Catholic Funding Agencies for Africa: Top 10 You Should Know
Grants

Catholic Funding Agencies for Africa: Top 10 You Should Know

If you’re a faith-based nonprofit, diocese, or community project in Africa looking for Catholic grant opportunities, this guide is for you. Many incredible funding agencies are quietly supporting transformational work across the continent—but the truth is, not many people know where to start or how to find them. Searching for Catholic funding agencies for Africa, Catholic donors supporting mission work, or Catholic grants for development on Google?

You’re not alone.

These are some of the most frequently searched terms, and for good reason. Finding the right funder could mean the difference between a dream delayed or a mission delivered.

In this in-depth post, we’ll highlight the Top 10 Catholic funding agencies you should know if you’re doing impactful work in Africa. Plus, we’ll provide application tips, website links, and real-world insights to help you stand out.

Let’s dive in.

1. Missio – Pontifical Mission Societies

Website: https://missio.org.uk and https://missio.org

Missio is the Pope’s official charity for overseas mission. With a strong focus on evangelization, education, and social outreach, Missio has been funding Catholic missions in Africa for over a century.

What they fund:

  • Seminary training and religious vocations
  • Health centers and schools
  • Pastoral outreach and catechesis
  • Emergency relief in mission territories

Pro tip: Build relationships with your local diocesan director of Pontifical Mission Societies—they often recommend projects.


2. Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Website: https://www.crs.org

CRS is one of the world’s largest Catholic humanitarian agencies. They fund both emergency and long-term development projects.

What they fund in Africa:

  • Agriculture and food security
  • Education and youth empowerment
  • Health and WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene)
  • Peacebuilding and advocacy

Pro tip: CRS often works through partnerships, so apply via your local Caritas office or a faith-based implementing partner.


3. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)

Website: https://acninternational.org

Known for its support of the persecuted Church, ACN provides funding to strengthen the faith and welfare of Catholics, especially in hostile environments.

Funded projects:

  • Church construction
  • Bible printing and catechism materials
  • Vocational training for clergy and nuns
  • Trauma healing and post-conflict restoration

Pro tip: Projects with a clear pastoral and spiritual impact are prioritized.


4. Manos Unidas

Website: https://www.manosunidas.org

Based in Spain, Manos Unidas funds grassroots development led by Catholic dioceses and organizations.

Priority areas:

  • Women and children
  • Agricultural projects
  • Educational infrastructure
  • Community health

Pro tip: Collaborate with a local parish or diocese—Manos Unidas prefers applications endorsed by Catholic institutions.


5. Caritas Internationalis

Website: https://www.caritas.org

Caritas is the social arm of the Catholic Church and works in over 200 countries. Their national partners in Africa (like Caritas Nigeria or Caritas Ghana) run a variety of community development programs.

Funding focus:

  • Food security
  • Youth employment
  • Gender justice
  • Humanitarian assistance

Pro tip: Always reach out to your local Caritas office—they often sub-grant funds to local community-based organizations.


6. Misean Cara (Ireland)

Website: https://www.miseancara.ie

Misean Cara supports missionary development through faith-based, community-led efforts. They fund both small and large Catholic projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

Eligible projects:

  • Education and literacy
  • Health systems strengthening
  • Human rights and dignity

Pro tip: Work with a registered missionary society—they typically submit proposals on your behalf.


7. Porticus Foundation

Website: https://www.porticus.com

Ad 7
Advertisements

Though not exclusively Catholic in branding, Porticus is guided by Catholic values and supports education and societal transformation globally.

Project themes in Africa:

  • Transforming Catholic education
  • Faith-based peacebuilding
  • Social inclusion and advocacy

Pro tip: Porticus doesn’t accept unsolicited proposals—start by networking with existing grantees in your country.


8. Hilfswerk Austria International

Website: https://www.hilfswerk.at

Rooted in Christian principles, this Austrian organization supports social development in vulnerable communities.

What they fund in Africa:

  • Maternal and child health
  • Vocational training
  • Economic empowerment for women

Pro tip: Strong monitoring and reporting systems make your proposal stand out.


9. The Loyola Foundation

Website: https://www.loyolafoundation.org

A U.S.-based Catholic family foundation funding capital projects in Catholic missions.

Preferred projects:

  • Church and rectory buildings
  • Mission vehicles
  • Solar electricity for missions

Pro tip: Only Catholic institutions can apply. Applications must come through a U.S. diocesan contact or with sponsorship.


10. Missionhurst–CICM and Similar Religious Orders

Website: https://www.missionhurst.org

Religious orders like the CICM Missionaries often receive and distribute donor funding for their work in African missions.

Typical grants:

  • Health clinics
  • Scholarships for seminarians
  • Evangelization programs

Pro tip: Build relationships with missionaries serving your region. Many have discretionary project budgets.


Tips to Stand Out When Applying

Align your mission clearly with Catholic values. Use terms like human dignity, solidarity, and integral development.

Tell a story. Numbers are good, but a compelling story is memorable.

Provide strong data. Back up your need with facts about your impact and the local context.


Bonus Tip: Collaborate for Success

Catholic funders often prefer collaboration—between dioceses, parishes, women religious, and lay-led projects.

If you’re small, find a partner with shared values.

Joint proposals carry more weight.


Final Thoughts:

There’s something profoundly beautiful about being part of a mission that transcends geography—where a rural parish in Nigeria or a girls’ school in Kenya receives support from faithful Catholics across oceans.

You are not alone.

And you’re not invisible.

These Catholic agencies are looking for partners like you—faith-filled, impact-driven, and rooted in community transformation.


Want More Resources Like This?

Subscribe to the Grant Writing Academy Newsletter to get the latest Catholic and Christian-friendly funding opportunities—delivered weekly.

Ready to take your mission global?

Become a Founding Member of the Grant Writing Academy and access exclusive trainings, templates, and strategies to help your faith-based nonprofit thrive.

God is funding His vision—let’s write the grants that unlock it.

Which of these Catholic funders will you reach out to first?

Get Grant Writing Essentials

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    You may also like...

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *