When people think about conservation, it’s often framed as either protecting animals or prioritizing communities.
But what if both could thrive together? That’s exactly the goal of the AHAC Small Grants Program—a fund designed to help African organizations launch meaningful, culturally relevant projects that bring people, animals, and the environment into harmony.
With grants ranging between $1,000 and $10,000, AHAC is putting resources directly into the hands of local innovators, researchers, and community groups to bridge Indigenous knowledge with modern science.
What the Grant Aims to Achieve
The program isn’t just about funding—it’s about changing the way communities think about coexistence.
The small grants seek to:
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Raise awareness about why human-animal relationships matter for sustainable living.
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Encourage ethical, mutually beneficial ways for people, animals, and the environment to interact.
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Strengthen grassroots organizations that promote the humane treatment of animals while protecting ecosystems.
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Boost local livelihoods through income-generating projects tied to coexistence.
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Support knowledge sharing that shapes policies and strengthens scientific evidence.
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Blend Indigenous wisdom with modern research to create lasting, practical solutions.
Who Can Apply for Funding
Not every group is eligible, but if your organization is rooted in community impact and responsible practices, you may qualify.
Organizational requirements include:
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Being registered as a non-profit, community-based group, academic institution, or social enterprise.
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Showing at least two years of relevant work—or proposing a brand-new, innovative idea with a solid implementation plan.
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Proving financial accountability and transparency.
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Having a local presence and direct community engagement.
Project requirements include:
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Aligning with AHAC’s mission of coexistence and sustainability.
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Ensuring community leadership and support for long-term success.
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Producing measurable results that benefit both people and animals.
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Complementing (not duplicating) existing initiatives.
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Valuing Indigenous knowledge alongside scientific methods.
Proving Readiness to Deliver
Applicants should come prepared with:
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A clear project plan (objectives, timeline, budget, outcomes).
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A dedicated and skilled team ready to take on the work.
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Openness to join AHAC-led workshops for capacity building and knowledge exchange.
How to Apply for the Grant
The process begins with a one-page expression of interest, submitted through AHAC’s portal or by email.
Shortlisted applicants will then be asked for a full proposal (max 10 pages) including:
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Completed application form.
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Detailed methodology and sustainability plan.
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Budget breakdown and funding sources.
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Registration documents and proof of operational status.
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Two community reference letters.
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Recent financial statements or audit report.
Applications can be submitted in Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, or Portuguese.
How Proposals Will Be Evaluated
Each application goes through a technical review committee, scored on:
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Relevance and impact (30%)
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Feasibility and sustainability (25%)
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Innovation and Indigenous knowledge integration (20%)
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Team expertise (10%)
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Budget and accountability (10%)
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Collaborative funding evidence (5%)
Shortlisted projects may also face interviews or site visits.
Timeline You Need to Know
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First round call: January–April (Deadline April 1)
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Second round call: July–September (Deadline September 1)
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Evaluation: Four weeks after the deadline
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Funds disbursed: Two weeks after agreements are signed
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Implementation period: Up to 12 months
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Final reporting: One month after completion
How the Funds Can Be Used
Grants must directly support the project, and funds may go toward:
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Advocacy, training, and community mobilization.
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Capacity building workshops and education.
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Materials and equipment for humane animal care or conservation.
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Monitoring and evaluation activities.
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Operational costs tied to the project (up to 30%).
Funds cannot be used for:
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Covering unrelated administrative costs (beyond 10%).
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Political activities or debt repayment.
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Personal expenses or large infrastructure.
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Salaries outside of project-specific personnel.
Accountability and Reporting
Transparency is non-negotiable. Grantees must:
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Submit quarterly updates on progress and finances.
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File a final report two months after project completion.
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Allow for audits if requested.
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Engage in AHAC’s monitoring and evaluation framework.
Ethical Standards to Uphold
Applicants are expected to respect core principles, including:
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Environmental sustainability and animal welfare.
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Community engagement.
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Child and gender protection.
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Transparent governance and accountability.
Learning, Monitoring, and Future Funding
This isn’t just about money—it’s about learning together. AHAC will:
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Conduct regular check-ins.
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Encourage grantees to share case studies, photo essays, or storytelling.
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Build a platform for organizations to exchange experiences.
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Use insights to improve future grant cycles and global knowledge sharing.
Projects that prove impactful may even qualify for renewed or scaled-up funding in future cycles.
Deadline and Final Call
The current deadline is 1 September 2025.
If your organization is passionate about building bridges between people, animals, and the environment, this is the time to apply.
