Africa No Filter Climate Action Grant a non-profit organization that challenges stereotypical narratives about Africa, has launched a new Climate Action Grants program to support African climate activists and organizations. The grants aim to catalyze climate action across the continent by providing funding and resources to innovative projects and campaigns.
In the announcement made this week, Africa No Filter stated that the Climate Action Grants would provide up to $30,000 for African activists, artists, innovators, journalists, and organizations to implement projects that raise awareness and galvanize action around environmental issues.
What are Africa No Filter Project Support Grants?
Africa No Filter Project Support Grants are grants offered by Africa No Filter, an organization that aims to shift stereotypical and harmful narratives about and within Africa. Some key things to know about Africa No Filter Project Support Grants:
- They provide funding support to individuals, organizations, and collectives working to disrupt false narratives about Africa through various mediums like media, arts, technology, etc.
- The grants are up to $15,000 for projects of up to 6 months duration.
- Applicants need to be African citizens or have work focused on engaging African audiences.
- The projects should demonstrate how they will counter dominant false narratives about Africa.
- Focus areas include challenging single stories, reclaiming African identity, visualizing new African futures, etc.
- There are two calls for applications per year, typically around April and October.
- A selection committee reviews applications and selects grantees.
- Along with funding, grantees receive support like communications training, mentorship, etc.
- Some example projects funded cover topics like African feminism, LGBTQ rights, enhancing democracy, etc.
Who is the founder of Africa No Filter?
Africa No Filter was founded in 2015 by Moky Makura, a prominent African communications strategist and executive. Here are some key details about Moky Makura and her role in founding Africa No Filter:
- Moky Makura is a South African national born in exile during apartheid. She returned to South Africa in 1990 after the release of Nelson Mandela.
- She has over 25 years of experience working in strategic communications, media relations, and reputation management across Africa.
- She worked for organizations like Nike, South African Breweries, Nestle, and Standard Bank where she handled PR and communications.
- In 2008, she founded Theta Communications, a leading African communications consultancy.
- Through her work, she realized the critical need for an organization dedicated to transforming harmful narratives about Africa.
- In 2015, she launched Africa No Filter as an independent not-for-profit organization based in South Africa.
- She currently serves as the Executive Director of Africa No Filter and sits on its Board of Directors.
- Under her leadership, Africa No Filter has funded over 80 projects across Africa and built a community of over 200 narrative changemakers.
- She is recognized as one of the most influential and impactful communication specialists shaping new narratives on Africa.
Where is Africa no filter located?
Africa No Filter is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Some more details on Africa No Filter’s locations:
- Headquarters – The main offices of Africa No Filter are located in Johannesburg, South Africa. This serves as the hub for the organization’s operations.
- Satellite Offices – In addition to the Johannesburg HQ, Africa No Filter has satellite/liaison offices in Nigeria (Lagos), Kenya (Nairobi), Senegal (Dakar), and the UK (London).
- Country Offices – Africa No Filter has established registered country offices and legal entities in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. This allows for hiring staff and disbursing grants locally.
- Pan-African Reach – Though the offices are concentrated in Southern, West, and East Africa for now, Africa No Filter aims to ultimately have a presence across the continent.
- Remote Work – Africa No Filter’s staff work remotely across over 15 African countries. The remote and distributed teams collaborate using digital tools.
- The location strategy allows Africa No Filter to tap into talent across the continent while having legal and operations infrastructure in key markets to begin with.
- Being based in Africa allows closer engagement with grantees, partners, the media ecosystem, and influencer networks in the region.
Eligibility Criteria for Africa No Filter Climate Action Grants
Here are the key eligibility criteria for applicants of Africa No Filter’s Project Support Grants:
Nationality:
- Open to citizens of any African country. Both individuals and organizations can apply.
Project Location:
- The proposed project must be conducted in Africa and focused on African audiences.
Project Duration:
- Projects should be up to 6 months in duration.
Project Themes:
- Should aim to shift harmful narratives and stereotypes about Africa.
- Can address any topic but priority may be given to Africa No Filter’s focus areas like reclaiming identity, enhancing democracy, etc.
Applicant Profile:
- Individuals or organizations with experience relevant to the proposed project.
- Strong capabilities to execute the project successfully.
Budget:
- Grants are capped at $15,000 per project.
- Co-funding is encouraged but not mandatory.
Prior Grants:
- New applicants are preferred, but previous grantees can also apply for new projects.
Application:
- Complete the online application form, budget, and attachments submitted before the deadline.
The Application Process for Africa No Filter Climate Action Grants
Here are the key steps in the application process for Africa No Filter’s Project Support Grants:
- Check Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you/your organization qualifies.
- Register and Apply: Create an account on the Fluxx portal and start your online application.
- Fill Application Form: Provide information on your project theme, activities, outputs, outcomes, etc.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Attach budget, CVs, registration docs, etc. as requested.
- Submit Application: Submit a complete application before the deadline.
- Evaluation: Africa No Filter reviews applications based on relevance, feasibility, impact potential, etc.
- Selection: Top applications are shortlisted by a panel and final grantees are selected.
- Grant Agreement: Africa No Filter signs a grant agreement with the selected grantees.
- Fund Disbursal: The first tranche of the grant is disbursed to the grantee’s account.
- Project Implementation: Grantee executes the project over the duration, with support from Africa No Filter.
- Reporting: Grantee submits reports per Africa No Filter requirements.
Benefits of Africa No Filter Climate Action Grants?
Here are some key benefits of the Africa No Filter Climate Action Grants:
- Support African climate solutions and innovation: The grants provide funding to help develop and scale climate change solutions originating from Africa. This helps promote homegrown ideas and innovations to tackle the continent’s unique climate challenges.
- Catalyze climate action by African youth: The grants have a strong focus on supporting youth-led climate initiatives. This empowers the next generation of African climate leaders and activists.
- Increase climate resilience across Africa: The funded projects aim to directly help African communities adapt to and build resilience against climate change impacts like droughts, floods, food insecurity, etc.
- Raise visibility of African climate advocates: The grants and accompanying programs spotlight diverse climate leaders across the continent and amplify their voices and work on the global stage.
- Enable collaboration and knowledge sharing: The grant program facilitates connections and sharing of best practices between climate advocates working across the continent to have greater collective impact.
- Support equitable climate solutions: The grants have criteria focused on supporting equitable, just climate solutions that consider vulnerable groups and ensure wide-spread community benefits.
- Leverage funding for climate action: The grants leverage further funding and scale for the most impactful initiatives by fast-tracking and validating their work through the competitive selection process.
Conclusion
Africa No Filter Climate Action Grants is a catalyst for sustainable change, driving climate action in Africa. By providing vital support to innovative projects, we aim to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can unlock opportunities, empower local communities, and create a resilient and prosperous future for Africa.
