Written by The Growing Roots Grant for Nigeria is now open for applications from early-stage ventures, social enterprises, and impact-driven founders working to address social, environmental, and community development challenges across Nigeria. This grant opportunity provides non-equity funding of up to $10,000 (USD) to support solutions that drive sustainable impact and strengthen local communities.
About the Program
The Growing Roots Grant is aimed at founders and teams who are building solutions that contribute to positive social or environmental outcomes in Nigeria. Funding is intended to help ventures grow, validate their ideas, scale activities, or pilot new technologies and approaches that improve livelihoods and strengthen communities.
The grant is non-dilutive,meaning winners receive funding without giving up equity or ownership in their ventures.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)
This grant call is open to individuals or teams who meet the following criteria:
Based in Nigeria or operating with clear impact in Nigerian communities
Founders of early-stage ventures, social enterprises, or community initiatives
Projects that demonstrate a clear social or environmental impact (e.g., climate, health, education, livelihoods, food security, inclusion, sustainability)
Ventures with a viable concept or early traction, even if pre-revenue
Applicants able to commit to implementing their project plan upon receiving funding
Entrants can be individuals, nonprofit organisations, startups, or community groups focused on lasting impact.
Funding & Benefits
Grant Funding (Up to $10,000 USD)
Selected applicants will receive cash support (non-equity) of up to $10,000 to implement, pilot, or scale their project.
Strategic Support (where offered)
While the core benefit is funding, many Growing Roots programs also connect winners to:
- Mentorship and advisory support
- Ecosystem introductions to potential partners
- Visibility through showcase or network platforms
(If mentorship or networking components are confirmed for this edition, details will be provided on shortlist notification.)
How to Apply
- Visit the official application form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekl7rFOz6eSE4oMeKXDmTA9tqRBuHXK83Hb129gU5l7wO0VQ/viewform?pli=1 - Complete the online form with your:
- Name and contact details
- Venture or project overview
- Impact focus and community benefit
- Clear description of how you intend to use the grant
- Current status, team, and traction (if any)
- Submit before the deadline indicated on the form.
Be sure to provide clear, concise, and compelling information, strong applications describe both the problem and your solution’s potential impact.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Access to early-stage funding is one of the biggest barriers for impact-focused founders and community innovators in Nigeria. The Growing Roots Grant helps bridge this gap by providing non-dilutive financial support that enables founders to:
- Pilot solutions and validate impact
- Build community resilience
- Expand reach and serve more beneficiaries
- Strengthen organisational capacity
This support boosts both social and environmental outcomes while empowering changemakers to scale solutions sustainably.