Initiative Targets Grassroots Changemakers Across Key Sectors
The Luminary Project has announced a N6 million impact fund to support selected social innovators in Nigeria. The initiative reflects growing efforts to strengthen the country’s social enterprise and development space.
The organisation made the announcement during the third edition of the Luminary Awards in Lagos. At the event, 10 changemakers received recognition for their contributions to education, healthcare, sustainability, youth empowerment, community development, and social innovation.
The new funding plan aims to go beyond awards and recognition. It is designed to provide direct support to grassroots innovators working to solve urgent social problems.
Funding Gap Remains a Major Challenge
Executive Director of The Luminary Project, Napa Onwusah, said inadequate funding remains one of the biggest obstacles facing social impact organisations in Nigeria.
She explained that many organisations continue to deliver strong results despite limited financial support.
“The Luminary Project exists because Nigeria’s most credible changemakers are rarely the most visible ones,” Onwusah said.
She added that several impactful projects continue to emerge across different sectors.
“We have people working in health interventions, climate action, and community development. Our biggest challenge has been funding,” she stated.
Three Funding Streams to Support Impact Organisations
Onwusah revealed that the organisation currently runs three funding channels aimed at different categories of social impact groups.
She explained that the first fund supports top-performing changemakers within the Luminary Awards cohort.
The second fund focuses on alumni beneficiaries through periodic funding rounds.
The third funding stream extends support to non-governmental organisations outside the Luminary network.
According to her, stronger financial backing would allow the organisation to expand support for more changemakers nationwide.
Call for Visibility and Mentorship
Beyond funding, Onwusah stressed the need for greater visibility and accountability.
She said increased awareness would help more people understand the organisation’s mission and monitor its impact.
She also highlighted the importance of mentorship from experienced professionals in the development sector.
“We need visibility so people can understand what we are doing and hold us accountable. We also need experienced professionals in the impact space to mentor emerging NGOs,” she added.
Private Sector Shows Growing Interest
The event attracted representatives from major organisations, including MTN, Amazon Web Services, and the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative.
Their participation showed growing collaboration between private companies and social impact organisations in Nigeria.
The Luminary Project remains focused on identifying, empowering, and promoting changemakers who drive sustainable development and community growth across the country.
