ACT Foundation announces grants for 27 organizations

ACT Foundation, a grant-making nonprofit organization, announced grants for 27 organizations as part of its 2021 Four Years of Impact initiative. The grantees, selected based on their work in health, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the environment, represent a diverse group of organizations dedicated to tackling key challenges across Africa. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Osayi Alile, the Chief Executive Officer at ACT Foundation, shed light on the foundation's work and the expectations from the new grantees. Established in 2016, ACT Foundation has been committed to supporting nonprofit organizations in Africa that are addressing vulnerabilities in local communities. As Alile explained, the foundation aims to leverage partnerships between the nonprofit and private sectors to create impactful solutions. Over the past four years, ACT Foundation has focused on four key areas: health, entrepreneurship, environment, and leadership. Alile emphasized the importance of focusing on specific challenges to make a meaningful difference. While acknowledging the multitude of issues facing the continent, ACT Foundation chose to concentrate on these four areas to maximize its impact. She highlighted the urgency of addressing critical issues before the 2030 deadline set by the Sustainable Development Goals. The selection process for the 27 organizations and grantees was meticulous, with a focus on issues exacerbated by the pandemic. Alile noted the increasing challenges in maternal and child health, including cancer and malaria, which have been further exacerbated by the pandemic. By partnering with organizations like LifeBank, which provides life-saving blood to mothers and children in need, ACT Foundation aims to address these pressing issues at the community level. ACT Foundation's expectations for the grantees extend beyond immediate results. Alile mentioned the importance of long-term impacts and sustainability in the projects. The foundation will closely monitor the progress of the programs and evaluate their effectiveness over time. By emphasizing qualitative data and community impact, ACT Foundation aims to drive lasting change in the regions it serves. In response to the research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social impact organizations, ACT Foundation found that despite challenges, many organizations continued to deliver essential services to their communities. The digital divide posed a hurdle, but a significant percentage of organizations managed to adapt and serve their beneficiaries. Alile highlighted the resilience and dedication of these organizations in the face of adversity. As governments grapple with mounting debt obligations and cutbacks in key sectors like education, the role of organizations like ACT Foundation becomes even more crucial. By supporting grassroots initiatives and fostering partnerships, ACT Foundation is at the forefront of driving positive change in Africa. In conclusion, ACT Foundation's grants to the 27 organizations signal a commitment to sustainable impact and community-driven solutions. The foundation's strategic focus on key areas and rigorous monitoring of programs highlight its dedication to making a lasting difference in the region.