Wealth4Impact has launched a new programme aimed at helping emerging philanthropic families in Nigeria move from informal charity to more structured, strategic giving, as interest grows in how private wealth can play a bigger role in tackling development challenges across Africa. The initiative, titled Supporting the Emergence of Active Philanthropists in Nigeria (SEAPIN), began in March 2026 and is designed to strengthen the long-term impact of family-led philanthropy through better governance, planning and accountability.
According to Wealth4Impact, SEAPIN is a 10-month programme that will work with 20 early-stage philanthropy families in Nigeria, offering them insights, tools and support to help formalise their giving through trusts, foundations or other structured vehicles. The organisation said the goal is to help participating families improve the effectiveness and sustainability of their philanthropy while building what it describes as “generational wealth for generational impact.” The programme is being offered at no cost to participants with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
The programme’s design reflects a broader argument that Africa’s growing private wealth remains underused for long-term social transformation. Wealth4Impact says SEAPIN will expose families to local and international experts through learning sessions covering issues such as governance, foundation management, team building, strategic giving, partnership development and sustaining impact over time. Families will also receive tailored advisory support and additional guidance on legal, wealth management and communications questions as they work toward launching more formal philanthropic institutions.
Another major feature of the programme is peer exchange and access to wider philanthropic networks. Wealth4Impact said participating families will benefit from regular group check-ins, a shared resource hub and referrals to African and global philanthropy platforms, including collaboration opportunities connected to the African Philanthropy Forum’s StartPoint. The organisation said this support structure is intended not only to improve individual family foundations, but also to build a broader community of practice around deliberate, accountable and locally rooted giving.
Eligibility criteria published by Wealth4Impact suggest the initiative is targeting families that already have a track record of informal giving and are prepared to commit meaningful resources to more formal philanthropy. Applicants are expected to be family groups of at least two people with a demonstrated commitment to giving at least the equivalent of $50,000 annually, rising over time, with most of their philanthropic activity focused on Nigeria. Sectors highlighted by the organisers include health, education, community development, democracy, nutrition and social entrepreneurship.
Taken together, the programme signals a growing push to turn private African wealth into stronger, more enduring institutions for public good.
