Shape a Grant Pipeline
Help us identify high-fit funders, prioritise opportunities and craft standout proposals so we can secure ~US$23 k for outreach expansion and platform build.
ADVICE
WRITTEN
WHAT WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH
Outline a simple grant pipeline, list core documents to prepare and share tips for balancing quick-access vs institutional grants.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
CareerLabs’ flagship offering is career mapping and career guidance - students fill out questionnaires and then we discuss the result. We mainly focused on Grade 10s and 11s. We visit schools and typically deliver a 90 min workshop in person.
We’ve piloted several career-guidance programmes (90-min workshops; 10 schools; ≈ 2 500 learners).
CareerLabs is currently self-funded;
We are seeking funding for outreach expansion & our platform build (about 23K USD)
We are unsure where to start, how to prioritise opportunities, or what makes an application stand out.
We have a draft budget
Our M&E plan & 2026 strategic plan is still in progress.
Priority: grantmakers focused on education, youth development & digital inclusion in Southern Africa (Namibia & SA).
OUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
• Stand-Out Elements – What makes a grant application shine?
• Core Docs – Which data or frameworks should we prepare first?
• Grant Pipeline – How do we track prospects simply?
• Funding Mix – Tips for balancing small vs large grants?
We're looking for input to help prepare for the early 2026 grant application cycle. CEO will have 5-10 hours a week to dedicate towards writing proposals.
HOW YOUR HELP WILL IMPACT US
Unlocks critical funding to scale programmes and platform while reducing reliance on personal funds.
Outline a simple grant pipeline, list core documents to prepare and share tips for balancing quick-access vs institutional grants.
CareerLabs’ flagship offering is career mapping and career guidance - students fill out questionnaires and then we discuss the result. We mainly focused on Grade 10s and 11s. We visit schools and typically deliver a 90 min workshop in person.
We’ve piloted several career-guidance programmes (90-min workshops; 10 schools; ≈ 2 500 learners).
CareerLabs is currently self-funded;
We are seeking funding for outreach expansion & our platform build (about 23K USD)
We are unsure where to start, how to prioritise opportunities, or what makes an application stand out.
We have a draft budget
Our M&E plan & 2026 strategic plan is still in progress.
Priority: grantmakers focused on education, youth development & digital inclusion in Southern Africa (Namibia & SA).
We’ve piloted several career-guidance programmes (90-min workshops; 10 schools; ≈ 2 500 learners).
CareerLabs is currently self-funded;
We are seeking funding for outreach expansion & our platform build (about 23K USD)
We are unsure where to start, how to prioritise opportunities, or what makes an application stand out.
We have a draft budget
Our M&E plan & 2026 strategic plan is still in progress.
Priority: grantmakers focused on education, youth development & digital inclusion in Southern Africa (Namibia & SA).
OUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
• Stand-Out Elements – What makes a grant application shine?
• Core Docs – Which data or frameworks should we prepare first?
• Grant Pipeline – How do we track prospects simply?
• Funding Mix – Tips for balancing small vs large grants?
We're looking for input to help prepare for the early 2026 grant application cycle. CEO will have 5-10 hours a week to dedicate towards writing proposals.
HOW YOUR HELP WILL IMPACT US
Unlocks critical funding to scale programmes and platform while reducing reliance on personal funds.
• Stand-Out Elements – What makes a grant application shine?
• Core Docs – Which data or frameworks should we prepare first?
• Grant Pipeline – How do we track prospects simply?
• Funding Mix – Tips for balancing small vs large grants?
We're looking for input to help prepare for the early 2026 grant application cycle. CEO will have 5-10 hours a week to dedicate towards writing proposals.
• Core Docs – Which data or frameworks should we prepare first?
• Grant Pipeline – How do we track prospects simply?
• Funding Mix – Tips for balancing small vs large grants?
We're looking for input to help prepare for the early 2026 grant application cycle. CEO will have 5-10 hours a week to dedicate towards writing proposals.
Unlocks critical funding to scale programmes and platform while reducing reliance on personal funds.
THE RIGHT VOLUNTEER
A grant writer or strategist
Proven experience securing grants for early-stage nonprofits, ideally in the education, youth development, or digital sectors.
Ideally (but not required): - Familiar with local funding bodies relevant to African youth and education
- Able to advise on both small-scale, quick-access grants (e.g., pilot funding, local donors) and larger-scale, institutional grants
- Experience helping organisations develop frameworks, M&E plans, and budgets aligned to donor expectations
- Strong understanding of Africa-based funding landscapes, including regional differences in approach and requirements
HOW WE WILL CONNECT AND WORK TOGETHER
Engagement at a glance
Format: Asynchronous, written advice
Deliverable: Written advice plus sample templates and tips
Submission: Upload your file directly to the workspace (PDF or Google Doc link both fine)
A grant writer or strategist
Proven experience securing grants for early-stage nonprofits, ideally in the education, youth development, or digital sectors.
Ideally (but not required):
Proven experience securing grants for early-stage nonprofits, ideally in the education, youth development, or digital sectors.
Ideally (but not required):
- Familiar with local funding bodies relevant to African youth and education
- Able to advise on both small-scale, quick-access grants (e.g., pilot funding, local donors) and larger-scale, institutional grants
- Experience helping organisations develop frameworks, M&E plans, and budgets aligned to donor expectations
- Strong understanding of Africa-based funding landscapes, including regional differences in approach and requirements
Engagement at a glance
Format: Asynchronous, written advice
Deliverable: Written advice plus sample templates and tips
Submission: Upload your file directly to the workspace (PDF or Google Doc link both fine)
Format: Asynchronous, written advice
Deliverable: Written advice plus sample templates and tips
Submission: Upload your file directly to the workspace (PDF or Google Doc link both fine)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
SHARE YOUR EXPERT ANSWER
Tone & format tips- Keep language plain and actionable, avoid jargon where possible.
- Use clear headings, concise explanations, and practical next-step checklists where helpful.
- Use bullet points and numbered steps rather than long paragraphs.
- Include links to any frameworks, templates, or external resources you reference
When ready, upload it to the workspace.
Tone & format tips
- Keep language plain and actionable, avoid jargon where possible.
- Use clear headings, concise explanations, and practical next-step checklists where helpful.
- Use bullet points and numbered steps rather than long paragraphs.
- Include links to any frameworks, templates, or external resources you reference
When ready, upload it to the workspace.