IRF FY25 Nigeria Strengthening Capacity of the Legal Community
Grant supports projects to help Nigeria's legal community defend religious freedom and related rights, and engage with state actors on cases of religious freedom violations.
Funder: Office of International Religious Freedom
Due Dates: July 9, 2026
Funding Amounts: $3,500,000 total; one award; project duration 24–48 months
Summary: Supports projects to strengthen Nigeria’s legal community in defending religious freedom and engaging state actors on related rights violations.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; open to non-profit and for-profit organizations; only one application per primary applicant.
Description
This funding opportunity, offered by the Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF), seeks applications for projects that build the capacity of Nigeria’s legal community to defend religious freedom and constructively engage state actors in cases involving religious freedom violations. The program also addresses related rights such as freedom of association, assembly, expression, and movement. The overarching goal is to improve access to justice and ensure that legal professionals—including law students, lawyers, advocates, and faculty—can effectively defend religious freedom and advocate for reforms that protect the rights of all religious groups in Nigeria.
Competitive proposals will demonstrate experience with technical assistance for legal professionals in hybrid legal systems (e.g., those blending sharia, customary, and civil law) and show strong risk mitigation strategies for sensitive legal interventions. The program is expected to have sustainable impact beyond the life of the grant and foster partnerships with local or thematic organizations.
