Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with over 210 million people. However, many of these people face challenges due to extreme poverty, low employment rates, and social unrest and kingship and politics. Fortunately, there are charities that help compensate for the government's inaction and social protection for its citizens.
What are the Best Charities Impacting Nigeria?
The most influential charities in Nigeria are the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Education as a Vaccine and TASTE Nigeria. Other charities such as Bisi Alimi Foundation, Irede Foundation and Land of Hope work to protect the disadvantaged and rejected in society. Whether you want to help poor families in Nigeria lift themselves out of poverty or ensure that every Nigerian has nutritious food to fight malnutrition, there is a charity for you.
Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities impacting Nigeria are, how they work, and what would be the best way to donate.
Here’s What All the Best Charities Impacting Nigeria Have in Common
Charities have been selected in this list based on their work and impact on issues identified in Nigeria. They are citizens' philanthropists who work effectively in Nigeria and its states to create a just, fair and healthy future for the people of the country.
Many of the charities on this list focus on improving education and empowering children in Nigeria to help improve their lives. Others want to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food and good health care. However, they all share the same goal of helping people in their communities and investing in the future of Nigeria.
Top 9 charities Impacting Nigeria
1. Lagos Food Bank Initiative
2. Education as a Vaccine (EVA)
3. The Irede Foundation
4. Amaudo UK
5. TASTE Nigeria
6. Yinka Shonibare Foundation
7. Bisi Alimi Foundation
8. Land of Hope
9. GEANCO Foundation
• Lagos Food Bank Initiative:
Addressing Hunger and Malnutrition
The Lagos Food Bank Initiative was founded in 2015 by Michael Sunbola to fight hunger, reduce food waste and address the problem of malnutrition through targeted programs in Nigeria. Today, the charity focuses on making food sustainable through farming and agriculture initiatives, alongside their food bank initiative.
Based on their financial report, Lagos Food Bank Initiative spent 19% of its total revenue on food distribution, 7.5% on program benefits, and 20.5% on administrative costs.
The Lagos Food Bank Initiative provides basic food and self-care items to underprivileged communities in Nigeria through temporary food assistance programs. They also carry out many programs to help local people find jobs with low-skilled workers and teach them how to start small farms in cities through training and providing the necessary equipment.
In addition, they improve the nutrition of pregnant women, nursing mothers and their babies, while helping people suffering from food-related diseases such as diabetes.
What they achieved: Since its inception, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative has reached over two million beneficiaries in 160 communities in Lagos State, Nigeria. For example, in 2021, they distributed 432,839 kilograms of food (a 189% increase from last year) to 294,855 beneficiaries for a total cost of about 114 million naira (about $275,000).
• Education as Medicine (EVA): Child
Health and Development
Education as a Vaccine was founded by Fedekemi Agarau and Damilola Adebiyi in 2000 to promote the health and development of children, youth and youth in Nigeria. Today, the organization focuses on providing new vision, efficiency in sexual and reproductive health, children's rights and friendly services. According to their annual report, Education as a Vaccine spends about 91% of its revenue on program expenses and 9% on administrative costs.
Education as a vaccine aims to improve the health and development of children, adolescents and young adults. They do this by advocating for gender equality, campaigning against gender-based violence, and caring for orphans and the vulnerable. They also provide HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health education.
Since its inception, the charity Education as a Vaccine has reached over 720,000 people through its many programs. For example, they have involved more than 540,000 people in programs such as sexual and reproductive health policy, HIV/AIDS and child protection.
In addition, they gathered more than 9,000 people to prepare for these projects. In addition, they have built the capacity of more than 120,000 people and 600 companies in these areas.
• The Irede Foundation: Disabilities and Strengths of Members
Crystal Chigbu founded the Irede Foundation in 2012 to empower disadvantaged children and youth in Nigeria to give them hope and help them lead fulfilling lives. Today, the charity focuses on helping amputee children by educating the public about inclusive while encouraging caregivers and creating campaigns to raise money for good prostheses.
Based on their corporate profile, Irede Foundation has spent around 80% of its revenue on operations and around 20% on performance. The Irede Foundation focuses on educating social workers and the public about congenital and acquired disabilities and how to approach and care for children with this condition.
They also provide exercise equipment to children who have been amputated and are empowered and supported by a support group. The charity also organizes an annual awareness walk called 'Out on a Limb' to promote better ways of dealing with limb loss, limb differences, fractures and social issues.
Since its inception, Irede Foundation has given more than 250 children. They also introduced inclusive education programs, which led to discussions about including children with disabilities in mainstream schools. These talks took place in 40 locations around the world, reaching 15,000 people directly and reaching 10 million people directly.
