Do you lead a small community organisation in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda? The Localization Development Accelerator (LDA) 2027 is a free, nine-month programme that helps grassroots organisations build stronger systems, leadership and long-term sustainability. Applications close on November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time.
Please note: this is a capacity-building programme for organisations, not individuals. It does not offer a cash grant as a standard benefit.
About the Localization Development Accelerator
Locally led organisations understand their communities better than anyone. Yet many are underfunded and lack the internal systems that donors look for. The LDA helps close that gap. Over nine months, participating organisations review how they work, find weak spots and put practical improvements in place.
In previous years, the LDA was run by MAMA HOPE, a nonprofit founded in 2008 that supports early-stage, locally led grassroots organisations through capacity building, advocacy and collective action. The 2027 call follows the same format as earlier cohorts.
Benefits of the LDA 2027
- Free participation for eligible organisations
- Practical learning to strengthen internal systems and foundations
- Mentorship on organisational development and strategic planning
- Peer exchange with other locally led organisations across East Africa
- Support to review leadership structures and operations
- A clear plan to improve your effectiveness and sustainability
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
- Based in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda
- An annual operating budget below US$100,000
- Locally led, meeting the programme’s definition (earlier cohorts required organisations founded and led by members of the community they serve)
- Strong relationships with the communities you serve
- Able to commit about 2 to 4 hours per week for nine months
- Willing to take part in learning, mentorship, peer exchange and organisational development
Check the full criteria in the official application form before you apply.
What to Prepare
- Your mission and the community you serve
- Who leads your organisation and how community members take part
- Examples of community relationships, partnerships and local priorities
- The systems, leadership or processes you want to strengthen
- How your team will find 2–4 hours a week
- Your annual budget and how you meet the eligibility rules
Timeline
- November 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EAT): Application deadline
- November – December 2026: Application review
- January 2027: Interviews for shortlisted organisations
- February 2027: Cohort confirmed
How to Apply for the Localization Development Accelerator 2027
- Confirm your organisation is based in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda, with a budget under US$100,000.
- Gather the information listed above.
- Complete the official LDA 2027 application form. You need a Google account to open it.
- Submit before November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Show clearly that your organisation is led by people from the community.
- Give real examples of community trust, such as volunteers, local partners or community meetings.
- Be specific about the one or two systems you most need to fix, for example finance or monitoring.
- Name the team members who will attend, so reviewers know you can commit the time.
Key Details at a Glance
- Programme: Localization Development Accelerator (LDA) 2027
- Duration: Nine months
- Cost: Free
- Who: Locally led organisations with budgets under US$100,000
- Countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda
- Time: 2–4 hours per week
- Deadline: November 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EAT
