9 Best Charities Impacting Nigeria (Complete 2024 List)

9 Best Charities Impacting Nigeria (Complete 2024 List)

By
Dennis Kamprad

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Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa, with over 210 million people. However, many of these people face hardship because of high poverty rates, low employment, and social and political unrest. Fortunately, there are charities helping to make up for the government’s lack of services and social protection for its citizens. So we had to ask: What are the best charities impacting Nigeria?

The best charities impacting Nigeria are the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Education as a Vaccine, and TASTE Nigeria. Other charities such as the Bisi Alimi Foundation, the Irede Foundation, and the Land of Hope work to defend the disadvantaged and rejected people in local communities.

Whether you want to help impoverished families in Nigeria pull themselves out of poverty, or ensure every Nigerian has access to nutritious food to fight malnutrition, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities impacting Nigeria are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities Impacting Nigeria Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission and impact on identified issues in Nigeria.

They are mainly indigenous charities that primarily work in Nigeria and its states to create a more equitable, just, and healthy future for local communities.

Many of the charities on this list focus on improving education and advancing children’s rights across Nigeria to help them improve their lives. Others focus on ensuring that every individual has access to nutritious food and quality healthcare.

Yet, they all share the same goal: to help the people in their society and invest in the future of Nigerian communities. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities Impacting Nigeria in 2024

Below are our favorite charities impacting Nigeria (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

1

Lagos Food Bank Initiative: Fighting Hunger and Malnutrition

Logo for Lagos Food Bank Initiative
Lagos Food Bank  WHAT WE DO

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their financial report, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative spent 19% of their total income on distributing food, 7.5% on the value of programs, and 20.5% on administrative costs.

“Providing access to sufficient and nutritious food for all.”

Lagos Food Bank Initiative

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What they do:

The Lagos Food Bank Initiative provides low-income communities across Nigeria with basic food and self-care items through their Temporary Food Assistance Program. They also run numerous programs to help local individuals find low-skilled jobs and teach them how to start small farms in cities through training initiatives and the provision of essential tools. Additionally, they enhance the nutritional intake of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and their infants, as well as assisting those with diet-related diseases such as diabetes. 

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative has reached over 2 million beneficiaries across 160 communities in Lagos State, Nigeria. For example, in 2021, they distributed 432,839 kg of food (an increase of 189% over the previous year) to 294,855 beneficiaries at a net income of about 114 million Naira (about $275,000). 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Lagos Food Bank Initiative on their website. Aside from a financial commitment, you can donate physical products like your used clothes, perishable and non-perishable food items, and unwanted vehicles.

2

Education as a Vaccine (EVA): Health and Development of Children

Logo for Education as a Vaccine (EVA)
#20YearsofEVA - Journey so far

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their annual report, Education as a Vaccine spends about 91% of their income on program expenses and 9% on administrative costs.

“Consolidating Impact for Children, Adolescent and Young People”

Education as a Vaccine

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What they do:

Education as a Vaccine works to improve the health and development of children, adolescents, and young people. They do this by advocating for gender equality, campaigning against gender-based violence, and caring for orphans and vulnerable people. They also provide HIV prevention and sexual & reproductive health education

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their foundation, the Education as a Vaccine charity has reached more than 720,000 individuals through their many programs. For example, they engaged over 540,000 individuals through programs such as the SRHR, HIV/AIDS, and child protection policies. In addition, they mobilized more than 9,000 individuals to advocate for these services. Furthermore, they have built the capacity of over 120,000 individuals and 600 institutions in these areas.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to Education as a Vaccine on their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering to help with project implementation and proposal development.

3

The Irede Foundation: Disability and Limb Empowerment

Logo for The Irede Foundation
CNN African Voices with Crystal Chigbu of the Irede Foundation

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Their transparency & ratings:

Based on their corporate profile, the Irede Foundation spent about 80% of their funds on projects and about 20% on operations.

