Continental fundraising course opens to build sustainable nonprofit financing models

An elite fundraising course aimed at reshaping how African nonprofits mobilize resources has officially commenced in Nairobi, bringing together participants from across the continent.

The three-day program, Fundraising for African Nonprofits, has attracted leaders of civil society organisations, fundraising professionals, grant makers, and policy experts to respond to a pressing challenge confronting Africa’s nonprofit sector: reduced foreign aid, shifting donor priorities, and the urgent need for organisations to develop homegrown and sustainable fundraising strategies.

While the sector plays a critical role in advancing health, education, livelihoods, climate resilience, and other humanitarian and development interventions, many organisations remain highly dependent on external grants.

The training has been designed to address that gap by equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and practical models needed to build long-term financial resilience.

The initiative is convened by Impact Africa Consulting Limited (IACL) in collaboration with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, Bloodlink Foundation, the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School, and United Muslim Relief (UMR).

“This program is about positioning African nonprofits for the future. It combines global evidence with regional realities to help organisations move beyond short-term fundraising and design models that are data-driven, community-rooted, and sustainable,” Dr. Shariq Siddiqui, Director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University and Lead Trainer, said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Edward Mungai, Lead Consultant at IACL, highlighted the significance of the training, noting that the goal is not only to transfer skills but also to build institutional resilience.

Across the continent, nonprofits are navigating a shifting fundraising landscape marked by declining foreign aid, heightened competition for grants, and donor expectations for measurable impact.

Traditional reliance on international partners is proving less sustainable, pushing organisations to explore alternative revenue streams, local philanthropy, and strategic partnerships with the private sector.

The course responds directly to these dynamics by equipping participants with frameworks to diversify funding portfolios, strengthen donor relationships, and design fundraising approaches that align with both community needs and global best practice.

“Competition for grants is incredibly high, and many strong initiatives are left unfunded. This program will show us practical ways to position our organisations for success and improve our chances of securing the resources we need to deliver lasting impact,” Oscar Kimaro from Private Agricultural Sector Support Trust, Tanzania, noted.

The course is structured around interactive sessions, simulations, and case studies that mirror the realities African nonprofits face daily.

It offers a pragmatic approach that moves beyond theory by blending international best practice with local context, the program.

Participants are engaging with tools on donor mapping, leadership alignment, and resource diversification, ensuring that the lessons translate directly into institutional strategies that can withstand the volatility of the funding environment.

By the end of the week, African nonprofits are expected to leave Nairobi better positioned to lead their own fundraising agendas and chart new pathways for sustainable growth.