•Amaudo UK : Addresses mental Health Issues
Rosalind Colwill founded Amaudo Itumbauzo in 1989 in response to the growing number of mentally ill people roaming the streets of southeastern Nigeria. And then, in 2000, Amaudo UK was founded in the UK by Kate Lumley to support the work of Amaudo Itumbauzo. Together, Amaudo is working to create affordable, accessible ways and solutions for people with mental health issues or learning disabilities in Nigeria.
According to their annual report, Amaudo spends about 8.4% of its income on rent and office expenses, 42.5% on salaries, and about 3.8% on investments of the company. 'Love.
Amaudo Itumbauzo works in residential, community and educational support projects 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 provides them with advice, training and guidance.
Since its inception, Amaudo has served more than 50 homeless, psychiatric and learning disabled people. They have supported and supported more than 80 children with physical and learning disabilities. They have provided mental health care to more than 5,000 people in many states in South East Nigeria.
You can donate to Amaudo directly on their website and help them achieve their mission. You can also support them by buying gifts from their UK store.
• TASTE Nigeria: Transfer of Appropriate
Sustainable Technology and Expertise
TASTE Nigeria was founded in 2000 by Ben Udejiofo to support the diffusion of appropriate and sustainable technology in Nigeria. Today, this group is working to support communities that do not have it in Nigeria by providing them with clean drinking water and clean housing.
According to their annual report, TASTE Nigeria spends about 72.5% on charity, 18% of its total revenue in the price of voluntary contributions and 0.4% in fundraising.
TASTE Nigeria helps communities by providing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health education. They search for potential water sources, build sanitation systems for communities and dig wells for drinking water. They also go to schools to tell the children about their work and teach them that it is important to follow the rules of cleanliness.
What they have achieved: Since its inception, TASTE Nigeria has carried out over 450 community projects, helping 500,000 people. For example, the charity created 14 wells, dug 3 wells by hand, built or renovated 17 latrines and provided 12 hand washing stations. In terms of the number of people they helped, they trained 103 people, taught 9,960 people, provided water to 61,650 people, and built toilets for 1,900 people.
You can donate directly to TASTE Nigeria on their website, via text message, or save some loose change in a recycled bottle. You can also support charities by donating your old car or using your writing equipment to raise money for them. Finally, you can also shop at their fair-trade shop in Sheffield.
• Yinka Shonibare Foundation: Building a place for cultural exchange
The Yinka Shonibare Foundation was founded in 2019 by the British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare to support cultural exchange and support the work of artists through residencies, collaborations and teaching projects in the UK and Nigeria.
Today, the charity and its sister organization, the Guest Artists Space Foundation, work together to focus on supporting creative spaces in Nigeria. Their influence and understanding: According to their financial statements, Yinka Shonibare Foundation spends about 3.9% of its total income for fundraising and 29.6% for charity.
Yinka Shonibare Foundation offers two physical residencies in Lagos and Ijebu, Nigeria, as well as digital residencies for artists, curators and researchers in the fields of art, design, ethics housing, agriculture and environment.
Furthermore, they create cultural exchange programs, organize exhibitions, conferences, workshops, events, exhibitions and collaborate with cultural institutions in Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world. They also interact with groups of people with similar values.
Since its inception, Yinka Shonibare Foundation has launched three different residential programs. They held 24 social events and more than 250 participants and partners attended their workshops/events. More than 6,000 participants attended the live broadcast of their social event.
In addition, they commissioned more than 40 artists, project managers and designers to create new projects.
• Bisi Alimi Foundation: Making
society more accepting of LGBTQ+ people
Bisi Alimi was founded in 2015 by Bisi Alimi to promote equality regardless of sexuality or gender identity and reduce gender inequality in Nigeria. Today, the charity uses research, training, community involvement and business to achieve its goals.
Their Impact and Awareness Level: According to their financial statements, Bisi Alimi Foundation spends about 56.8% of its total income on charity. The Bisi Alimi Foundation is conducting a study on LGBTQ+ social perceptions and the impact of homosexuality in Nigeria.
They raise awareness of their cause through public support, campaigns, and involvement in businesses and institutions across the country. They also provide lawyers and media journalists to train them on these issues which will help in the movement for change.
In addition, they support the Rainbow Academy program to train LGBTQ+ people in the fight against sexism in Nigeria.
Since its inception, Bisi Alimi Foundation has engaged and trained more than 40 scholars through the Rainbow Academy program and organizes four media conferences every year. They published six articles on the public perception of LGBTQ+ in Nigeria and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBTQ+ and provided COVID-19 relief funds to over 100 LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria.
