Copy of Where Philanthropy meets civil society
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Our Identity
CivSource–Africa is an independent non-profit advisory organization that seeks to refine the practice and footprint of philanthropy in Africa, for authentic civic engagement. We are pioneers in the space where philanthropy and civil society meet and seek to foster an environment that nurtures mutually beneficial relationships and stewardship of entrusted resources. We provide thought leadership on strategic financing models for effective philanthropy and civic engagement. We also facilitate open and informed conversations pertaining to philanthropic giving and civil society organizations.
Civ
Is short for civil society. Funding civil society strengthens their human rights work as critical partners in advancing good governance and development. Civ also ensures that our focus and that of funders remains the people and not the money.
Source
We are a source of information and advice to funders on a spectrum of issues such as human rights, socio-political context, and other areas. To civil society we are a source of support to advance their potential.
Africa
Is the way we define the geographical, cultural and ideological space within which we operate, and it also speaks to our roots and grounding in our continent.
Our work
CivSource Africa participated in a regional webinar convened by SIVIO Institute, CAPSI, and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy on the Global Philanthropy Environment Index for Sub-Saharan Africa. Jacqueline Asiimwe, Founder and CEO of CivSource Africa, joined Dr Omotade Akin Aina and Evans Okinyi in a conversation on how policy, regulation, culture, and local giving practices shape philanthropy across the continent. The session reflected CivSource Africa’s continued commitment to strengthening philanthropy ecosystems and deepening African-led conversations on giving.
In this reflection, Jacqueline Asiimwe walks with George Bogere, a colleague known for asking thoughtful questions that reveal blind spots and sharpen conversations. Their walk explores justice, governance, organisational resilience, and the promises leaders must make to themselves if they are to build institutions that can endure difficult times with purpose and integrity.
Mission
Refining the practice and footprint of philanthropy for effective civic engagement in Africa
News
Philanthropy in Mozambique is already alive in everyday community practice. Across the country, people give, organise, save, lend, and support one another through faith groups, community networks, social funds, and practices such as xitique, a community-based savings and lending system.
A new report, “Exploratory Mapping of the Philanthropy Support Ecosystem in Mozambique,” looks at these existing forms of giving and asks what it would take to make them more visible, connected, credible, and locally led. The report highlights the support structures, relationships, and investments needed to strengthen Mozambique’s philanthropy ecosystem over time.
The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched Horizon 1000, a USD 50 million initiative to support AI-enabled primary healthcare in African countries, beginning in Rwanda. The initiative aims to reach 1,000 primary healthcare clinics and surrounding communities by 2028, supporting health workers with tools that can improve access, care quality, and service delivery.
The Trevor Noah Foundation, together with Microsoft Elevate, has expanded the Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund to support additional education innovators in South Africa. The fund backs nonprofit organisations working on educator support, digital skills, youth pathways, AI readiness, and community-rooted education solutions. This is philanthropy meeting the classroom with tools, trust, and practical support.
The Rockefeller Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet have expanded their support for Mission 300, a major initiative focused on connecting 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. With commitments now exceeding USD 100 million, the effort places energy access at the centre of development, livelihoods, education, health, and community resilience.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation has announced its 2026 cohort of 3,200 African entrepreneurs, with USD 16 million set to support enterprise growth across the continent. The cohort includes entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, with women making up 51 percent of the selected participants. It is a strong reminder that African philanthropy is also investing in jobs, enterprise, and local solutions.
A new report argues that India’s biggest force in philanthropy is not billionaire pledges or corporate budgets, it is households. Drawing on more than 7,000 interviews across 20 states, the How India Gives 2025 report estimates household giving at about 540 billion rupees a year, spanning cash, in-kind support, and volunteering. Much of this generosity is local, faith-shaped, and driven by everyday obligation rather than formal fundraising systems.
ARE YOU A GIRL LED OR YOUNG FEMINIST LED GROUP IN UGANDA, KENYA, OR TANZANIA?
The East African Girls and Young Feminist Fund 2026–2027 Call for Applications is open to support community responsive ideas toward feminist futures and grassroots movement building. Grants are unrestricted, and may be multi year depending on funding availability.
For more information CLICK HERE:
DEADLINE: Apply by 28 February 2026, 11:59 PM East African Time.
HOW TO APPLY
Visit https://CIVFUND.smartsimple.com, select “The East African Girls and Young Feminist Fund 2026–2027 Call”, and follow the prompts.
Alternative: download the form and email it to info@civsourcea.com. Submit only one application.
Download form HERE:
Applications are now open for projects to be implemented in the 2026–2027 cycle. Apply from 23 Jan–28 Feb 2026 (deadline: 28 Feb 2026). Grants are available up to UGX 20,000,000 for partners in Uganda, and under USD 5,000 for partners outside Uganda. No application fee. Apply online via the CIVFUND SmartSimple portal and submit 3–10 images or short video clips as part of your portfolio.
CivSource Africa is commissioning a comprehensive national mapping of alternative funding models used by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Uganda under the Autonomous Resourcing of Civil Society Community of Practice (ARC-CoP). The study will identify and classify existing resourcing models, analyse how they work and who is using them, assess sustainability and risks, and document 8–12 case studies of promising approaches. Findings will inform model selection for testing under ARC-CoP, stakeholder engagement, partner selection criteria, and practical recommendations for strengthening CSO financial autonomy.
The assignment will use mixed methods (desk review, surveys, interviews, focus groups, financial analysis, and a validation workshop) and will run for 10–12 weeks. Interested consultants/teams should submit technical and financial proposals to info@civsourcea.com by January 26, 2026.
The New Africa Fund has launched the Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIFG) to help African NGOs, CBOs, and social enterprises strengthen their fundraising muscles. Through online training, a 30-day small-donor fundraising challenge with up to $5,000 in matching funds, and an advanced in-person workshop in Kigali for top performers, the program blends skills-building with real-time practice and catalytic support. With up to 70 organizations set to benefit and applications open until 16 December 2025, the AIFG is designed to grow locally rooted, sustainable fundraising across the continent.
A rare UAE–Africa Business Leaders meeting in Dubai brought together eight of Africa’s richest investors not just as business giants, but as major philanthropists shaping the continent’s future. With a combined net worth of over $61 billion, leaders like Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Strive Masiyiwa, Patrice Motsepe, and others discussed how their capital and philanthropy can drive long-term impact in health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and tech, especially through bold initiatives like AI for development and youth-focused opportunities.