African Development Foundation

A United States Government Agency

Funding applications

- USADF provides funding to African-owned businesses and community-based organizations for projects that provide direct benefit to the economically marginalized. 

- Please review the following information on USADF's eligibility criteria to determine whether your organization may qualify for USADF support.

- Copies of USADF's application form in English and French are available as .pdf files at the bottom of this page.

- USADF accepts applications only from entities that are based in the 16 African countries where USADF works and are led by citizens of the country where the project would be based.

- If you would like to submit an application, please first contact the USADF Country Representative who administers the grant program in the country where your project would be based. You can do so by clicking on the relevant country link in the Where We Work toolbar.

- The Country Representative will be able to confirm whether or not your organization meets USADF's funding criteria.

Are you eligible for USADF funding?

- USADF provides funding support to projects that are focused on the development of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, the enhancement of trade and investment (T&I) opportunities for small- and medium-scale enterprises, and participatory community development projects.

- USADF may from time to time issue a Request for Applications
(RFAs) for other activities.

- Most of USADF's investments are between US $50,000 and US $250,000
and are disbursed to clients in local currency. USADF rarely
provides funding greater than $250,000, and such investments require
USADF Board approval.

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USADF can provide assistance directly to a wide range of African-based, African-run, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and small enterprises, including:

- legally registered cooperatives,

- economic interest groups,

- producer associations,

- legally registered limited liability companies, and

- community-based development organizations.

- USADF also provides funding to intermediary organizations that work with low-income people and groups, such as microfinance institutions and credit cooperatives.

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USADF does NOT provide funding for:

x - government agencies, political parties, advocacy groups in Africa or elsewhere;

x - academic study or travel related to academic activities, seminars or workshops, scholarships; or

x - any individuals.

x - the production or marketing of alcohol or tobacco products.

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Please remember: All questions regarding investment eligibility or investment application procedures should be directed to the ADF country representative who administers the country program in the country where your proposal would be based. To find the contact information for these representatives, click on the relevant country link in the Where We Work toolbar.

Attention: Pour toutes questions concernant votre éligibilité ou votre demande de financement, veuillez directement contacter le répresentánt ADF de votre pays. Cliquez ici pour la liste des répresentánts nationaux de l'ADF.

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