Description

Overview

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) Africa program is inviting applications for a consultancy to conduct research on digital fundraising models and associated legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to civil society organizations operating in Africa. The assignment responds to increasing financial constraints faced by nonprofits and the growing interest in alternative funding mechanisms such as crowdfunding and digital platforms.

ICNL will use the research to strengthen understanding of enabling and restrictive legal environments and to support policy and regulatory improvements for nonprofit sustainability across African contexts.

Key Details

• Commissioning organization: International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), Africa Program
• Geographic focus: Africa (multi-country comparative scope)
• Application deadline: 1 July 2026, 12:00pm EST
• Budget ceiling: up to USD 4,500
• Output type: research report, case studies, and presentation
• Submission: email to [email protected] with required documentation

Purpose and Strategic Focus

The consultancy aims to map how digital fundraising mechanisms are regulated across African jurisdictions and assess their feasibility as sustainable financing tools for nonprofits. It also seeks to identify regulatory barriers and reform opportunities in order to improve financial resilience within the civil society sector.

The work is positioned within broader ICNL efforts to support enabling legal environments for civic participation and nonprofit sustainability.

Scope / Priority Areas

The research covers legal and policy frameworks governing nonprofit digital fundraising, including emerging models such as crowdfunding and other forms of digital fundraising.

Key analytical areas include:

• Legal frameworks enabling or restricting digital fundraising
• Institutional and regulatory barriers affecting nonprofit adoption
• Emerging best practices and operational case studies across African countries
• Opportunities for legal and policy reform
• Documentation of practical implementation experiences among civil society actors

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to be qualified legal professionals with demonstrated experience in nonprofit law and civil society regulation in Africa. Relevant expertise in digital fundraising systems and qualitative research methods is required.

Additional advantages include:

• Prior engagement with international organizations or research institutions
• Familiarity with philanthropic ecosystems and civil society funding structures in Africa
• Experience conducting stakeholder interviews and case study development

Outputs and Activities

The consultant will work with ICNL’s Africa team to deliver a structured research output, including:

• A synthesis report on legal and regulatory frameworks and trends
• Concise case studies for use by civil society actors and policymakers
• Identification of best practices and regulatory innovations
• Stakeholder engagement through interviews or consultations
• Presentation of preliminary findings via virtual workshop or meeting

Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit the following fully completed items with the Application Cover Sheet via email, with the subject “ICNL Africa Digital Fundraising Consultancy Application” to [email protected].

• Curriculum Vitae of the consultant/s stating relevant work history and education particularly other consultancies previously undertaken (no more than 3 pages)
• An application (no more than 3 pages) that addresses:
  • Applicant’s qualifications and expertise for this consultancy (which should demonstrate how applicant meets the selection criteria listed below)
  • If more than one person is involved in this consultancy, a description of who will undertake distinct aspects of the consultancy. ICNL reserves the right to approve or reject the use of any personnel
  • Applicant’s justified daily rate (in US Dollars). For additional personnel, please list each person who will be involved in the consultancy and their proposed daily rate
  • Line-item budget, no more than $4,500 USD, using provided template in Annex A (if unable to access, please email [email protected] for a copy).
• A recent sample of legal analysis, and a recent sample of a research product similar to the work envisaged under this Call.

Timeline

• Application deadline: 1 July 2026, 12:00pm EST
• Contract timeline and delivery milestones: not specified (to be defined upon selection)

Selection / Evaluation

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Compliance with submission requirements and eligibility criteria
• Demonstrated qualifications in nonprofit legal frameworks and African civil society contexts

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.