Airbnb's fund boost Sh1b to 160 entities

Airbnb Community Fund has raised more than Sh1 billion to support over 160 non-profit organisations in its grants globally in over 30 countries across the six continents.

Launched in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a Sh12.9 billion initiative to directly support local communities and the people who live there. Airbnb donates annually to organisations that support and strengthen communities, including donations made in partnership with local hosts in many of these communities.

“Each year, we’re proud to partner with hosts to identify important issues and many of the non-profit organisations to receive donations. As in previous years, hosts helped direct a majority of the donations,” it noted in a statement.

This year’s Fund grants were directed to organisations focused on areas identified by the Airbnb Host Advisory Board as key to the global host community  - economic empowerment, environmental sustainability and ending abuse and exploitation.

Grants directed to organisations in Africa include Children of Africa (Kenya), a charity that empowers underprivileged girls through vocational training and employment opportunities and Global Give Back Circle, a social impact enterprise that provides vulnerable adolescent girls and young women with the support and opportunities.

Digify Africa (South Africa) aims to equip young people with vital digital skills, empowering them to thrive in the digital economy and contribute to entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable development across Africa.

AfriLabs (Nigeria) aims to empower entrepreneurs with essential skills, funding, and networks to scale their businesses. The funding will be used to support innovation hubs and their communities to raise high potential entrepreneurs that will stimulate economic growth and social development in Africa.

Digify Africa chief operating officer Qhakaza Mohare said Airbnb’s donation has been instrumental in enabling them to empower young people with digital skills and opportunities.

“It allowed us to lay the foundation for our marketplace initiative, connecting graduates to real-world opportunities and further supporting the growth of our GP programme,” she said. Airbnb Community Fund has distributed more than Sh4.6 billion to non-profit organisations in nearly 70 countries, with hosts providing input each year.