grassroots grants

About the Program

CESRA believes that small organizations doing quiet but powerful work at the grassroots level often have the greatest impact. Through our Grassroots Grants Program, we aim to support local, community-led initiatives across Africa that align with CESRA’s core pillars: educationsocial welfareenvironmental sustainability, and faith-based action.

We offer small grants (USD 100 – 5,000) to local projects that create real, sustainable change—especially those that would otherwise be overlooked by large donors.

What We Fund

Are you

Practical and community-driven Organization?

Are you

Managed by grassroots or faith-based organizations

Are you

Aligned with CESRA’s core focus areas

Are you

Registred as CESRA Member. Its Free

Projects We Fund Are:

Education & Vocational Training

School support (uniforms, desks, books)

Adult literacy and life skills

Women’s skills training and community learning

Social Welfare

Feeding programs and nutrition support

Shelters for vulnerable populations

Child protection and safe spaces

Environmental Protection

Tree planting and community clean-ups

Eco-awareness campaigns

Water conservation and sustainable practices

Faith-Based Social Action

Outreach by churches, mosques, and faith groups

Community service grounded in faith

Youth mentorship and values-based initiatives

Youth Leadership Development

Mentorship, civic engagement, and volunteerism for young people

Gender Equality Advocacy

Workshops, campaigns, and safe spaces for women and girls

Clean Water Access

Provision of clean and safe water in rural or underserved area

Social Entrepreneurship

Innovative, small-scale businesses that solve community problems

Disaster Relief & Preparedness

Emergency support and training for community disaster readiness

Poverty Alleviation

Job creation, vocational training, and financial empowerment

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, your organization must:

Be a registered community-based or faith-based organization

Be located in Africa, with priority given to underserved rural or peri-urban communities

Have an annual operating budget below USD 10,000

Not be affiliated with a political party

Be able to demonstrate transparency and accountability in fund usage

We do not Fund

❌ Salaries or personal allowances
❌ Large infrastructure projects (e.g. building schools or hospitals)
❌ Government or for-profit entities
❌ Projects outside of Africa
❌ Projects without measurable outcomes

How to Apply

  1. Online Application Form (available here )

  2. Attach a 1-page letter of support from a local authority or community leader.


Deadlines

We accept applications quarterly:

  • January 15-February 15

  • April 15 to May 15

  • July 15 to August 15

  • October 15 to November 15

Reporting & Follow-Up

Grantees must submit:

  • A simple impact report within 6 months of receiving funding

  • Photos, videos, or testimonials from beneficiaries

  • Proof of expenditure (receipts, budgets, etc.)

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