Deadline: July 18, 2025
Applications are open for the Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund 2025. The Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund is a strategic initiative aimed at expanding impact in the South African education sector through flexible and unrestricted funding, with primary focus on two critical areas: teacher development and youth pathways.
The fund aims to catalyse innovation, strengthen organisational capacity, and contribute to lasting systemic change in teacher development and youth pathways through a trust-based approach that emphasizes innovation, continuous learning, and sustainable impact.
They are looking for nonprofits in South Africa seeking funding to implement a sustainable innovation in two critical areas:
- Teacher Development: Empowering the educators who shape the future.
- Youth Opportunity Pathways: Creating meaningful transitions for young people ages 15-35.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to participate in the Call for Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund:
- South African registered Non-profit, Public Benefit Organisations with Section 18a Status.
- Maintain good standing with SARS.
- Have a bank account in the organisation’s name and audited financial statements.
- Preference will be given to organisations that have been legally registered and operational for at least 2 years, demonstrating organisational capacity, sound governance and financial stability.
- Organisations that focus significantly on teacher development or youth pathways (ages 15-35).
- An established organization, currently in early or a growth stage, with proof of concept and is seeking funding to scale or replicate the model.
- Organizations applying for the youth pathways stream must demonstrate that their proposed innovation directly engages with youth.
- Demonstrable track record in one or all of the following: continuous learning, innovation, and sustainable impact.
- To be eligible, the applicant organization must demonstrate an annual turnover of between R4.5 million and R45 million, as evidenced by their most recent audited financial statements.
- Applications must demonstrate proximate leadership, i.e., must have close and meaningful connections with the communities they serve.
- Share TNF’s values and commitment to learning.
- Demonstrate a proven track record in grant implementation.
- Only proposals that meet the eligibility criteria above will be considered.
Application
- Step 1: Eligibility Self-Assessment – Take the Self-Assessment at the bottom of this page to determine your eligibility.
- Step 2: Concept Note Submission – Once you pass the assessment, you’ll get a link to submit your Concept Note.
- Step 3: Full Application Submission – If your Concept Note is shortlisted, you’ll be contacted to submit a full application.
- Step 4: Notified of Outcome – Once all applications have been reviewed. all applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.
For more information, visit Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund.
