1.    What is the Localization Development Accelerator (LDA)?

The Localization Development Accelerator (LDA) is MAMA HOPE’s nine-month organizational strengthening Program for locally-led organizations in East Africa.

Through practical learning, coaching, mentorship, and peer exchange, the Program supports organizations in strengthening their leadership, strategy, financial management, operations, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and fundraising.

The LDA focuses on building stronger organizational systems that can be applied, adapted and sustained beyond the Program.

2.    Does MAMA HOPE provide grants or direct funding?

No. MAMA HOPE does not provide direct grants or funding through the LDA Program.

Our primary offering is organizational strengthening through training, coaching, mentorship, and opportunities to build relationships with other organizations and sector stakeholders.

At the end of the Program, partners may participate in #PitchFest, where they present their work to invited mentors, funders, and sector allies. Participation does not guarantee funding or partnerships.

3.    Who is eligible to apply for the LDA Program?

We welcome applications from organizations that meet the following criteria:

• Based in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda
• Founded and led by people from the communities or contexts they
• Have an annual operating budget below US$100,000.
• Have established relationships with and support from their
• Work in any sector or area of MAMA HOPE is sector-agnostic and welcomes organizations addressing diverse community priorities.
• Can commit 2–4 hours per week over nine months of the LDA program duration

We welcome organizations at different stages of development, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and are committed to strengthening their organizational practices.

4. Does MAMA HOPE work with LGBTQI+ leaders and organizations?

Yes. MAMA HOPE welcomes LGBTQI+ leaders and locally-led organizations working with LGBTQI+ communities.

MAMA HOPE is sector-agnostic. We work alongside locally-led organizations across all areas of community development, recognizing that meaningful change takes many forms and that communities are best placed to define their own priorities and solutions.

We welcome applications from organizations working across all sectors, including those advancing LGBTQI+ rights and inclusion. All applicants are assessed against the same Program eligibility criteria and selection process.

5.    Can organizations outside East Africa apply?

Currently, the LDA is open to organizations based in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

While our Program currently focuses on East Africa, MAMA HOPE is working towards expanding its reach across the African continent.

We encourage organizations outside our current Program countries to follow our website, newsletter and social media channels for future opportunities and announcements.

6.    How many organizations are selected each year?

We receive many applications each year, reflecting the growing demand for organizational strengthening among locally-led organizations.

However, we can accommodate approximately 20 organizations per LDA cohort.

Our selection process considers Program eligibility, organizational commitment, and the alignment between an applicant’s needs and what the LDA offers.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. We encourage eligible organizations that are not selected to consider applying again in future application cycles.

7.    Is the LDA Program free?

Yes. The LDA Program is completely free for selected partner organizations. MAMA HOPE does not charge application fees, training fees or placement fees.

No individual, team member, representative, or third party should request payment to secure a place in the Program.

If anyone asks you to pay to apply, be shortlisted, or secure admission to the LDA, please report this directly to MAMA HOPE through our official communication channels.

8.    How long is the Program, and what commitment is expected?

The LDA runs for nine months, with an expected commitment of 2–4 hours per week.

The Program includes weekly virtual learning sessions, practical assignments, peer learning, and opportunities for individual support.

Active commitment from the organization’s leadership is mandatory. The Executive Director or organizational lead must be actively involved, alongside other relevant team members.

The LDA is designed to strengthen organizations, not just individual participants. We therefore expect leaders to dedicate time to learning, implementing new practices, and supporting their teams throughout the Program.

9.    What support do organizations receive during the Program?

In addition to structured learning sessions, LDA partners have access to:

• One-on-one coaching: Individualized guidance from the MAMA HOPE team to work through organizational priorities and
• Mentorship: Connections with external mentors who offer experience, encouragement, and perspectives beyond the classroom.
• Peer Learning Groups: Opportunities to exchange ideas, experiences, and practical approaches with other locally-led leaders.
• Practical Learning: Assignments and tools designed to strengthen systems that organizations can use in their day-to-day work.
• Continued Connections: Opportunities to stay engaged through The Collective, MAMA HOPE’s alumni network, after completing the

Our approach recognizes that every organization operates in a different context and brings its own experience, strengths and priorities.

10.     What happens after completing the LDA Program?

Your journey with MAMA HOPE doesn’t end when the nine-month Program concludes.

After completing the LDA, partners are invited to join The Collective, MAMA HOPE’s alumni network, where locally-led leaders continue to connect, collaborate, learn from one another, and advocate for a stronger locally-led development sector.

The Collective is a voluntary, alumni-led network that creates opportunities for:

• Peer learning and collaboration: Exchange experiences, share knowledge and explore opportunities to work together.
• Continued learning: Access webinars, knowledge-sharing sessions and professional development
• Networking and connections: Connect with fellow alumni, funders, sector allies and potential
• Opportunities and Resources: Receive information about relevant grants, conferences, learning opportunities and partnerships.
• Collective Advocacy: Work alongside other locally-led organizations to strengthen their visibility, representation and influence within the development

Through The Collective, partners can continue building relationships, sharing opportunities and strengthening their organizations long after completing the LDA. The Program may end, but the connections and opportunities to grow together continue.