I’m Lucy Njue, Founder of Realtime Insights and a CFRE-certified Fundraising and Sustainability Strategist with 18+ years of experience across Africa’s nonprofit sector. Fundraising success is rarely a proposal writing problem. It is usually a strategy, systems, and positioning problem. Through Realtime Insights, I help organisations strengthen all three so they can access funding, grow sustainably, and increase their impact.
I entered the nonprofit sector in 2007, beginning my career within international NGOs and learning firsthand how strong systems, strategic donor engagement, and institutional readiness contribute to fundraising success.
As I later worked alongside local and grassroots organisations, I noticed a stark contrast. Many were delivering impactful programmes and deeply connected to their communities, yet they struggled to access the same funding opportunities.
The difference was rarely the quality of their work. More often, it was the systems, strategies, and positioning behind it.
Working across both international and local organisations gave me a unique perspective. I saw what funders looked for, what made organisations funding-ready, and how lessons from larger institutions could be adapted to strengthen smaller organisations without losing their local relevance.
That experience shaped my approach to fundraising and led me to found Realtime Insights in 2014.
Today, I help nonprofits, foundations, and social impact organisations strengthen fundraising capacity, diversify funding, and build the institutional foundations that attract funding and sustain impact.
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) The globally recognised credential for fundraising professionals.
Founder & Executive Director, Realtime Insights A boutique advisory firm supporting funders, INGOs, nonprofits, and social impact organisations.
Author, The Basics of Fundraising Helping organisations build stronger fundraising foundations and long-term sustainability.
Speaker, Trainer & Advisor Delivering fundraising workshops, masterclasses, and strategic advisory support across Africa.
USD 100M+ in institutional funding supported Across humanitarian, development, health, education, livelihoods, climate resilience, and rights-based programmes.
Experience across major institutional donors USAID/BHA • ECHO • Sida • BMZ • Global Affairs Canada • European Union • UNICEF • UNHCR • World Bank • Global Fund • Mastercard Foundation
1,000+ nonprofit professionals trained Across grassroots organisations, national NGOs, international NGOs, foundations, and networks.
Multi-country and consortium experience Supporting complex funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and institutional donor engagement across Africa.
Move from reactive fundraising to sustainable growth. A staged programme — Diagnose, Position, Engage, Diversify — producing tangible fundraising assets and a board-ready strategy.
Diversify income and reduce dependence on a single donor. A step-by-step model moving organisations from single-donor dependency to a resilient, multi-source funding model.
Turn strong ideas into compelling funding opportunities. From strategic framing and donor alignment to narrative construction and quality review.
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