Empowering Sustainable Change Across Africa
Sustainable development across Africa requires long-term commitment, inclusive partnerships, and innovative solutions that address social, economic, and environmental challenges at their root. Since its establishment in 2016, the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation has remained dedicated to strengthening communities across the continent through strategic grant-making and meaningful collaborations with local and regional organizations.
The ACT Foundation 2026 Grant Application cycle represents another important milestone in the Foundation’s mission to support impactful, community-driven initiatives. Through targeted funding in Health and Entrepreneurship, ACT Foundation continues to empower organizations that demonstrate sustainability, scalability, and a strong commitment to inclusive development.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 grant cycle, the Foundation’s priority focus areas, eligibility requirements, and how organizations can apply for funding.
About ACT Foundation
Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation is a grant-making organization committed to supporting local, national, and regional non-profit organizations working to address pressing development challenges across Africa. The Foundation believes that sustainable change is best driven by organizations that understand local realities and are deeply rooted in the communities they serve.
ACT Foundation’s work is guided by a strong emphasis on accountability, partnership, and long-term impact. Beyond providing funding, the Foundation actively supports implementing partners throughout the grant process, ensuring they have access to guidance, monitoring support, and opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Overview of the 2026 Grant Cycle
The 2026 Grant Application cycle is designed to support scalable, high-impact programs that contribute to sustainable development and systems-level change across African communities.
The call for applications opens on 19th January 2026 and closes on 30th January 2026 at 11:59pm West Africa Time. Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit their applications early to allow sufficient time for preparation and review.
For this grant cycle, ACT Foundation is prioritizing programs that leverage community mobilization, integrate technology to achieve scale, and intentionally include marginalized and vulnerable groups such as women, rural youth, children, and persons with disabilities. Collaborative initiatives and partnerships with other institutions or donor organizations are strongly encouraged.
Organizations can begin their application directly through the official ACT Foundation grant portal:
Apply here: https://actrustfoundation.org/grant_application
Focus Area One: Health
Strengthening Community Health Systems
Africa continues to face a dual burden of disease, with persistent maternal and child health challenges occurring alongside a growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Limited access to healthcare services, low health literacy, and late diagnosis remain significant barriers, particularly for underserved and rural populations.
ACT Foundation’s health interventions focus on preventive care, early detection, and community-based education. The Foundation supports programs that improve access to healthcare while empowering individuals and communities to adopt healthier behaviors.
Priority health interventions supported under the 2026 grant cycle include community health screenings conducted in partnership with relevant health institutions. These screenings target non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis, cancers, and eye health conditions, with clear referral pathways for follow-up care.
Maternal and child health interventions are also a key priority. Supported initiatives include community health education sessions, awareness campaigns focused on safe pregnancy and childbirth, provision of safe delivery kits, prevention of malaria in pregnancy, and education on pregnancy-induced conditions. These programs aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality while strengthening local healthcare delivery systems.
Focus Area Two: Entrepreneurship
Driving Inclusive Economic Growth
Africa’s rapidly growing youth population presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While young people and women possess immense potential for innovation and enterprise, unemployment and limited access to capital continue to hinder economic progress.
ACT Foundation’s entrepreneurship strategy focuses on creating sustainable economic opportunities through enterprise development, financial literacy, and environmentally responsible livelihoods. The Foundation prioritizes youth-led and female-led initiatives that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and community impact.
Supported interventions include digital and vocational skills development programs linked to entrepreneurship pathways, seed funding for youth-led and women-led social enterprises, and access-to-finance initiatives combined with capacity-building support. These programs are designed to move beyond training by enabling entrepreneurs to build viable and sustainable businesses.
Financial literacy campaigns are another important area of support. ACT Foundation encourages the use of radio programs and social media platforms to deliver accessible financial education, helping individuals and communities improve money management, savings, and investment practices.
In recognition of the link between economic development and environmental sustainability, the Foundation also supports climate and renewable energy initiatives. These include training youth and women to operate recycling businesses, developing waste-to-wealth initiatives through public-private partnerships, and promoting environmentally responsible enterprise models.
Micro-farming and sustainable agriculture interventions are equally important. Community-based programs that promote climate-smart agricultural practices, food security, and income generation are strongly aligned with ACT Foundation’s entrepreneurship goals, particularly for rural communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations applying for ACT Foundation’s 2026 grant must meet specific eligibility requirements to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
Eligible organizations must operate within ACT Foundation’s focus areas of Health and or Entrepreneurship. They must be legally registered in an African country for a minimum of two years and registered as a non-profit organization or social enterprise. Applicants must demonstrate a strong governance structure, including a Board of Directors or Trustees and a management team.
Organizations are required to show evidence of previous or current funding sources and provide proof of matching funds for the proposed project. A minimum staff strength of three paid full-time or part-time individuals is required, and the applicant organization must be directly responsible for implementing the proposed intervention within Africa.
Partnerships with other organizations and intentional inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups such as women, rural youth, children, and persons with disabilities are considered added advantages.
Individuals seeking personal financial assistance are not eligible for funding under this grant cycle.
Beyond Funding: Building Sustainable Partnerships
ACT Foundation’s approach extends beyond grant disbursement. The Foundation works closely with funded organizations to strengthen implementation capacity, improve monitoring and evaluation practices, and promote learning across projects.
By fostering strong partnerships and encouraging collaboration, ACT Foundation ensures that supported interventions are positioned for sustainability, scalability, and long-term impact beyond the grant period.
Apply Now and Make an Impact
The ACT Foundation 2026 Grant Application is an opportunity for eligible organizations to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development journey. By supporting innovative and inclusive programs in health and entrepreneurship, the Foundation continues to empower communities and strengthen institutions across the continent.
Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply through the official grant portal before the application deadline.
Start your application here:
https://actrustfoundation.org/grant_application
.pdf_20260118_145709_0000.png)
