Cart is empty Micro Education Grant
Investing in grassroots educational efforts to catalyze transformative change in northern Nigeria
Enhancing accelerated learning
At the Custodians of African Literature (COAL), we believe that people closer to development challenges are best equipped to lead effective solutions in solving them. COAL would like to partner with grassroot initiatives through a micro education grant program. The aim of the initiative is to co-deliver local educational initiatives that improves educational outcomes for children and young adults in northern Nigeria. As a flagship initiative, this round of the micro grant has a geographical focus in Plateau state Nigeria with possibilities for extending nationally. We aim to carefully assess projects that demonstrate the potential for long-term, far-reaching impact on individuals and communities. We actively seek out initiatives that exhibit a profound dedication to education and aim to provide them with the resources needed to grow exponentially. Crucially, we prioritize initiatives that are deeply committed to promoting comprehensive literacy skills, encompassing reading, writing, numeracy, listening, speaking, critical thinking and creativity among children and youth. By investing in these grassroots efforts, we strive to catalyze transformative change at individual and community levels.
What we are looking for
- Projects should contribute to literacy development for children and youths.
- Should demonstrate a transitional pathway for out-of-school children into formal or alternative education models.
- Proposals should clearly articulate how the project will amplify youth voice, agency, and leadership in addressing local challenges related to education and inequality.
- Projects must be locally led and demonstrate strong community engagement and support, including the involvement of parents, educators, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a clear plan for project implementation, including a timeline, budget, and expected outcomes within the 6 to 12-month grant period.
- Priority will be given to projects that have the potential for long-term sustainability and scalability beyond the initial grant period, with a clear vision for future growth and impact.
Who can apply
- Registered Non-governmental organizations with a youth and educational mission
- Community-based organizations, schools, libraries, or other non-profit entities serving low-income and marginalized communities in Plateau State Nigeria
- Initiatives must have been operational for at least 1 to 2 years
Eligibility criteria
- Youth-led and women-led education initiatives are strongly encouraged to apply
- Projects should be locally led and demonstrate strong community engagement and support, including the involvement of parents, educators, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Applicants must provide a clear plan for project implementation, including a timeline, budget, and expected outcomes within the 6 to 12-month grant period.
- Priority will be given to projects that have the potential for long-term sustainability and scalability beyond the initial grant period, with a clear vision for future growth and impact.
- Projects should incorporate innovative approaches, such as the use of technology, arts-based learning, creativity or community-driven solutions, to enhance educational outcomes and engagement.
- Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to monitoring, evaluation, and learning throughout the project lifecycle to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
Grant Amount
Successful applicants will receive a micro grant ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 depending on the scope and scale of the proposed project. In exceptional cases, larger grants may be considered for projects with the potential for significant regional or national impact.
Additional Support
Additionally both successful and unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity of receiving technical and institutional strengthening in the following areas:
- Project management in the development sector
- Basics of monitoring, evaluation and learning
- Outcome reporting
- Grant writing
- Development Communications
- Youth volunteers to support the implementation of successful initiatives and many others.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a proposal by filling this form here
All applications should be submitted by 30th June 2024
Selection Process
All proposals will be reviewed by a panel. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or to provide additional information to facilitate due diligence before awards. Final decisions will be communicated within 8 weeks of the application deadline.
For any questions or inquiries, please contact us at info@coalng.org. We also encourage applicants to attend our upcoming webinar to learn more about the application process and tips for success on 15th June 2024 at 10:00AM WAT, register here to attend.Â
We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals and working together to empower the next generation of young leaders. Together, we can create a brighter future for children and youth in low-income communities in northern Nigeria.