$1,000 individual grants and $10,000 organisation grants
A LEAP Africa fund backed by the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation and Luminate, supporting young Nigerians working on accountability, electoral engagement, policy advocacy, social inclusion, and peace and security.
Use when
You are a Nigerian aged 18 to 35 doing accountability, civic or advocacy work and want an accessible first grant to cite later.
Skip when
You are over 35, outside Nigeria, or expecting the organisation track to be reachable soon after incorporation - it is not.
Status (8 Sep 2026): the 2026 cycle opened 26 February and closed 17 April 2026; a 2027 cycle is not yet announced. Awards: US$1,000 small grants (100 awards, individuals) and US$10,000 development grants (60 awards, youth-led organisations). The individual track needs only age 18-35, a track record, valid ID and two referees - no registration. The organisation track is heavier: CAC registration plus a SCUML certificate, physical office, corporate bank account and financial records in good standing.
Alternatives
Equity-free acceleration plus up to $500,000 follow-on in Morocco
Kigali's venture studio and early-stage investor
Mini-MBA and seed prizes for Cameroonian women entrepreneurs
