The Trevor Noah Foundation is deepening its investment in South Africa’s education and youth development sector through the expansion of the Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund. With Microsoft Elevate joining as a co-funding partner, the initiative will support more nonprofit organisations working to deliver locally grounded solutions in education, leadership development and digital inclusion.
The expansion will allow five additional South African nonprofit organisations to receive funding and support for programmes focused on educator development, digital skills, leadership and youth empowerment. The initiative comes at a time when South Africa continues to face major education and youth employment challenges while also preparing for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
The partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between the Trevor Noah Foundation and Microsoft South Africa, which began in 2018. Over the years, the collaboration has focused on expanding digital learning, teacher training and technology access in South African schools through several TNF programmes.
Expanding Community-Led Innovation in Education
Launched in 2025 at the Skoll World Forum, the Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund was created as a venture philanthropy initiative designed to support education nonprofits with flexible funding. The fund focuses on organisations developing practical and innovative solutions to improve teacher development and create pathways for young people to access opportunities.
With Microsoft Elevate joining as a co-funding partner, TNF says the programme will now reach more organisations already creating impact within their communities.
“Khulani Nathi is about backing the ideas and leadership that already exist within community-based organisations at varying stages of institutional maturity that are advancing locally rooted innovations beyond proof of concept and positioned for growth, scale and systems impact,” said Sibongile Maepa, Grantmaking Lead at The Trevor Noah Foundation.
The expansion also forms part of Microsoft’s broader Microsoft Elevate initiative, which focuses on strengthening the institutions and systems communities rely on so people can learn, work and thrive in the AI economy.
Through its partnership with the Trevor Noah Foundation, Microsoft Elevate is supporting nonprofit organisations working directly with learners, educators and communities to strengthen education systems and improve access to future-ready skills.
“Technology can be a powerful enabler, but only when people have the skills and support to use meaningfully,” said Tiara Pathon, Microsoft Elevate AI Skills Director for Microsoft South Africa. “By working with organisations like the Trevor Noah Foundation, Microsoft Elevate is helping to strengthen local leadership, expand digital and AI skills and ensure that innovation reaches communities where it can have the greatest impact.”
Supporting Local Innovation and Education Solutions
The Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund focuses on supporting organisations that understand the realities faced by communities on the ground. Rather than only funding already established organisations operating at scale, the initiative aims to help promising local solutions grow and expand their impact over time.
The five newly announced grantee partners are Community and Individual Development Association for Entrepreneurship Education and Employment (CIDA-E3), GRIT – Gender Rights in Tech, iSchoolAfrica Education Trust, ORT SA Cape Trust and Umuzi.
The organisations represent a wide range of focus areas including educator training, digital learning resources, youth leadership development, entrepreneurship education and learning-to-earning pathways designed to help young people access employment and economic opportunities.
Beyond financial support, TNF says KNIF also creates a shared learning ecosystem where grantee organisations can exchange ideas, collaborate on challenges and adapt their programmes based on lessons learned from one another. Through the platform, the Foundation also provides visibility, learning support and access to networks aimed at helping organisations strengthen and scale successful solutions.
“Innovation doesn’t always begin at scale. Transformative ideas start locally and grow through learning and iteration,” said Shalane Yuen, Founding Managing Director of the Trevor Noah Foundation. “The Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund prioritises learning, adaptation and experimentation so organisations can strengthen what works and change what doesn’t.”
Microsoft South Africa’s broader collaboration with the Trevor Noah Foundation also includes investments in teacher training, nonprofit capacity building and technology enablement through programmes such as the Khulani Schools Programme and the Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund.
