The Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group (AGAG) is a network of funders that provides services and opportunities to its members to promote effective funding in Africa. AGAG membership benefits include access to a listserv, conference materials, networking events, and the ability to participate in working groups. To be eligible, an organization must make at least $50,000/$25,000 annually in Africa grants, award grants through a competitive process, and have grantmaking as its primary mission. AGAG enforces a no-solicitation policy and seeks to ensure a diversity of voices among its members.

1. The Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group
(AGAG) is a membership network of funders
who have come together with the mission of
promoting increased and more effective
funding in Africa through building and
sharing knowledge.

2. Benefits
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Membership in AGAG entitles you to a range of services designed to assist you in your work
and add value to your Africa grantmaking programs. Benefits include:
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A listserv for sharing information and seeking advice from other members on issues and
topics relevant to your funding activities in Africa.
Copies of conference reports, directories, and results of research projects
Invitations to formal and informal networking sessions
Invitations to the on going "Conversations With/Dialogues On" series
Members' rate for the Annual Retreat
Invitation to organize a session at the Annual Retreat on a topic of your interest
Opportunities to convene and participate in Working Groups on special topics
Opportunities to participate, initiate, and co-sponsor learning calls, meetings and projects
related to grantmaking in Africa
Access to the Members' Section of the AGAG website where information available only to
members is posted
A Membership Directory that includes Africa program contact information and
description, a list of recent grants and resources. Each profile includes a listing of other
members who fund in the same geographic region and program areas

3. Eligibility
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AGAG members must be a grantmaking entity. Grantmaking institutions are defined as:
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Private independent foundations
Operating foundations whose grantmaking supports programs other than the programs
operated by the foundation itself or associated chapters or entities
Public and community foundations whose primary activity is grantmaking and more than
50% of their budget is used to make grants to multiple organizations
Faith-based grantmaking programs whose grantmaking is open to multiple organizations
and not restricted to a specific religious group
Corporate foundations and giving programs
Charitable trusts
Institutional philanthropic advisors who make grants
Family foundations

4. Eligibility continued
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Grantmaking institutions based in the United States must meet the following criteria:
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Direct grant program makes at least US$50,000 per year of Africa grants. Africa grants are
those made to carry out activities in Africa or support Africa-based organizations
Grants are awarded through a competitive process open to multiple individuals or
organizations
Grantmaking is the main component of the organization’s mission
The majority of funding comes from non-government sources
Grantmaking institutions based outside the United States must meet the following criteria:
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Grants are made for charitable purposes
Direct grant program makes at least US$25,000 per year of Africa grants. Africa grants are
those made to carry out activities in Africa or support Africa-based organizations
Direct grantmaking accounts for at least 40% of the total annual budget

5. Code of Conduct
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AGAG’s primary audience is grantmakers. Activities are designed to provide a forum
where open and frank discussion can take place among grantmakers that will enable them
to improve their skills related to grantmaking in Africa. Therefore, AGAG requires that all
members refrain from fundraising and solicitation of any nature while participating in
AGAG activities. Members whose activities include the solicitation of funds are requested
to designate only those staff whose role involves grantmaking to participate in AGAG
activities. AGAG strictly enforces a “no solicitation” policy.
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AGAG seeks to ensure that all members feel welcome to participate in all aspects and
activities of AGAG to the extent that they wish. AGAG values and respects a diversity of
opinions, approaches and experiences among Africa grantmakers and welcomes new
voices and ideas from the broad range of stakeholders working in African development.
AGAG reserves the right to restrict the participation of individuals whose behavior is
disruptive and counterproductive to AGAG’s mission.

6. Want to Join?
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If you want to join AGAG or have questions about
membership, please contact us at:
202-756-4835
contactus@africagrantmakers.org