“To help empower, educate, and support Child Amputees – Extending Limbs, Raising Champions.”

The Irede Foundation

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What they do:

The Irede Foundation focuses on educating caregivers and the general public about congenital and acquired limb loss and how to relate to and care for children with this type of condition. They also give prosthetic limbs to child amputees and empower and support them through support groups. The charity also hosts an annual awareness walk called “Out on a Limb” to promote better ways to deal with limb loss, limb differences, fractures, and social integration.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Irede Foundation has given over 250 limbs to children across Nigeria. They also launched the Inclusive Education Project, which has led to conversations about inclusivity for children with disabilities in mainstream schools. These conversations have taken place across 40 locations globally, with a direct reach of 15,000 people and an indirect reach of 10 million people

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Irede Foundation on their website. You can also support the charity by participating in their annual awareness walk. 

4

Amaudo: Tackling Mental Health Challenges

Logo for Amaudo UK
MENTAL HEALTH AMAUDO IN FOCUS

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their annual report, Amaudo spent about 8.4% of their income on office rent and costs, 42.5% on salaries, and about 3.8% on contributions to the Amaudo headquarters. 

“Making an impact in mental health.”

Amaudo

⚒️

What they do:

Amaudo Itumbauzo work in residential, community, and educational support services to raise awareness of mental health issues affecting communities in southeast Nigeria. Amaundo UK raises funds to support the long-term growth of Amaudo Itumbauzo and also provide them with strategic advice, training, and mentoring.

🚀

What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Amaudo has housed over 50 homeless and mentally ill people and people with learning difficulties. They have supported and rehabilitated more than 80 children with physical and learning disabilities. They have also provided mental health care to over 5,000 people across several states in Southeast Nigeria.   

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to Amaudo on their website and help them reach specific project targets. You can also support them by purchasing a gift in their UK shop

5

TASTE Nigeria: Transfer of Appropriate Sustainable Technology and Expertise

Logo for TASTE Nigeria
Standing Together - Taste Charity

🔎

Their transparency & ratings:

According to their annual report, TASTE Nigeria spends about 72.5% on charitable activities, 18% of their total income on the cost of generating voluntary income, and 0.4% on fundraising costs. 

“Life changing water”

TASTE Nigeria

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What they do:

TASTE Nigeria helps communities by providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and teaching about health. They search for potential water locations, build sanitation systems for communities, and drill boreholes to get clean drinking water. They also visit schools to talk to children about their work and teach them how important it is to follow basic hygiene rules.

🚀

What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, TASTE Nigeria has carried out over 450 community projects, helping over 500,000 individuals. For example, the charity has created 14 boreholes, hand-dug 3 wells, built or renovated 17 toilets, and provided 12 hand washing facilities. In terms of the number of people they have helped, they have trained 103 people, educated 9,960 people, given 61,650 people access to water, and built toilets for 1,900 people.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to TASTE Nigeria on their website, via text message, or save up small change in a recycled bottle. You can also support the charity by donating your old vehicles or recycling your writing instruments to raise funds for them. Finally, you can also shop at their fairtrade shop in Sheffield.

6

Yinka Shonibare Foundation: Building a Place for Cultural Exchange

Logo for Yinka Shonibare Foundation
Guest Artists Space [G.A.S] Foundation by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA Launches in Nigeria

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Their transparency & ratings:

Based on their financial statements, the Yinka Shonibare Foundation spends about 3.9%  of their total income on raising funds and 29.6% on charitable activities.

“Providing African artists and researchers the space and support to improve their skills.”

The Yinka Shonibare Foundation

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What they do:

The Yinka Shonibare Foundation provides two physical residency spaces in Lagos and Ijebu, Nigeria, and a digital residency for artists, curators, and researchers in the fields of contemporary art, design, architecture, agriculture, and ecology. In addition, they develop cultural exchange programs, host exhibitions, conferences, workshops, events, performances, and collaborate with cultural institutions in Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world. They also engage in partnerships and collaborations with organizations with similar values.

