Organisation Description

Nalafem is a multigenerational platform of women political leaders working towards the liberation of African women and girls. Since its inception in 2021, Nalafem has built a pan-African platform combining feminist leadership, advocacy, capacity building, grant-making and convening. Its work focuses on strengthening the political, social and economic power of African women and girls, bridging the gaps between policy and implementation, grassroots and intergovernmental spaces, and generations of women leaders. Its initiatives include the Nalafem Academy, I AM NALA Fellowship, Nala Fund and Nalafem Summit.

Project Scope

This project will support Nalafem to strengthen its fundraising pipeline by researching prospective funders, organising fundraising information and contributing to the development of funding applications and concept notes:

• Researching and identifying at least 20 potential donors, foundations, funders and relevant funding opportunities aligned with Nalafem’s work.

• Assessing prospective funders against criteria such as thematic alignment, geographic focus, eligibility and funding priorities.

• Developing concise donor profiles for priority prospects, including funding interests, relevant programmes and potential opportunities for engagement.

• Reviewing and updating Nalafem’s fundraising database to ensure at least 30 donor or funder records are complete, accurate and consistently organised.

• Supporting the development of at least 2 funding applications or concept notes using programme information provided by Nalafem.

• Developing a simple funding opportunity tracker including relevant deadlines, requirements and recommended next steps.

• Preparing a short set of recommendations to support future donor research and fundraising activity.

Project Outcomes

• At least 20 potential donors, funders or funding opportunities identified and assessed.

• At least 30 complete and updated records within Nalafem’s fundraising database.

• Priority donor profiles containing relevant information to support future engagement.

• At least 2 draft funding applications or concept notes prepared for internal review.

• An organised funding opportunity and deadline tracker.

• A final report summarising research undertaken, priority opportunities and recommendations for future fundraising activity.

Internship Requirements

• Research & Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct structured desktop research and assess the relevance of potential funding opportunities.

• Writing & Documentation: Ability to communicate information clearly and contribute to concise concept notes and funding applications.

• Fundraising & Development Interest: Interest in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships or international development.

• Gender Equality & Social Impact Awareness: Interest in women’s rights, feminist leadership, gender equality or African development.

• Technical Skills: Confidence using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, particularly spreadsheets and shared documents.

• Organisation & Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain accurate records, track opportunities and organise information consistently.

• Collaboration: Strong communication skills and willingness to work with the Nalafem team and incorporate feedback.