Rainbow Academy is a program born from a vision to create a generation of well-rounded LGBTQI+ persons  with a strong value of self to influence change in society. This is a  7-month program which incorporates a Fully funded 7-day residential training, fostering growth in areas such as Communication, Personal and Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Law, Sexual Health, and Mindfulness. The program combines these important elements to empower LGBTQI individuals, giving them a deep understanding of their rights, and legal dynamics, and a substantial boost to their mental well-being and career development. Through this holistic approach, the Rainbow Academy endeavours to instil strong values of self-worth, equipping its participants to drive positive change in society.

For 2026, we are deepening our local impact by centering grassroots advocacy, policy engagement, and community resilience within Southwest Nigeria.

Who should participate?

Grassroots LGBTQ leaders who advocate, promote healing, resilience, celebration, mutual support, or other means to empower LGBTQIA+ rights and gender justice movements through research, community organizing and activism should apply. Leaders across intersectional causes (Female-sex-workers, disability rights, feminists actions) are also highly encouraged to submit their application.

Ideal candidates are those who:

• Engage with their cause through community organizing, advocacy and activism.

• Are part of the LGBTQ community or key population based in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

• Seek to learn, create new ideas, or optimize tactics in their work as a collective and also as an individual.

• Are motivated to share knowledge and tactics across peers in their movement.

• Are committed to participate fully in all aspects of the program, which will include research, policy and campaign development, dialogues, media and stakeholder engagements.

Minimum requirements

• Identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Has an internet device for learning and an email account for correspondence.

• Access to a browser and a device with a microphone for real-time digital collaboration (through smartphone, tablet, or computer).

• Commitment to participate in bi-weekly program objectives for the duration of the program.

Key phases of the co-design process

1. Virtual classes: Online classes and webinars will be conducted for all participants, with mandatory attendance.

2. Problem Definition: Collaborate in co-developing comprehensive problem statements and roadmaps for campaign and policy engagement.

3. Development: Participate in design workshops, provide critical feedback, review case studies, co-create mock-ups and review components under development.

4. Launch strategy: Provide input on ways to launch and amplify advocacy campaigns for social and gender justice movements.

What will you gain from the experience?

Rainbow Academy Fellows will: 

1. Directly influence the design of tools to strengthen our movements.

2. Gain valuable experience in co-design as a practice for community-based innovation.

3. Gain skills in research methods, policy and campaign development.

4. Gain the ability to engage with other community leaders and stakeholders in dialogues and negotiations. 

5. Build a network of grassroots peers who are motivated by a common cause as frontline human rights defenders.

6. Quote and reference the works they co-develop in their professional CV and/or statement of purpose in their future pursuits.

Is it paid?

The fellowship is unpaid at this time, due to a minimum operating budget. But the foundation covers all travel related expense.   

Key Selection Timeline & Next Steps

Please save the dates below for the subsequent phases of the program. All communication regarding your application status will be sent to the email address you provided in your form.