Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund for South African Education Innovators 2025

Khulani Nathi—meaning “we grow together” in isiXhosa—embodies our belief that true education transformation requires collective action and shared growth. Just as a forest thrives when trees support each other, we believe South Africa’s education ecosystem will flourish when we invest in organizations that can take root and flourish across the landscape, creating spaces where educators and young people can reach their full potential together.

The program is looking for nonprofits in South Africa seeking funding to implement a sustainable innovation in two critical areas:

Teacher Development

Empowering the educators who shape our future.

Youth Opportunity Pathways

Creating meaningful transitions for young people ages 15-35.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: July 18, 2025
2. Country to Study: South Africa
3. Type: Entrepreneurs
4. Sponsor: Trevor Noah Foundation
5. Gender: Men and Women

Eligibility Criteria for Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund for South African Education Innovators 2025

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to participate in the Call for Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund:

1. South African registered Non-profit, Public Benefit Organisations with Section 18a Status.
2. Maintain good standing with SARS.
3. Have a bank account in the organization’s name and audited financial statements.
4. Preference will be given to organizations that have been legally registered and operational for at least 2 years, demonstrating organizational capacity, sound governance, and financial stability.
5. Organizations that focus significantly on teacher development or youth pathways (ages 15-35).
6. An established organization, currently in an early or growth stage, with proof of concept, is seeking funding to scale or replicate the model.
7. Organizations applying for the youth pathways stream must demonstrate that their proposed innovation directly engages with youth.
8. Demonstrable track record in one or all of the following: continuous learning, innovation, and sustainable impact.
9. 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.
10. Applications must demonstrate proximate leadership, i.e., must have close and meaningful connections with the communities they serve.
11. Share TNF’s values and commitment to learning.
12. Demonstrate a proven track record in grant implementation.
13. Only proposals that meet the eligibility criteria above will be considered

Benefits of Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund for South African Education Innovators 2025

Selected organizations will receive:

1. Up to R3 million in funding, disbursed over a 3-year period.
2. Flexible, trust-based financial support with minimal reporting requirements.
3. Access to a peer learning network and non-financial support resources.

The funding is designed to reduce administrative burdens and allow grantees to focus on high-impact, community-driven innovation in education.

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Apply by starting with the Pre-screening questionnaire on this page.
2. All prospective applicants are required to complete a Pre-Screening Questionnaire before completing Concept Notes. This brief questionnaire is designed to help applicants determine if they meet the basic eligibility criteria and are ready to proceed to the next stage—submitting a concept note.
3. Applicants may submit only ONE application.
4. Only organizations that meet the minimum eligibility criteria will be expected to submit Concept Notes. All Concept Notes must be completed on the linked form provided at the end of the assessment.
5. All Concept Notes will be reviewed for eligibility, and following evaluation by TNF, only those shortlisted will be invited to submit full applications.
6. In order for an application to be considered for funding, applicants must ensure that they submit their applications on or before the application’s closing date.

For further information regarding the call for applications, please send an email to info@trevornoahfoundation.org with the subject line “Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund_Your Query.”

For more details, visit Trevor Noah Foundation Innovation Fund webpage

Application Deadline

July 18, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Trevor Noah Foundation Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund for South African Education Innovators 2025