New Course Alert!

Fundamentals of Fundraising for Community Foundations in Africa

Community foundations in Africa sit at a remarkable inflection point. Diaspora remittances surpassing US$95 billion annually, a growing middle class, and the deep cultural roots of collective giving — through harambee, Ubuntu, stokvels, and chamas — present an unprecedented opportunity to build permanent, locally owned philanthropic institutions. 

Yet most community foundations on the continent remain precariously dependent on one or two international donors, raising less than 20% of their revenue locally. This is not a resource problem. It is a knowledge and strategy problem. 

This course was designed to change that. 

Designed for boards, staff, and emerging leaders, this free online training gives you the tools to move beyond donor dependency and build sustainable, locally anchored fundraising systems. You’ll learn how to map your ecosystem, craft a compelling case for support, activate practical fundraising channels, steward donors effectively, and strengthen board and staff roles in resource mobilisation.

What you’ll gain

• African fundraising insights — Understand how philanthropy actually works in African contexts.
• Ecosystem mapping skills — Identify real opportunities for local revenue.
• Case‑for‑support storytelling — Build narratives that resonate with your community.
• Practical fundraising channels — From individual giving to digital tools.
• Donor stewardship systems — Retain and grow your supporters.
• Clear board/staff roles — Build a team that fundraises with confidence.

Who this course is for

• Community foundation leaders
• Board members
• Program and communications staff
• Philanthropy practitioners
• Anyone building locally rooted giving structures

Strengthen your foundation. Grow your local support base. Build something that lasts. The course is free, self‑paced, and designed for African realities.