In our last blog, we made the case for why African organizations need to move beyond grant dependency.
In this post, we’re showing you how.
At The 4ther Firm, we’ve worked with nonprofits, social enterprises, and mission-driven startups to design real, revenue-generating strategies that don’t dilute their impact. In fact, these strategies often expand it.
Here are 4 revenue models we see working across the continent:
1. Fee-for-Service
This is when you charge others (government, nonprofits, companies) to deliver what you’re already good at—training, facilitation, research, community engagement, etc.
Some organization now gets 40% of their revenue from fee-based training. It started with one client. Now, they have an entire team delivering training across the region.
2. Product Development & Licensing
You’ve built tools, frameworks, curriculums, or apps—why not package them for others to use (for a fee)?
We’ve seen partners generate recurring income by licensing their content or digital platforms to schools, government, or CSOs.
3. Social Enterprise Arms
Some nonprofits start a business unit that provides services aligned with their mission, and reinvest the profits.
Example: A job training nonprofit started a small business that employs graduates of their program. Now, that business contributes over 30% of their income.
4. Membership Models
You can charge a small fee for people or organizations to join a community of practice, get access to premium content, or receive ongoing support.
With just 100 members paying $10/month, that’s $12,000/year—unrestricted.
But It’s Not Just About Ideas—It’s About Strategy
Here’s how to get started:
- Assess your assets: What do you already do well that others might pay for?
- Identify your market: Who are the potential buyers? What are they already paying for?
- Start small: Pilot the offer. Refine it. Prove value.
- Systematize: Build the systems (people, process, pricing) to deliver it well.
- Integrate with your mission: Revenue is not a distraction—it’s a tool for deeper impact.
Here’s the truth: The most financially stable organizations aren’t chasing every grant. They’re building funding portfolios that match their mission and strategy.
If you want to be one of them:
👉 Apply now for the Funding Formula™️ training:
https://4ther.com/funding-formula-training-application/
🚨 Deadline: June 30th, 2025