Startups, MSMEs, and NGOs in Nigeria
- Funding: Grants combined with low-interest loans
- Application Link: www.devbankng.com
- Notes: Focuses on financial inclusion, women, and green businesses.
3. Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)
- Eligibility: Lagos-based entrepreneurs and businesses
- Support: Grants and loans; capacity building
- Application Link: www.lsetf.ng
- Notes: Must be registered in Lagos State and contribute to job creation.
Tips for a Successful Grant Application in Nigeria
1. Understand the Requirements
Carefully read the eligibility criteria and guidelines. Tailor your proposal to fit the funder’s objectives.
2. Write a Clear Proposal
Your proposal should include:
- Problem statement
- Objectives
- Implementation plan
- Budget breakdown
- Sustainability strategy
3. Provide Accurate Documentation
Ensure your CAC registration, tax identification, bank details, and other legal documents are up to date.
4. Leverage Past Experience
Showcase previous projects, success stories, or partnerships to demonstrate your track record.
5. Meet Deadlines
Late submissions are often disqualified. Set reminders and complete your application ahead of time.
Conclusion
In 2025, Nigeria presents a growing number of grant opportunities for NGOs, women, and startups. These funding programs empower changemakers to tackle challenges in education, health, technology, agriculture, and more. By preparing well and applying strategically, many Nigerian individuals and organizations can unlock critical funding to scale their impact.
Bookmark this post and revisit it regularly as we update it with new grants and funding windows. For more updates on scholarships, jobs, and funding, keep following ScholarCareer.com.ng.