In addition, they promoted professional recognition for LGBTQ+ people with a virtual career fair with 200 registered members and 7 companies in attendance. You can donate directly to the Bisi Alimi Foundation on their website.
• Land of Hope: Fighting
Superstitions
The Land of Hope was founded in 2012 by Anja Ringgreen Loven to disprove the idea that children are witches (which is why thousands of children in Nigeria are still humiliated, tortured, abandoned or killed). Today, the charity seeks to strengthen small communities and provide scholarships in some of the poorest areas of the country.
Their impact and level of awareness: According to their annual report, Land of Hope spends about 77% of its total revenue on operational expenses in Nigeria; 1.6% on travel and accommodation expenses; 13% on employee wages; and 5% on administrative expenses.
Land of Hope saves innocent children accused of witchcraft from being hunted down, tortured and killed. Also, they teach children about their rights and what to do if those rights are violated (if they are falsely accused of witchcraft). They also use information campaigns and dialogues to make superstitious locals understand the reasons for these witchcraft accusations.
Since its establishment, Land of Hope has rescued 83 children accused of witchcraft and taught them their rights. You can donate directly on the Land of Hope website. You can also help make money by saving money online and buying their products. Companies can also support them by becoming a sponsor.
• The GEANCO Foundation: Saving and Changing
Lives
The GEANCO Foundation was founded in 2005 by Dr. Godwin Onyema and his family to save and transform the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria. Today, the charity provides surgical services, birth services and education for children.
Their impact and understanding score: The GEANCO Foundation received an overall score of 70 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. The GEANCO Foundation runs programs to help mothers and babies stay healthy by diagnosing and treating anemia and conducts special surgeries. They also provide essential school supplies and scholarships that can change the lives of girls who are victims of terrorism or gender inequality.
Since its inception, GEANCO Foundation has screened and treated more than 47,000 mothers and children for anemia. They have helped more than 14,000 women to have a healthy baby. They also provided more than 525 free hip and knee replacements, fracture repairs or minor surgeries.
How do you choose the Best Charities to Support?
The charities on this list are, in our opinion, the best charities affecting Nigeria. However, you may have a specific charity you want to support.
Let's see what you can do to make sure your contribution has a meaningful impact. Organizations that should make your donation are clear in their information and numbers.
Familiarize yourself with their history, role and values.
• Identify the charity's goals: Without purpose, the charity can fail. If the charity's message is unclear, it may be worth looking for a charity with a clear message.
• Check to see if the charity has a measurable objective: An effective charity has a clear purpose. You want to know that your donation will help the charity achieve its goals. But if it does not have a goal, it is likely that it will fail or destroy your gift. The charity should be able to account for its expenses and provide evidence of the work it does.
• Measure the successes or goals the charity has achieved: You shouldn't invest in a company if it's constantly missing its target. Likewise, charities are the same. If no one is monitoring a charity's progress in achieving its goals, it is unlikely to make a positive difference.
• Check the amount and number of charities: These organizations will publish financial statements and annual reports. Some may be exempt from doing so, but they will be able to donate to the public.
• Find places that work for or benefit from the charity: Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity gives you an idea of the charity's quality. If you can do it, check out the charity for yourself or talk to someone who knows. This way your donation will go to the right place.
How can you Support these Charities?
After you've made your decision, it's time to decide how you want to help your chosen charity. See how you can help - each charity runs a specific program with a specific purpose. Find out what the goals of these programs are and if they are right for you.
Here are some ways you can help your chosen charity:
• Give money: You can find donation pages on many charity websites. Your donation can be a one-time payment or you can schedule it to be withdrawn regularly at different times. You can pay by credit card, but some charities also accept PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise: Charities can also earn money by selling merchandise. So you can support them by buying mugs, shirts, hats, pens, pencils and anything else they sell. Ideally, you should buy everything you can to share and publicize the charity's activities.
• Submit a percentage of your online purchases: If you've recently bought something from a site like Amazon, you'll see an app asking you to donate to your favorite charity through their Smile Amazon program. You can set this up so that your chosen charity receives a small cut of your online purchase.
• Volunteering: As you have seen in our description above, some charities are involved in many local and regional activities. You can help by sponsoring and organizing events in your area.
• Help their fundraising efforts: You can advertise your charity at your workplace, school, church, etc., and organize creative fundraisers on social media or offline within your small circle.
• Share their stories: Many charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.
Final Thoughts
Now it's up to you to choose your favorite charity. Whichever charity you choose and get involved with, we're sure they'll be very grateful for your support. I hope the information in this article made the selection process easier to support charities dedicated to impacting Nigeria - based on what matters most to you.
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