Leila Janah Foundation

Overview

The Leila Janah Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization established to honor the legacy of Leila Janah. It focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in Kenya and Uganda by providing resources and opportunities for economic development.

History

The foundation's roots trace back to Leila Janah's work with Sama, a nonprofit organization she founded in 2008, which aimed to employ low-income individuals in Kenya and Uganda to train AI datasets. By 2018, Sama had reached a milestone of employing 50,000 people. In 2019, the nonprofit arm began focusing on the Give Work Challenge, a program initiated by Leila Janah to foster entrepreneurship. Following Leila Janah's passing in 2020, the nonprofit was renamed the Leila Janah Foundation.

Mission

The Leila Janah Foundation continues her mission by running the Give Work Challenge, a social enterprise accelerator. Twice a year, this program provides funding and mentorship to founders in Kenya and Uganda, aiming to create sustainable business opportunities and economic growth in these regions.

Financial Overview

The foundation operates as a charitable organization under the category of International Relief. It relies primarily on contributions for funding its initiatives, with additional revenue coming from program services. Donations to the foundation are tax-deductible.

Impact

Through its programs, the Leila Janah Foundation strives to create a lasting impact in East Africa by empowering entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable development. The foundation embodies Leila Janah's belief that dignified work is essential to eradicating poverty and improving global economic conditions.