Global funding cuts: dRPC launches N5m grants in Nigeria

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, who made the disclosure during the launch of the grants in Abuja on Wednesday, said the grants […]

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, who made the disclosure during the launch of the grants in Abuja on Wednesday, said 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, she said, 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.

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She noted that the sudden cuts have also led 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, Dr Judith said the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) is launching rapid response funds of up to N5 million to support the 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 Programmes, Dr Stanley Ukpai, stated that applications would be assessed based on their potential to positively impact the lives of women and girls, particularly through policy changes 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 will support activities that must be implemented within three 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 stated.