Top 10 Charity Foundations in Nigeria

Nigeria, a country rich in culture and diversity, faces numerous challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and inadequate healthcare. In response, several charity foundations have emerged to provide support, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment to those in need.

These organizations play a vital role in nation-building and humanitarian support by filling gaps left by government structures. Below are the top 10 charity foundations in Nigeria that are making a significant impact.

🌟 1. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)

• Founder: Tony O. Elumelu

• Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, youth empowerment

• Year Founded: 2010

TEF is one of the most impactful foundations in Africa. With a $100 million commitment, the foundation supports young African entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and seed capital. Thousands of Nigerian youth have been empowered to launch their own businesses.

Impact: Over 15,000 entrepreneurs funded and trained across Africa.

🌟 2. Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF)

• Founder: Aliko Dangote

• Focus Areas: Health, education, economic empowerment, nutrition

• Year Founded: 1994

ADF is the largest private foundation in West Africa. It focuses on improving health and wellbeing, eradicating poverty, and providing disaster relief. The foundation has donated billions of naira to various causes, including COVID-19 interventions, malnutrition campaigns, and school development projects.

Impact: N15 billion pledged to health and humanitarian efforts.

🌟 3. TY Danjuma Foundation

• Founder: Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd)

• Focus Areas: Health, education, poverty alleviation

• Year Founded: 2009

This foundation focuses on underserved rural communities in Nigeria. It funds NGOs that implement projects in free medical missions, education scholarships, and healthcare outreach.

Impact: Over 10 million lives touched across 36 states.

🌟 4. Rochas Foundation

• Founder: Rochas Okorocha

• Focus Areas: Free education for the underprivileged

• Year Founded: 1998

The Rochas Foundation offers free primary and secondary education to indigent children across Nigeria. With schools in over 12 states, it provides housing, feeding, and study materials, making it one of the most generous educational charities in the country.

Impact: Over 20,000 children educated free of charge.

🌟 5. Cuppy Foundation

• Founder: Florence “DJ Cuppy” Otedola

• Focus Areas: Children’s health, education, welfare

• Year Founded: 2018

The Cuppy Foundation partners with Save the Children and other organizations to support displaced and vulnerable children. DJ Cuppy has raised millions to fund healthcare and education projects in conflict-affected areas of Nigeria.

Impact: Over ₦5 billion raised for Save the Children initiatives.

🌟 6. Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO)

• Founder: Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe

• Focus Areas: Poverty alleviation, microfinance, healthcare

• Year Founded: 1987

LAPO began as a non-profit helping rural women with loans and training. Today, it supports healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. LAPO provides micro-loans, especially to women, and runs campaigns against gender-based violence.

Impact: Over 2 million beneficiaries through various programs.

🌟 7. MTN Foundation

• Founder: MTN Nigeria

• Focus Areas: Education, health, economic empowerment

• Year Founded: 2004

Funded by MTN Nigeria, this foundation commits 1% of its annual profit to social causes. Projects include ICT labs for schools, scholarships, healthcare centers, and economic empowerment for women and persons with disabilities.

Impact: Over 1,000 projects in 850 communities across Nigeria.

🌟 8. Oando Foundation

• Founder: Oando PLC

• Focus Areas: Basic education, infrastructure, teacher training

• Year Founded: 2011

This corporate foundation focuses on improving public primary schools. It renovates schools, trains teachers, provides scholarships, and supports school feeding programs across multiple Nigerian states.

Impact: Over 88 schools supported and 60,000 students reached.

🌟 9. Linda Ikeji Foundation

• Founder: Linda Ikeji

• Focus Areas: Women empowerment, scholarships, small business grants

• Year Founded: 2015

The popular Nigerian blogger established her foundation to support women and youth. She offers business grants to single mothers, scholarships, and financial assistance for emergencies.

Impact: Millions of naira donated to small businesses and families.

🌟 10. Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA)

• Founder: Toyin Ojora-Saraki

• Focus Areas: Maternal and child health, water sanitation, girl-child education

• Year Founded: 2004

WBFA advocates for policies and practices that improve maternal and child healthcare. It partners with global organizations like the UN, WHO, and Johnson & Johnson to deliver frontline training, hygiene education, and midwifery support.

Impact: Over 300,000 mothers and newborns supported across Nigeria.

✅ Why Charity Foundations Matter in Nigeria

In a country where millions live below the poverty line, charity foundations are:

• Bridging gaps in healthcare and education

• Providing funding and training for small businesses

• Empowering women and youth with opportunities

• Delivering emergency aid in conflict or disaster-prone areas

• Supporting systemic change through advocacy and partnerships

These foundations work both independently and alongside government agencies to create sustainable development and long-term impact.

✍️ Final Thoughts

Nigeria’s future depends not only on its government but on active citizens and private institutions that give back. These top 10 charity foundations are doing just that — lifting lives, transforming communities, and inspiring the next generation of givers.