Is your established NGO, registered charity, university or research organisation in Africa working on a practical conservation, sustainable agriculture or public health problem? The Conservation, Food & Health Foundation accepts concept applications from 15 October through 22 December 2026. Most awards are anticipated to be US$25,000–50,000 per year, usually over one or two years. There is no fixed minimum or maximum.
Verified 20 October 2026. Status: OPEN. Deadline: 22 December 2026 (63 days remaining). The official foundation website publishes the closing date; check the application portal for precise timing.
Grant details and eligibility
| Donor | Conservation, Food & Health Foundation |
|---|---|
| Geography | Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East |
| Expected grant size | US$25,000–50,000 per year, not a fixed award or ceiling |
| Who can apply | Established NGOs, registered public charities, universities and research centres |
| Process | Online concept application followed by invited full proposal |
| Deadline | 22 December 2026 |
What projects fit?
The Foundation supports applied research, local capacity development, pilot testing and technical assistance addressing overlooked problems in nature conservation, sustainable food production and preventive health. It values meaningful local participation and methods whose lessons can be useful in other communities. A proposed project should answer three questions: what is the specific problem, what evidence supports the proposed approach, and how will the project learn whether it works?
Important exclusions
The official FAQ excludes businesses, social enterprises without charitable status, individuals, unaffiliated researchers, government units, new start-ups and NGOs still awaiting registration. Religious organisations may be participating partners but cannot receive grants directly. Routine humanitarian relief, microenterprise, livelihoods, ecotourism, buildings, major capital costs and general organisational overhead are generally unsuitable. The fund usually caps its contribution at 25% of an applicant’s operating budget.
What makes a stronger concept?
Define a narrow, evidence-backed problem. A conservation project might test a clearly specified community monitoring method; a food-systems proposal might investigate an intervention’s effect on crop losses; a preventive health project might assess an appropriate community-level approach. These are illustrative Africads examples—not approved activities or mandatory indicators. Explain the planned activities, locally led team, learning design, risks and costs. Show how the results will be shared with practitioners or decision-makers.
Budget and readiness check
A US$40,000 request from an organisation whose annual operating budget is US$80,000 would normally exceed the donor’s 25% guideline. Before developing a concept, compare the award request with the organisation’s actual financial statements, grants administration capacity and ability to submit reports. Show direct programme costs and a credible evidence-collection plan; do not presume unrestricted overhead support.
How to apply
- Read the official How to Apply instructions and FAQ.
- Open the linked online application portal and register. Non-US applicants are instructed to use placeholder tax ID 12-1234567; enter application access code CFHgrants.
- Submit a concept application by 22 December 2026. The Foundation normally issues invitations by 15 January 2027.
- Invited applicants submit the complete proposal by 15 February 2027. Check portal instructions and the funder’s latest dates before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Can an African NGO apply?
Yes, if it meets the organisation-status, geography and programme requirements.
Can an unregistered community group apply?
No. The donor’s current FAQ excludes charities and NGOs pending registration.
Is US$50,000 guaranteed?
No. It is the upper end of the usual expected annual range, not a guaranteed grant or formal cap.
Is a new start-up eligible?
The donor’s current FAQ lists start-up organisations as ineligible.
Can a church apply directly?
No. Religious organisations can take part as partners, but cannot receive grants directly.
Next steps
Use the Africads Funding Readiness Toolkit to review donor fit and evidence before submission. For permitted preparation tasks, GrantsWriterAI can help structure materials, with human review for accuracy and donor compliance. For professional review enquiries, email Kimanzi@africadslive.com.
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Primary source: official application guide and FAQ. Last verified 20 October 2026.
