Dear friends in giving,
As the world celebrates the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela this week, I’m reminded that while history remembers remarkable leaders, our communities are shaped every day by ordinary people who quietly choose to give.
The teacher who is driven to see every child succeed. The grandmother who sacrifices so her grandchildren can dream bigger. The volunteer who still shows up after a long work week. The stranger whose simple “good morning” reminds someone they matter.
We may never know most of their names, but they leave something behind wherever they go. Maybe that’s what it means to die empty; to not leave this world with all our gifts still inside us, but to pour out the very best of ourselves. This in itself is generosity.
I hope this inspires you to give something away this week. Your time, your skills, your encouragement, or your resources. Someone’s life may be different because you chose to share the best of yourself.
In this edition, you’ll find the latest generosity updates, GivingTuesday in action, and opportunities and events you can be part of.
As Mandela once said, “What counts in life is... what difference we have made to the lives of others.”
Keep giving your best,
Anuoluwapo
Communications Associate, GivingTuesday Africa
What if generosity is bigger than donations? The new GivingTuesday Data Commons State of Generosity report reminds us that some of the most meaningful acts of generosity happen every day through volunteering, sharing skills, speaking up for others, checking in on neighbours, and supporting our communities.
As conversations about funding continue around the world, the report highlights something many African communities have always known: lasting change is not built by institutions alone. It is also built by people who choose to show up for one another.
The findings offer hope for the future. Even in uncertain times, generosity continues to connect communities. Recognising and strengthening these everyday acts of care will be key to building stronger, more resilient societies.
Read The State of Generosity Report
GivingTuesday Nigeria is inviting passionate young changemakers to apply as Spark Chapter Leaders. The opportunity is open to young people aged 25 and under who are committed to generosity, volunteerism, and community action.
Spark Chapter Leaders will receive training, build their leadership skills, and lead activities that inspire giving and community engagement in their local communities.
The young leaders will also become part of a growing community working together to mobilize action for GivingTuesday 2026 and beyond while creating lasting impact across Nigeria.
Some of Africa’s most influential women are also grandmothers.
Women like Graça Machel and Theo Sowa have helped shape policies, institutions, and generations of leaders. Others have built businesses, preserved culture, strengthened food systems, led faith communities, taught in classrooms, mentored young people, and held their communities together.
Through #GoGrandma, we’re inviting not just individuals but organizations, institutions, businesses, and communities to help celebrate these remarkable women and document their generosity.
Honor your grandmother—or a grandmother you admire—with a personalized Honour Card. You can also share her full story for a chance to have it featured on our Honour Wall, preserving her legacy for generations to come.
On July 15, GivingTuesday Zambia has unveiled actress and entrepreneur Sombo Kapole as its Official Brand Ambassador, marking a new chapter in the country’s growing generosity movement.
Through the role, Kapole will help promote clean water, girls’ education, and generosity across the country. Led by Shining Future Zambia, GivingTuesday Zambia has already delivered more than 30 community boreholes and supports girls through menstrual health initiatives.
Her appointment will help inspire more people to give and strengthen the movement’s impact.
GivingTuesday Nigeria has entered into a new partnership with Catalyst Now Nigeria as preparations begin for GivingTuesday 2026.
One of the highlights of the partnership will be a major event celebrating generosity and volunteerism on December 5 as part of GivingTuesday 2026 and Generosity Week.
Catalyst Now Nigeria is part of a global movement that connects social innovators and organizations to accelerate collaborative solutions to social challenges. Together, both teams will strengthen collaboration, grow local action, and inspire more people across Nigeria to take part in the GivingTuesday movement.
Artivism Alliance: In Motion! is an eight-month programme for artist groups, creative practitioners, cultural organisations, collectives, and networks developing cross-border artistic collaborations for social impact.
Selected groups will receive mentoring, masterclasses, residency opportunities, and micro-grants of up to €2,500 for cross-regional collaborations and €1,500 for same-region projects.
Deadline: 31 July 2026 (18:00 CET)
Learn more and apply here
The African Women’s Leadership Network (AWLN) 8th Intergenerational Retreat is a leadership and networking programme for young African women driving change in their communities and sectors. The retreat will bring together women leaders from across Africa and the Diaspora for knowledge sharing, peer learning, and mentorship in Libreville, Gabon.
Applicants must be 18–45 years old, show measurable community impact, and work in one of AWLN's six pillars: Peace and Security; Governance and Political Participation; Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining; Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land; Social Mobilisation; or Youth and Emerging Leaders.
Deadline: 3 August 2026
Learn more | Apply
Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF-Africa) is inviting proposals from women’s rights organisations and networks working to advance democracy, gender justice, human rights, and inclusive civic participation across Africa.
Successful applicants will receive grants ranging from USD 35,000 to USD 200,000 to strengthen their work over a period of 24 to 30 months.
Eligibility: Women’s rights organisations and networks in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Deadline: 12 August 2026
Learn more and apply
The Africa Impact Fundraising Incubator, hosted by the New Africa Fund, supports African NGOs, community-based organisations, and social enterprises to strengthen their fundraising capacity and financial sustainability.
Selected organisations will receive fundraising training, access to a 30-day fundraising challenge with up to USD 5,000 in matching funds, 12 months of fiscal sponsorship, and the opportunity to attend an advanced fundraising workshop in Kigali.
Deadline: 14 August 2026 (5:00 PM UTC)
Learn More | Apply
Africa Fundraising Congress 2026 is a free, one-day virtual gathering bringing together fundraisers, civil society leaders, and development practitioners to explore African-led approaches to fundraising, financial sustainability, and resource mobilisation through practical strategies, case studies, and peer learning.
Location: Virtual
Event Date: 12 August 2026
Learn More | Register
Africa at the Centre 2026 is a three-day continental convening bringing together changemakers, civil society leaders, philanthropists, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to co-create practical solutions that place African leadership at the centre of development and systems change.
Location: Accra, Ghana
Event Dates: 1–3 September 2026
Registration Fee: $50
Learn More | Register Here
Some gifts come wrapped in ribbons, others as cheques. But sometimes the most meaningful ones often come as belief, encouragement, the courage to uplift others, and countless other acts.
On International Women’s Day, GivingTuesday Africa shared the #WomenGive Playlist—a collection of deeply personal and heartwarming gratitude notes honouring the women who have made a difference in people's lives.
If you missed it, now is the perfect time to listen and celebrate the power of women’s generosity.
Tune in here: Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | Youtube
Learn more here
As we anticipate a new podcast season, catch up on past episodes of the Ubuntu Giving Podcast on Spotify and revisit conversations that inspire generosity and impact!
#SankofaTogether honours Africa’s rich traditions of generosity, sharing stories, insights, and reflections from Africans across the continent and in the diaspora.
Tune in to explore how Africa’s giving heritage inspires action today and shapes a brighter, more generous future.
Listen on Spotify and YouTube here!
This newsletter edition was produced while listening to “Grace” by Rimon. To listen to our Spotify playlist, click here
We hope you’re finding our newsletter insightful and inspiring!
If you have exciting news from your organization or community? We’d love to hear from you!
You can also send your updates to africa@givingtuesday.org
You might see your story featured in our next edition!
If you find value in our content, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
Thank you for helping to grow this movement of generosity even further!
With Gratitude,
GivingTuesday Africa hub
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