In many parts of Nigeria, thousands of children still don’t have access to basic education.

But there’s a growing movement of everyday heroes—grassroots educators—who are changing that.

And now, The Custodians of African Literature (COAL) wants to back their efforts in a big way.

Through their Grassroots Accelerated Education Fund, COAL is investing directly in community-driven projects that help out-of-school and underserved children learn in ways that truly work for their unique environments.

A 2024 Pilot Success Is Fueling 2025 Expansion

Last year, COAL launched a pilot program that supported 125 children.

The results were promising—13 of those kids successfully transitioned into formal schools.

Now, in 2025, they’re scaling up their efforts in Plateau State and inviting local changemakers to apply for support.

This fund is designed for projects that create or improve inclusive education opportunities—both formal and informal—for kids and teens who often get left behind in traditional systems.

Who Can Apply for the 2025 Grant?

Not just anyone can apply—this fund is focused on legally registered, community-based nonprofits and social enterprises operating in Nigeria.

Here’s what COAL is looking for:

Projects that improve literacy in low-income or marginalized communities in Plateau State
Locally-led efforts that include parents, educators, government, and other community members
A clear plan for 12 months that includes a budget, timeline, and measurable outcomes
A focus on sustainability and the potential to grow or scale the project over time
Innovative teaching approaches—think tech, art, storytelling, play-based learning, etc.
Strong policies and practices in child safety and protection
A commitment to tracking and improving through monitoring and evaluation
Projects must target children and youth up to 18 years old
Applicants must have an organizational bank account (no personal accounts)

If you’ve received a COAL micro-grant before, you can apply again—just make sure you’re showing either growth or a fresh model for impact.

What’s on Offer for Successful Projects?

Grantees can receive up to ₦2,000,000 to bring their vision to life.

In some exceptional cases, larger grants may be awarded if a project shows the potential to impact a wider audience.

But funding isn’t the only benefit.

Whether you’re selected or not, COAL will provide free training and support in key areas such as:

Running a nonprofit with good governance
Project management for development work
Monitoring, evaluation, and learning basics
Fundraising and resource mobilization
Managing finances responsibly
Implementing accelerated learning models
Ensuring child safety and protection
Support from youth volunteers to help execute your project

How to Apply for the Grant

If this sounds like a fit for your organization, here’s what to do:

Download and complete the proposal template
Head to the application form and fill in the details about your organization and project
Upload your completed proposal along with any required supporting documents
Double-check everything—once you hit submit, you can’t make changes

Application Deadline: May 16, 2025

Ready to make a difference in your community?
👉 Click HERE to Apply