How to find donors and sponsors in Zambia
Most support doesn't come from a stranger with a big cheque. It comes from people and organisations already connected to you, approached clearly and asked for something specific. Here is where to look, what to prepare and how to ask.
- Free to start. Zanja keeps 5% of each donation and nothing else.
- Supporters give with Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Zamtel Kwacha, Visa and Mastercard.
- Cash out to mobile money or a Zambian bank account (minimum K50).
Where donors and sponsors come from
- Your own network first: family, friends, workmates and relatives abroad. They give the most, and they share your appeal with people you don't know.
- Churches and faith groups, through the pastor, a department or the congregation.
- Alumni of your school or university, often through their WhatsApp or Facebook groups.
- Local businesses near you, who sponsor community projects, school items and events in return for a thank-you and visibility.
- Company social investment (CSR) programmes, mainly for registered organisations with a clear project and budget.
- Foundations, embassies and international organisations that run grant programmes. Check each one's own website for what it funds and when applications open.
- Community leaders, councillors and associations who can introduce you to people who give.
What to prepare before you ask
- A short, true story: who needs help and why, in a few paragraphs.
- The exact amount, with a quote, invoice or fee statement.
- What a sponsor's money will pay for, ideally broken into items.
- Proof: a recommendation letter, registration documents for an organisation, or people a donor can call to confirm.
- One page where people can give and see progress, so you don't share personal numbers.
A Zanja fundraiser or wish list works as that page: it shows the story, the total, what is covered, and every contribution is recorded. You can print a QR code poster to take to meetings.
How to approach a sponsor
- Ask the right person: the owner of a local business, the CSR or marketing contact at a company, the pastor or treasurer at a church.
- Be specific: “Would you sponsor the 20 desks?” works better than “Can you help us?”
- Offer something back where it fits: a thank-you on your page, photos, a report when the money is used, or recognition at your event.
- Follow up once or twice, politely, and thank people even when they say no.
Our sponsorship letter templates give you a starting point for students, NGOs, events and churches.
Avoid sponsorship scams
- Real sponsors and scholarships don't ask you to pay a “processing”, “registration” or “release” fee to receive money.
- Be careful with offers that arrive out of the blue on WhatsApp or Facebook, especially from abroad, and with requests for your PIN, ID copies or bank details.
- Check an organisation's name, address and phone number independently before sharing documents.
Want to become a donor or sponsor?
You can support verified organisations such as children's homes, schools and clinics, or give to open fundraisers near you. Every payment is confirmed and recorded, and you can give with mobile money or card.
Useful links
Open fundraisers you can support
Lusaka
End drug abuse in kaunda square stage 1, kaunda square welfare programs
For Kaunda square
K65 raised of K2,000,000
10 donations · ends 15 Jan
Lusaka
HELP A BROTHER OUT
K150 raised of K1,500
2 donations
Copperbelt
Help my family, my father is too old for work and my mother just had surgery and we are having financial challenges
K5 raised of K5,000
1 donation
Lusaka
Help Me Pursue My Education and Build a Better Future
K0 raised of K100,000
0 donations
Lusaka
RAISING OF SCHOOL FEES
K0 raised of K17,000
0 donations · ends 30 Dec
Lusaka
Help me pay rent
K0 raised of K2,000
0 donations · ends 12 Mar
Frequently asked questions
Does Zanja find donors for me?
No. Zanja gives you a page where people can give and see progress, and some supporters browse open fundraisers, but most support comes from the people you reach. The steps above help you reach more of them.
Do I need to be a registered organisation to get sponsors?
Not for help from people you know, churches or local businesses. Companies and grant programmes usually need a registered organisation with a clear project and budget.
Someone offered sponsorship but wants a fee first. Is it real?
Treat it as a scam. Genuine sponsors don't charge you to receive money.
