Applications are now open for the AI Capacity-Building Training for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by the African Union ECOSOCC and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, this fully sponsored two-day training program is designed to equip African CSO leaders with practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills for fundraising, project management, donor reporting, and organizational learning.
Participants will engage in hands-on learning sessions focused on applying AI tools to improve organizational efficiency, strengthen resource mobilization efforts, and enhance reporting processes. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a joint certificate from AU-ECOSOCC and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Details About the AI Capacity-Building Training 2026
- Host Country: Kenya
- Location: Nairobi
- Training Dates: 9–10 July 2026
- Duration: 2 Days
- Training Theme: Practical AI for CSO Leaders: Funding, Project Management and Reporting
- Organizers: African Union ECOSOCC & Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- Program Type: Professional Capacity-Building Training
- Funding Type: Fully Sponsored
- Eligible Applicants: Senior CSO Leaders Across Africa
- Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
- Notification of Selected Participants: By 30 June 2026
What Makes This Opportunity Special?
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations manage projects, secure funding, monitor impact, and report to donors. However, many civil society organizations have limited access to practical AI training tailored to their operational needs.
This program focuses specifically on helping CSO leaders:
- Improve grant writing and fundraising processes
- Enhance project management systems
- Streamline donor reporting
- Strengthen organizational learning
- Integrate AI tools into everyday operations
- Increase efficiency and impact
Participants will gain practical knowledge that can be immediately applied within their organizations.
Training Themes
The training will cover:
- AI for Fundraising and Resource Mobilization
- AI-Assisted Grant Writing
- Project Planning and Management
- Donor Reporting and Compliance
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
- Organizational Knowledge Management
- Digital Transformation for CSOs
- Practical Applications of AI Tools
- Responsible and Ethical Use of AI
Financial Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Full Participation in the Training Program
- Expert-Led AI Learning Sessions
- Training Materials and Resources
- Networking Opportunities
- Joint Certificate from AU-ECOSOCC and Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- No Registration Fee
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a senior leadership or management position within a CSO
- Be actively involved in organizational leadership
- Have an interest in applying AI within their organization
- Be available for both training days (9–10 July 2026)
- Have English as their working language
Preferred Applicants
- Executive Directors
- Program Managers
- Project Coordinators
- Operations Managers
- Fundraising Managers
- Monitoring & Evaluation Specialists
- NGO and CSO Executives
Required Information
Applicants will need to provide:
- Full Name (as in Passport/ID)
- Contact Information
- Organization Details
- Position within Organization
- Years of Leadership Experience
- Digital Literacy Level
- AI Tools Experience (if any)
- Motivational Statement (150 words)
- Declaration and Consent
How to Apply for the AI Capacity-Building Training 2026?
Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements
Ensure that you hold a senior leadership or management role within a civil society organization.
Step 2: Prepare Your Motivational Statement
The application requires a short statement explaining:
- How the training aligns with your current work
- How AI can strengthen your organization
- Which training themes are most relevant to you
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Provide all requested personal and organizational details accurately.
Step 4: Highlight Relevant Experience
Emphasize:
- Leadership experience
- Project management responsibilities
- Fundraising experience
- Digital transformation initiatives
- Previous use of AI tools
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning early applications have a higher chance of consideration.
How to Increase Your Chances
Strong applicants often:
- Clearly explain their organization's challenges
- Demonstrate how AI can improve organizational effectiveness
- Show commitment to innovation and learning
- Highlight leadership responsibilities
- Connect the training directly to their organization's mission
What Reviewers Will Likely Look For
- Leadership experience
- Practical need for AI skills
- Potential organizational impact
- Commitment to applying lessons learned
- Strong motivation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic motivational statement
- Waiting until the final deadline
- Providing incomplete organizational information
- Failing to explain how AI relates to your work
- Underestimating the importance of the motivation section
Example of a Strong Applicant
A competitive applicant might be:
- An NGO Executive Director managing donor-funded projects
- A Program Manager overseeing multiple community initiatives
- A Fundraising Officer seeking to improve grant development processes
- A CSO leader driving digital transformation within their organization
The strongest applications clearly demonstrate how the training will benefit both the individual and their organization.
Why You Should Apply
As AI continues to reshape development work, civil society leaders who understand how to leverage these tools will be better positioned to attract funding, improve project outcomes, and strengthen organizational effectiveness. This training offers a unique opportunity to gain practical AI skills directly relevant to the nonprofit sector.
Final Advice
Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, submit your application as soon as possible. Invest time in writing a strong motivational statement that clearly connects your leadership role, organizational needs, and interest in AI-driven solutions.
Successful applicants will be notified by 30 June 2026.
APPLY NOW
