ACT Ubumbano invites proposals from community and activist organisations, and organisations of faith, for support for social justice action.  These actions may be responses to the impact of environmental, gender and economic injustice on communities, or they may be campaigns to change particular situations that communities are struggling with. The action must be implemented and completed by 30 November 2025.

If you received a grant in 2024 and are still in the process of implementing it and/or have not yet provided a final report, including accounting for the funding, please do not apply to allow other organisations an opportunity. There will be another call for proposals in 2026

Proposals may be for a maximum of ZAR25,000 (Twenty-five thousand South African Rands). Amounts allocated may be less than this to reach as many applicants as possible.

Proposals must be completed and submitted online at https://gmsp.smapply.io/prog/ACT_SSF/

The deadline for submission is 14h00 (SAST) on Tuesday 4 March 2025. You are encouraged to complete the online application as early as possible. You can watch a 3-minute video here to guide you with your online submission.

What will be supported?

There is a limited budget available for this call, so ACT Ubumbano consider the following in allocating grants:

1. The proposed work is led by or directly involves people who are affected by the issue.
2. The proposed work seeks to change the root causes or conditions of injustice.
3. The proposed work has potential to bring new knowledge that can be shared with others.
4. The budget is in proportion to the action that will be undertaken.
5. The organisation has demonstrated capability to undertake the action, or has a plan to work with others who have the capability.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is open to any registered non-profit organisation or association that is part of the ACT Ubumbano network, or willing to work with ACT Ubumbano partner organisations in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland (Eswatini), Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Any funding is intended to help with taking action for change. It is not intended for general or core support for organisations, although some of the funds may  be used for organisational costs.

What will NOT be supported!

ACT Ubumbano will NOT support any action that undermines the dignity of people and the earth, or that are:

• Homophobic or discriminatory against people from the LGBTI+ community,
• Sexist and undermining of the dignity of women,
• Xenophobic and discriminatory against foreign nationals,
• Generally harmful to any vulnerable or marginalised group in society, or
• Environmentally destructive and working against efforts to fight climate change.

Furthermore, purchase of livestock, building materials, or inputs that are used in development work (sewing machines, tools, etc), cannot be supported. Relief and humanitarian work cannot be supported, nor can scholarships, school fees, and conference attendance costs.

Who is ACT Ubumbano?

ACT Ubumbano is a resource to organisations working for social justice in different fields. We believe that there is strength in collaboration, and by sharing knowledge and experience – as well as by linking up for joint action where possible – communities can more effectively defend their dignity and bring change.

Questions can be addressed to thabo@actubumbano.org

The rise of conservatism in many parts of the world demands that we strengthen our resolve to stand more firmly with those who resist their further marginalisation. Even as ACT Ubumbano tries to convene space for activists to connect with each other, so too do we need to connect with allies in other parts of the world. ACT Ubumbano is a member of the ACT Alliance so that we can strengthen the solidarity that is needed so badly right now.

The ACT Alliance General Assembly last year made important commitments to action on a range of issues affecting humanity. That spirit is captured in a line from the statement on Palestine that says: ‘True and lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, ensuring justice, adherence to international conventions, an end to the illegal occupation, and the upholding of human rights.’

Click General Assembly Statements to read these commitments to solidarity and action, and to find out more about the ACT Alliance.