The grant will support LEAP Africa’s work to advance the youth ecosystem in Nigeria
Lekki, Lagos July 27, 2021 — LEAP Africa was awarded a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for its work to [establish the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund in order to strengthen the youth ecosystem.
The grant is part of roughly $80 million in awards MacArthur announced today in support of the foundation’s Equitable Recovery initiative, centred on creating more resilient, inclusive communities to combat structural inequality, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is funded by MacArthur’s social bonds, issued in response to the crises of the pandemic and racial inequity.
“Amidst the numerous challenges that the Nigeria youth ecosystem has faced – especially in the wake of the pandemic, we remain committed to advancing the inclusion of youth voice, abilities and agency”, said Femi Taiwo, Executive Director of LEAP Africa. “We are leveraging our 19 years of experience working with Nigerian youth and our multi-sectoral convening power, to build a stronger and more resilient youth ecosystem that will decisively contribute to the long-term development plans of Nigeria”.
“As we emerge from this moment of crisis, we have an opportunity to improve the critical systems that people and places need to thrive. Our systems and structures must be rebuilt,” said MacArthur President John Palfrey. “We are committed to ensuring that our response to the pandemic is focused on supporting the reimagining of systems that create a more just, equitable, and resilient world.”
LEAP Africa is one of the organizations receiving grants to create more inclusive communities. To advance racial and ethnic justice, MacArthur is also supporting work that focuses on Racial Justice Field Support, with a Focus on Combating Anti-Blackness; Self-determination of Indigenous Peoples; Public Health Equity and COVID-19 Mitigation and Recovery; Equitable Housing Demonstration Project.
MacArthur identified the areas through a participatory process with a diverse group of external advisors, who informed its strategic approach. The participatory process aimed to center the voices of communities that are affected by the Foundation’s decisions and have a stake in the grantmaking outcomes.
This is the first time LEAP Africa has received a grant from MacArthur. Almost two-thirds of the awards represent new grantee relationships, and most of the organizations are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led or -serving. The grants also reflect MacArthur’s global reach: 45 percent of the new funding supports work outside of the U.S., including 12 percent in India, and 14 percent in Nigeria, where MacArthur has offices.
Equitable Recovery Initiative
In the fall of 2020, MacArthur established a $125 million Equitable Recovery Initiative. The Foundation deployed $40 million of bond proceeds through 24 grants. Initial grants focused on strengthening voter mobilization and election protection, addressing anti-Black racism, and supporting Native Americans impacted by COVID-19. Grants also supported Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous arts organizations in Chicago, technology and justice, and a fund for social entrepreneurs advancing racial equity.
View all Equitable Recovery grantees.
