GNAPS in partnership with IDP Foundation is rolling out an initial Alumni Micro-Grants Competition in the Greater Accra Region, with plans to expand to additional regions in the next phase. This initiative seeks to motivate school owners and leaders to create enabling environments that empower alumni to actively support school improvement efforts.
The competition invites alumni groups to submit proposals for innovative, sustainable, and high-impact school-support initiatives. The proposed projects should go beyond one-off activities and demonstrate clear potential for continuity, community participation, and long-term development outcomes.
The Alumni Micro-grant aims to:
- Strengthen alumni-school partnerships.
- Encourage volunteerism, innovation, and community-driven solutions in LFPS.
- Support alumni-led initiatives that address critical school needs.
- Incentivize alumni associations to become more active and structured.
- Familiarity with the private education landscape in Ghana, particularly LFPS.
- Promote scalable and sustainable models for resource mobilization in LFPS.
GUIDELINES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR GNAPS ALUMNI MICRO-GRANTS COMPETITION
Thematic Focus:
Applicants are free to design context-appropriate initiatives. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Ongoing mentorship, coaching, and career guidance programs for pupils.
- Establishment or enhancement of libraries, reading clubs, ICT labs, or uniform/resource banks.
- Structured maintenance programs for school infrastructure (repairs, painting, sanitation, beautification).
- Extra-curricular or life-skills programs designed to enhance learners' holistic development.
- Alumni-led fundraising structures or income-generating activities to support school development.
- Capacity-building programs for teachers or school staff led by alumni professionals.
Applicant Eligibility: To Qualify:
- Applicants must be alumni of a Low-Fee Private School (LFPS) located in the Greater Accra Region.
- Low-Fee Private School is clearly classified as:
i.Tuition and associated school costs fall below a locally determined affordability threshold.
ii.Schools that respond to local demand.
- Applications may be submitted by at least 3-alumni year groups acting on behalf of the school with administrative endorsement.
- The applicant(s) must demonstrate:
i. A clear connection to the school (graduation history or documented participation).
ii.Demonstrating teamwork and collaboration in implementing the proposed project.
- Applicants must commit to working collaboratively with school leadership, evidenced through a Letter of Support from the school owner or headteacher.
School Eligibility:
A school qualifies if:
- It is registered with GNAPS as a fully paid-up member in the designated project region (Greater Accra).
- It provides evidence of membership (either membership certificates or dues payment receipts) for the past 2 years.
- It demonstrates readiness to provide an enabling environment and colead the implementation with alumni, including access to necessary resources (e.g., space, administrative support, and access to school data).
Project Eligibility:
Projects must:
- Address a clearly defined need within the school.
- Be feasible for implementation within the grant period (typically 2months).
- Demonstrate potential for sustainability beyond the micro-grant period.
- Show evidence of alumni involvement and leadership.
- Promote safety, inclusivity, and equitable participation of all students.
- Not be political, discriminatory, or contrary to GNAPS child protection standards.
NB: Proposals focusing solely on one-day events, ceremonial visits, or purely consumable items with no sustainable value will not be considered.
Available Funding:
- A micro-grant amount of one thousand dollars ($1000) as determined by GNAPS.
- The overall best project will receive an additional ($500) to mobilize additional resources for school or community improvement.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed Application Form (online).
- Project Proposal including:
i. Project title and summary.
ii. Problem statement and justification.
iii. Objectives and expected outcomes.
iv. Description and outline of activities.
v. Implementation strategy and responsibilities.
vi. Budget and its justification.
vii. Sustainability strategy.
- Letter of Support from the school head/owner.
- List of Alumni Team Members for the participatory year groups (at least 3 graduating year groups).
- Any supporting documents (photos, designs, quotations, etc.), if relevant.
Review and Selection Process:
- Eligibility Screening: GNAPS will review all submissions to confirm completeness and compliance with eligibility criteria.
- Independent Panel Assessment: A panel constituted by GNAPS will evaluate eligible proposals based on:
i. Relevance to school needs
ii. Feasibility and clarity of work plan
iii. Innovation and sustainability
iv. Potential for long-term impact
v. Alumni leadership and collaboration with the school
vi. Cost-effectiveness.
- Final Selection: Five (5) winning proposals will be selected from the region. The overall best project will be identified following implementation.
Implementation Expectations:
Selected Alumini teams must:
- Implement activities within the stipulated period.
- Work closely with GNAPS office staff and implementation team.
- Maintain proper documentation of expenditures and activities.
- Submit progress updates and a comprehensive final report (including photos and evidence of impact).
Key Dates:
- Application opening- 13th January,2026.
- Deadline - 20th January,2026.
- Review period- 20-23rd January,2026.
- Pre-grant workshop/information session - 26/27th January,2026.
- The implementation window- 29th January - 13th March,2026.
Contact Information:
Mr. Eredon Gien Joseph
0240327991
mro@gnaps.org
Enock Yeboah
0592560101
progoff@gnaps.org
Kallai Obed Isoyor
0508750323
projects@gnaps.org
