Apply Now: Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund for Education Innovation in South Africa (Up to R3 Million)

The Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF) has officially opened applications for its transformative Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund, a R30 million initiative designed to support South African nonprofit organisations leading innovations in education. With the closing date set for 18 July 2025 at 11:59 PM (SAST), this opportunity invites established organisations to secure up to R3 million in flexible, multi-year funding to scale their work in teacher development and youth opportunity pathways.

Khulani Nathi — meaning “we grow together” in isiXhosa — reflects TNF’s philosophy that meaningful education transformation requires shared growth, trust-based funding, and deep-rooted community leadership. The Fund is an intentional response to the challenges facing South Africa’s education landscape, where traditional funding models often limit creativity and long-term impact.

What the Fund Supports

The Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund focuses on two key areas:

• Teacher Development: Supporting programs that empower educators — the cornerstone of educational transformation.

• Youth Opportunity Pathways: Enabling programs that support meaningful transitions for youth aged 15–35 into education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Investment Details

Successful applicants may receive:

• Up to R3 million over three years

• Flexible funding that adapts to real-world challenges

• Minimal reporting requirements

• Access to a collaborative learning community

• Ongoing support beyond financial aid

TNF is committed to trust-based philanthropy, believing that organisations on the ground are best equipped to design and drive change. This initiative empowers them to innovate freely without the constraints of rigid program restrictions.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, organisations must meet the following requirements:

• Legally registered in South Africa as a Non-Profit or Public Benefit Organisation with Section 18A status

• In good standing with SARS

• Have an organisation bank account and audited financial statements

• Legally registered and operational for at least two years

• Annual turnover between R4.5 million and R45 million

• Proven track record in grant implementation, innovation, and sustainable impact

• Significant focus on teacher development or youth opportunity pathways

• Demonstrate proximate leadership and deep connection to the communities served

• Aligned with TNF’s values and commitment to continuous learning

Who is Not Eligible

Applications will not be accepted from:

• Individuals or for-profit entities

• Non-registered or early-stage organisations

• Organisations focused on untested, ideation-stage programs

• Exclusively religious faith-based organisations

• Programs that do not prioritize teacher development or youth opportunity pathways

• Initiatives seeking bursaries, scholarships, or research funding

Application Process

All prospective applicants must begin by completing the Pre-Screening Questionnaire available on the application page. This ensures that only eligible organisations proceed to submit a Concept Note. The application process includes the following steps:

1. Eligibility Self-Assessment: Complete the Pre-Screening form online.

2. Concept Note Submission: If eligible, applicants will receive a link to submit their Concept Note.

3. Full Application: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to submit a detailed application.

4. Notification: All applicants will be informed of the outcome once evaluations are complete.

Briefing Session

To provide greater clarity on the application process, a virtual briefing session will be held for prospective applicants:

• Date: Thursday, 03 July 2025

• Time: 14:30 – 15:30 SAST

• Platform: Microsoft Teams

• Registration Link: Click to Register

Attendance is highly encouraged to ensure applicants have the best chance of success.

About the Trevor Noah Foundation

Founded in 2018, the Trevor Noah Foundation is dedicated to improving education in South Africa through sustainable, community-based programs. TNF’s past initiatives include the Khulani Schools Program (impacting over 13,000 students and 500 educators annually) and the Education Changemakers program, which has supported over 230 youth-led innovations across the country.

With the launch of the Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund, TNF is scaling its mission and inviting others to join in creating lasting systemic change in South Africa’s education system.

Deadline

Submit your Concept Note by 18 July 2025 at 11:59 PM (SAST) via the official TNF application platform.

For more information or inquiries, email: info@trevornoahfoundation.org with the subject: Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund_Your Query.

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.