The development Research and Projects Centre, dRPC, has launched N5m grants to 30 Nigerian women-led NGOs as part of efforts to reduce the impact of the US government’s global funding cuts.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Judith-Ann Walker, disclosed during the launch of the grants in Abuja on Wednesday that the grants are designed to reduce the negative impact associated with the global funding cuts that are forcing NGOS to terminate staff appointments and reduce spending on supporting vulnerable groups across the country.
‘’As we know, thousands of local NGOs in Nigeria have had to cancel high-impact activities since January 2025 in response to recent funding cuts. This happens as a result of policy changes in the donor and development intervention spheres’’ She said
Many locally registered Nigerian NGOs, according to her have had to suspend activities on gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, school safety for girls, women’s health, gender-based violence prevention, and social justice due these sudden cuts leading to widespread losses of jobs, critical interventions in the areas of critical healthcare deliveries, humanitarian interventions, social justice, and education opportunities for vulnerable groups across the globe.
‘’This sudden disruption has led to many Indigenous women-led organisations finding it difficult to continue sustaining critical interventions that have supported millions of vulnerable families, especially in Nigeria and Africa. Although the federal government and some subnational governments have introduced remedial interventions to cushion the effects of these sudden withdrawals, the impact has been devastating.’’ She added
In this vein, aDr Judith said, that the development Research and Projects Centre is launching rapid response funds of up to N5 million to support these women-led organisations that have lost their funding.
‘’Successful NGOs are required to participate in a four-module virtual training programme on project management, evidence-informed advocacy, financial accountability and compliance, and social behavioural change communication. High-performing NGOs that excel in this grant will be recommended to social impact investors for scale-up and sustainability support. ‘’
In his remarks at the event, Drpc Director of Prohrammes, Dr Stanley Ukpai disclosed that applications will be assessed based on their potential to positively impact the lives of women and girls, particularly through policy change and/or the provision of infrastructure, strengthening of systems, and shifting of social norms and behaviours.
‘’The dRPC will also provide additional support to successful NGOs with a capacity-building intervention to enable them to scale up and become future leaders in the field.’’ He said
He added that the grant, which is supported by the Ford Foundation West Africa, will support activities that must be implemented within 3 months and that are designed to include partnerships with communities and government at any level.
‘’NGOs interested should visit our website www.drpcngr.org and click on NSI Grant to apply.’’ He concluded
