Are you hunting for funding to bring your ideas, projects, or business to life in Nigeria? Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or a community builder, grants can change everything. In 2025, Nigeria has a range of active grants supporting business, education, research, agriculture, and social impact. Below is a clear and updated guide to ongoing grants in Nigeria for 2025 and how to apply for them.
Why Grants in Nigeria?
Grants are funds you don’t have to repay. For many Nigerians, that’s a huge relief — no debt, just opportunity. Entrepreneurs, students, NGOs, and social enterprises rely on these funds to grow ideas, create jobs, and expand impact.
Access to traditional finance, like loans or credit, is often limited in Nigeria. Grants fill that gap. They drive growth, solve social problems, and help innovators push forward. In 2025, more funding programs are open than ever before — from business projects to academic research and community development.
Types of Grants Available in Nigeria (2025)
Business and Entrepreneurship Grants
These are designed for startups and entrepreneurs ready to build or scale their ventures.
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP)
One of Africa’s biggest entrepreneurship programs, TEF, offers seed capital of about $5,000 to selected entrepreneurs. It also provides training, mentorship, and access to business networks. The 2025 edition remains active and continues to support business ideas across sectors like agriculture, tech, health, and education.
Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)
Entrepreneurs in Lagos can access grants of up to ₦5 million. It supports small businesses and provides training to help them grow sustainably.
Bank of Industry Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES)
The YES program helps young Nigerians with funding and capacity-building to kickstart or expand their businesses.
Mastercard Foundation Agribusiness Fund
Focused on small and medium enterprises in agriculture, this grant supports projects that improve productivity and promote sustainability.
Agricultural and Agribusiness Grants
Nigeria’s agriculture sector remains a strong foundation for economic growth. Several grants are available for farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses.
Farmers’ Empowerment and Economic Stimulus Programme (FEESP)
FEESP provides funding for farm inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and machinery to strengthen food security and empower smallholder farmers.
WomenPower2030 / WEP Seed Grants
These grants target women-led organizations working on agricultural development, environmental projects, and rural empowerment initiatives.
Education and Research Grants
Education and research drive progress. Nigeria’s education-focused grants give students and researchers the tools to achieve more.
Federal Government Scholarship Scheme
Open to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. The scheme covers tuition, accommodation, and sometimes living costs.
Nigerian Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF)
Supports research in science, technology, and innovation — key to Nigeria’s development goals.
U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants
These grants support educational, cultural, and exchange programs that promote mutual understanding.
NELFUND (Student Loan Fund)
While technically a loan scheme, NELFUND became active in 2025 to help students access higher education financing under fair conditions.
Social Impact and NGO Grants
These grants support individuals and organizations improving lives in their communities.
Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF)
Provides funding for youth-led organizations and initiatives focusing on leadership, governance, and civic engagement.
U.S. Embassy Grants (Cultural and Community Projects)
Offers funding for programs that promote culture, education, and public awareness.
Local Transformation Projects (Czech Embassy Nigeria)
Funds civil society groups working on democracy, human rights, and social inclusion.
Where to Find Grant Opportunities in 2025
- FundsForNGOs Nigeria Section: Lists current opportunities across all sectors.
- DevelopmentAid Nigeria Database: Features national and international grants for individuals and organizations.
- Federal Government Grant and Loan Portal: Provides access to official government funding programs and new initiatives.
- Embassy and Foundation Websites: Keep an eye on embassies and major foundations for fresh calls and partnership grants.
Article updated 4 days ago ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.