Open Application System

In September 2022, we launched our third grantmaking round and piloted our open application system. This system aims to diversify our portfolio beyond the referral process used in our first two rounds and provide more opportunities for applicants to showcase their work iand impact earlier in the process - while being relatively short and mobile-accessible to make the process less burdensome for African visionaries.

The application garnered over 4,000 views and we received 849 applications. Of that 849, we were only able to make ten grants. That means there were 839 incredible, innovative, and impactful organizations that we could not support that deserve to be well-funded for their transformative work.

An open application system connects us to more promising innovators with the skills, and expertise Africa needs for long-term change. We are pleased to have met over 400 local organizations beyond our usual referral networks and expanded our geographical reach this year. We plan to share this expanded pipeline with our network of funders in 2023 and are excited to improve the system to be more responsive, accessible, and shareable next year. With support from our partners and funders, we believe that an open application system will be instrumental in promoting an equitable funding landscape that amplifies the voice, power, and visibility of African social change leaders.

Open Application Snapshot (of all eligible applicants)

• 849 applications represented across 33 countries

• 53% women-founded

• 61% women-led

Top ten countries

• Nigeria - 19.8

• Kenya - 18.1

• Uganda - 12.9

• Tanzania - 9.5

• South Africa - 7.5

• Malawi - 4.3

• Zimbabwe - 3.8

• Ghana - 3.4

• Zambia - 3.2

• Cameroon - 2.2