CALL FOR PROPOSALS #17 // SOFACO #06 – ACF
Solidarity Fund for African Artists & Cultural Organizations (SOFACO)
CALL FOR PROPOSALS #17 // SOFACO #06 – ACF
(For Individual Artists and Cultural Organizations)
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
In recent years, the world has faced an unprecedented crisis marked by political, social, and economic upheavals that have paralyzed numerous sectors and jeopardized global development. In Africa, the cultural sector has been particularly affected: the closure of creation, production, and dissemination spaces, coupled with growing insecurity for artists often left to fend for themselves.
Considering this situation, it has become urgent to implement support mechanisms to assist cultural actors, preserve creative dynamics, strengthen resilience, and maintain an already fragile socioeconomic fabric.
It is within this context that the African Culture Fund (ACF) launches its sixth call for proposals under the Solidarity Fund for Artists and Cultural Organizations in Africa (SOFACO).
General Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Applicants
- Non-Eligible Applicants
- Eligible Project Types
- Geographic Scope and Grant Amount
- Selection procedure
- Evaluation Criteria
- Funding Terms
- Indicative timeline
- Application Process
Eligible Applicants
Individual Artists
Applicants must:
- Be professional artists residing and working in Africa.
- Have at least five (05) years of professional experience.
- Submit a project related to skills development, artistic creation, or artistic production.
Required Documents:
- A copy of the artist card or any equivalent proof.
- An artistic portfolio (max. 3 pages) including a biography, background, artistic approach, and samples of work.
- A letter of recommendation from a recognized figure in the cultural sector.
Cultural Organizations
Applicant organizations must:
- Be legally registered and based in Africa.
- Have at least three (03) years of proven activity.
- Operate from a physical location in an African country.
- Submit a structured project aligned with the objectives of the call.
Required Documents:
- A copy of the organization’s legal registration document.
- A concise presentation (max. 3 pages) of the organization’s background and achievements.
- The biography of the organization’s director and an organizational chart.
- The latest activity report (narrative and financial).
- A letter of recommendation from a recognized cultural professional.
- A detailed project proposal: capacity building or creative/innovative project.
Non-Eligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Members of the ACF Board of Directors, their partners or family members.
- ACF staff and their close relatives.
- Members of the current year’s selection committee
Eligible Project Types
This SOFACO #06 call supports two main categories :
- Category 1: Organizational Structuring Support
Projects aimed at strengthening cultural organizations through professional grants. - Category 2: Support for Creation and Production
Projects involving artistic creation, innovation, or skills development adapted to the local context.
Geographic Scope and Grant Amount
This call is open to all African countries.
The maximum funding amount granted by ACF per application is €5,000 (five thousand euros).
Project implementation must be between 6 and 12 months.
Selection Procedure
The selection process includes the following five (05) steps:
- Registration and classification of applications.
- Administrative review of applications.
- Evaluation by the selection committee (jury).
- Approval of the list of selected projects.
- Approval of grant allocations.
Evaluation Criteria
Project proposals will be evaluated based on the following:
- Originality, innovation, and creativity of the project.
- Technical quality of the application.
- Financial viability of the project.
- Relevance and sustainability within the African context.
Contract and Funding Terms
A contract will be signed between ACF and each selected beneficiary, specifying: the funded activities; the total amount allocated (€2,000 to €5,000); Payment modalities; Obligations regarding narrative and financial reporting.
Disbursement Conditions:
- 80% upon contract signature (advance payment);
- 20% upon project completion and validation of final reports.
Note: ACF reserves the right to partially fund proposals, depending on the quality and scope of the project.
| Activities | Deadline |
| Call launch | April 15, 2025 |
| Deadline for clarification requests | April 30, 2025 |
| Response to clarification requests | May 5, 2025 |
| Call for proposals closes | May 15, 2025 (midnight GMT) |
| Results published | June 30, 2025 |
| Grant notification | July 5, 2025 |
| Contract signature | From July 15, 2025 |
Application Process
Applicants must fully complete the application form, available via the following links:
- Individual Artists: click here to download the form
- Cultural Organizations: click here to download the form
Completed forms must be saved as PDF files and sent to the African Culture Fund at both of the following email addresses:
applications@africanculturefund.net AND administrator@africanculturefund.net
Applications may be submitted in French or English.
Deadline for submission: May 15, 2025, at midnight GMT
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Results will be published on the ACF website and social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram).
Only selected applicants will be contacted by ACF.