Open call: LIFSA+ 2026 offers grants to civil society organisations in Gauteng, Lesotho

The 2026 call aims to strengthen the long-term capacity of small civil society organisations operating in Gauteng, South Africa, and Lesotho. Selected organisations will receive financial support as well as technical, institutional and networking assistance.

Applications must be submitted by 13 September 2026.

Who can apply?

The call is open to locally based organisations that meet the eligibility requirements, including:

• Civil society organisations headquartered in Gauteng or Lesotho.
• Locally registered non-governmental and non-profit organisations, including associations, cooperatives, community-based organisations and community centres.
• Local private-sector entities with non-profit status involved in projects of collective interest with a strong socio-economic focus benefiting vulnerable populations.
• Local universities, research institutes and training centres implementing measurable community-based projects.

Applicants must be legally registered in their country of establishment and comply with relevant national laws, policies and sectoral frameworks.

Priority areas

LIFSA+ will support projects addressing one or more of the following areas:

• Empowerment of women and girls.
• Agriculture and livestock.
• Education and vocational training.
• Culture and sport.
• Child protection.
• Entrepreneurship and employability.
• Inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups.
• Climate adaptation and environmental protection.
• Peacebuilding, social cohesion and violence prevention.

Funding and support

Selected initiatives can receive a maximum grant of R160 000 (about $10 000) or LSL160 000.

In addition to funding, successful organisations will receive support in areas including:

• Technical capacity building.
• Institutional development.
• Networking and partnership development.

Geographic eligibility

Organisations must operate in one of the programme’s two target areas:

• Gauteng, South Africa, including Johannesburg and surrounding areas.
• Lesotho.

Private entities may apply only if they have non-profit company status and meet the other eligibility requirements.

Key deadline

Application deadline: 13 September 2026

Applicants are advised to review the full guidelines and eligibility criteria before submitting their proposals. The application platform also provides an FAQ section and messaging facility for questions about the call.

View the original call here.