Pan-African feminist grant-making organisation established in 2000. First pan-African women’s fund dedicated to supporting women’s rights organisations and feminist movements across Africa. Since its inception, AWDF has awarded over $17 million in grants to 1,500+ women’s organisations in 46 African countries (42 of which are currently active). Goes beyond grant-making to include capacity building, knowledge sharing, movement building, technical assistance, and leadership development programs. Promotes African women as agents of change.
Funding Amount
- Inua Grants: Up to USD $30,000/year for 2 years (total $60,000)
- Siza Grants: Up to USD $15,000/year for 2 years (total $30,000)
- Economic Justice Grants: USD $5,000 – $150,000 (varies by organisation size)
- Matla Grants: USD $15,000-$20,000/year for 2 years (up to $40,000 total)
- Small Grants: USD $1,000 – $5,000
Grant requests cannot exceed 50% of the applicant’s previous year’s verified income
Target
- Women-led organisations, networks, movements, and collectives
- Registered AND unregistered grassroots groups
- African women’s rights organisations and feminist movements
- Nascent/emerging organisations
- Organisations led by marginalised groups (women with disabilities, gender-diverse persons, sex workers, refugees, migrant women)
- Small community-based grassroots women’s groups
- Organisations from all 54 African countries
- Special encouragement for: French, Arabic, and Portuguese-speaking African countries; Southern and Central Africa regions
Closing Date
AWDF accepts grant applications on a rolling basis. However, specific funding opportunities may have particular deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to visit the AWDF website regularly for updates on available grants and their respective closing dates.
Focus Areas
- Ending Violence Against Women & Girls – Domestic violence, sexual violence, femicide, human trafficking, harmful traditional practices
- Economic Justice & Empowerment – Tax justice, debt economies, care economies, ecofeminism, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, agriculture (not livelihoods/income generation for Economic Justice Grants)
- Governance, Peace & Security – Political participation, leadership in decision-making, women in peacebuilding, conflict resolution
- Health & Reproductive Rights – Maternal health, sexual & reproductive health rights, mental health, HIV/AIDS
- Leadership Development & Advocacy – Voice, agency, feminist leadership, community organising, policy advocacy
- Climate Justice – Women-led climate action, sustainable development practices
Additional priorities: Legal aid services, counselling, free medical services, arts/culture/sports, capacity strengthening initiatives
Eligibility Criteria
- The organisation must be based and headquartered in Africa (not registered outside Africa)
- Women-led: Director/CEO and Board Chair must identify as female or gender-diverse
- At least 70% of all staff and board must identify as female or gender-diverse
- Stated commitment to women’s rights/gender equality in mission/vision
- Generally registered for at least 3 years (exceptions for newer organisations led by marginalised groups)
- Not-for-profit entities only (no profit-making organisations)
- The organisation must primarily operate in Africa
- For first-time applicants: Must provide reference letters
- Must have basic organisational systems/structures and a bank account
- Financial statements required (audited or unaudited for the last 3 years)
- For Small Grants: Must be recommended by a larger AWDF grantee or a respected community member
