Overview & Background

Tilitonse Foundation is a grant-making foundation based in Malawi. Established in 2016 as a private company limited by guarantee, it works to promote accountable, inclusive, and responsive governance. It supports non-state actors such as civil society organizations, community-based organizations, networks, and media through grants, capacity building, research, learning, and advocacy. The foundation is registered under the NGO Board of Malawi and is a member of the Council for Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOMA).

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission: To promote governance that is accountable, responsive, and inclusive by mobilizing resources for capacity development, grant making, research, and learning for non-state actors.

Vision: Citizens and non-state actors that are competent and resilient, demanding and enforcing accountable, responsive, and inclusive governance.

Core Values: Inclusiveness, integrity, equity, professionalism, good stewardship, innovation, learning, and resourcefulness.

Programmes & Activities

Tilitonse operates through several programmes and thematic areas:

Programme / Theme Focus Areas
Grant Making / Funding Windows Provides grants to CSOs, CBOs, and other non-state actors for governance, accountability, and development projects.
Catalyst Fund Broadens access to funding opportunities, especially for smaller or emerging organizations.
Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF) Supports organizational strengthening and provides core funding for local CSOs in partnership with international donors.
Thematic Calls Periodic calls for proposals addressing specific governance challenges, such as urban governance, citizen participation, and institutional reforms.
Research, Learning & Documentation Conducts studies, documents outcomes, and shares lessons learned from funded initiatives.
Examples of Impact

Supported over 70 governance initiatives, including improvements in public service delivery, accountability, and transparency.

Partnered with Malawi Police Service to revise policies and improve public responsiveness.

Worked with the Malawi Human Rights Commission to standardize sentencing for capital offenses, leading to rehearings and the release of wrongfully accused individuals.

Advocated for the passing of Malawi’s Access to Information Bill.

Funded urban governance projects, such as waste management and improved city council revenue utilization.

Funding & Partnerships

The Foundation is supported by multiple international donors and development partners. Funding is provided through both restricted (project-based) and unrestricted (core support) grants. Some initiatives offer grants ranging from medium-term project funding to long-term organizational strengthening support for local CSOs.

Governance, Eligibility & Application

Eligible applicants must be Malawi-registered CSOs or non-state actors with strong governance systems and the capacity to manage grants.

Newer organizations may be considered if they can demonstrate credible alternatives to formal audits.

Calls for proposals often encourage partnerships among local, national, and community actors for greater impact.

Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with Tilitonse’s governance mission, sustainability, and feasibility.

Challenges & Context

Tilitonse Foundation operates in a challenging governance environment where civil society capacity, political space, and resource limitations affect outcomes. Like many funders, it faces funding pressures linked to shifting donor priorities and global economic conditions.

Contact Information

Address: Plot No. 128, Lizulu Street, Area 47, Sector 5, Lilongwe, Malawi

PO Box: PO Box 31815, Lilongwe, Malawi

Phone: +265-0887-005797 ; +265-099-1796829

Email: info@tilitonsefoundation.org

Website: tilitonsefoundation.org