🚀

What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Yinka Shonibare Foundation has created three different residency programs. They have held 24 public events and had over 250 participants and co-creators attend their workshops/events. Over 6,000 participants attended the live streaming of their public events. In addition, they have commissioned more than 40 artists, curators, and producers to create new work.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Yinka Shonibare Foundation on their website.

7

Bisi Alimi Foundation: Accelerating Social Acceptance of LGBTQ+ People

Logo for Bisi Alimi Foundation
The Bisi Alimi Foundation Rainbow Academy

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Their transparency & ratings:

Based on their financial statements, the Bisi Alimi Foundation spends about 56.8% of their total income on charitable activities.

“Advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria”

The Bisi Alimi Foundation

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What they do:

The Bisi Alimi Foundation conducts studies on the social perception of LGBTQ+ people and the impact of homophobia in Nigeria. They create awareness of their goals through public advocacy, campaigns, and engagement with businesses and institutions in the country. They also provide Media Justice Fellowships for lawyers and journalists to train them on these issues that will contribute to the change movement. Additionally, they host the Rainbow Academy program to train LGBTQ+ people with the skills to challenge homophobia in Nigeria. 

🚀

What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Bisi Alimi Foundation has engaged and trained over 40 scholars in their Rainbow Academy program and held four annual media justice fellowships. They have published six reports on the social perception of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LGBTQ+ community and provided COVID-19 relief funds to over 100 LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria. In addition, they advanced the professional acceptance of LGBTQ+ people with a virtual job fair with over 200 registered members and 7 businesses in attendance.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Bisi Alimi Foundation on their website.

8

Land of Hope: Fight Against Superstition 

Logo for Land of Hope: Fight Against Superstition
DINNoedhjaelp/Land of Hope 2018 Christmas & Year-End Newsletter

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Their transparency & ratings:

Based on their annual report, the Land of Hope spends about 77% of their total income on operating expenses in Nigeria; 1.6% on traveling and accommodation expenses; 13% on staff costs; and 5% on administrative expenses.

“A world where no child suffers due to the superstitions of adults.”

The Land of Hope

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What they do:

The Land of Hope saves innocent children accused of witchcraft from being cast out, tortured, and killed. In addition, they teach the kids about their rights and what to do if those rights are violated (in case they are wrongly accused of witchcraft). And they use informational campaigns and dialogue to enlighten superstitious communities to fight the root of these witchcraft accusations.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Land of Hope has saved over 83 children accused of witchcraft and taught them about their rights. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Land of Hope website. You can also help raise money by fundraising online and buying their merchandise. Businesses can also support them by becoming a sponsor

9

The GEANCO Foundation: Saving and Transforming Lives

Logo for GEANCO Foundation
GEANCO Foundation at Work Video

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Their transparency & ratings:

The GEANCO Foundation was awarded an overall score of 70 out of 100 by Charity Navigator.

“We save and transform lives in Africa every day!”

The GEANCO Foundation

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What they do:

The GEANCO Foundation runs programs to help mothers and babies stay healthy through anemia screenings and treatments and leads special surgical missions. They also donate essential school supplies and scholarships that can change the lives of young women who have been hurt by terrorism or gender inequality.  

🚀

What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the GEANCO Foundation has screened and treated over 47,000 mothers and children for anemia. They have helped over 14,000 women deliver healthy babies. They have also given more than 525 people free hip and knee replacements, bone fracture repairs, or minimally invasive surgery.

✨

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the GEANCO Foundation on their website.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities impacting Nigeria. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

  • Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarise yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
  • Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
  • Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
  • Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
  • Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
  • Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

  • Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
  • Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
  • Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
  • Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
  • Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to impacting Nigeria – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,



PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

The way we think about charity is dead wrong | Dan Pallotta

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