About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Urgent Action Fund–Africa is a feminist, pan-African rapid-response funding organisation dedicated to transforming power relations by resourcing women human rights leaders and women’s rights organisations.
The fund operates within a broader global feminist ecosystem and focuses on:
Rapid response grantmaking for urgent and time-sensitive needs
Trust-based philanthropy
Supporting grassroots and frontline organisations
Advancing women’s agency in governance, climate justice, and human rights
Strengthening resilience in conflict and crisis-affected contexts
UAF-Africa prioritises organisations closest to communities experiencing injustice, recognising them as key drivers of sustainable and transformative change.
Call for Proposals Overview
The 2026 Call for Proposals is designed to strengthen women’s rights organisations and networks operating across Africa in environments marked by overlapping crises and systemic inequality.
Key details of the funding call include:
Call released: 1 July 2026 (Wednesday)
Information session: 8 July 2026 (online)
Submission deadline: 12 August 2026 (30 working days)
Grant range: USD 35,000 – USD 200,000
Implementation period: 24 – 30 months
Applications are expected to support initiatives that enhance institutional resilience, collective action, and long-term sustainability.
Context: Challenges Facing Women’s Rights Organisations in Africa
Women’s rights organisations across Africa are operating in increasingly complex and demanding environments shaped by multiple intersecting pressures. These include:
Political and regulatory constraints affecting civil society operations
Economic instability and limited funding opportunities
Climate change impacts and environmental degradation
Security risks, including harassment and threats against women human rights defenders
Rising online abuse and reputational attacks
Ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises
Social and cultural debates around gender equality and rights
Despite these challenges, WROs continue to play a critical role in:
Providing community-based support services
Advocating for gender equality and human rights
Advancing inclusive public dialogue
Strengthening local resilience and solidarity networks
Supporting marginalised communities in crisis contexts
The Fund emphasises that women and girls are often disproportionately affected by these challenges, making sustained support for WROs essential.
Purpose and Strategic Objectives
The core purpose of the Call for Proposals is to strengthen women’s rights organisations as key actors in advancing democracy, gender equality, and structural social change across Africa.
How to apply