Friends of Nigeria

Friends of Nigeria is a Berkeley, CA-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots development initiatives across Nigeria. Since its founding in 1996, the organization has established itself as a trusted intermediary connecting American donors with vetted community projects that address critical needs in health, education, and infrastructure. The grants program, which began modestly in 1998 with a $500 donation to the Niger Wives Braille Project, has grown substantially to distribute over $458,000 to Nigerian organizations by 2025. Friends of Nigeria prioritizes funding projects that rely on local decision-making, address clearly identified community needs, and produce measurable outcomes. The organization's recent focus areas include computer training program infrastructure, general health education, and specialized initiatives in maternal health and fistula repair through partnerships with organizations like EngenderHealth and DOVENET. Operating as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, Friends of Nigeria ensures that 100% of donations and all membership dues beyond operational expenses are directed to development projects. The organization also demonstrated its commitment during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic by mobilizing additional funds to support food procurement and distribution in rural Nigerian communities. Governed by a Board of Directors elected for two-year terms, Friends of Nigeria maintains transparency and accountability in all grant-making decisions, making it an ideal partner for donors seeking to make a meaningful impact in Nigeria.