We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

347. Starting + Growing a Global Nonprofit: One Relationship at a Time - Afam Onyema


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Meet Afam. This nonprofit founder turned down multiple law firm offers to serve Nigerians. He’s built GEANCO Foundation from the ground up by cultivating authentic relationships - one person at a time. In addition to surgical missions and other medical care, GEANCO provides tuition and support to young female victims of terrorism and gender inequality. With no previous fundraising experience, Afam garnered support from many celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Benedict Cumberbatch, Charlize Theron and many more. Tune in for this heart-wired conversation about the power of relationships to save and change lives.

Today’s Guest
Afam Onyema, Co-Founder and CEO, The GEANCO Foundation

Episode Highlights

  • Afam’s story and journey to where he is today (4:10)
  • Early stages of building the organization (9:40)
  • Challenges in the early days (15:00)
  • Lessons about the power of philanthropy (21:00)
  • How GEANCO successfully partners with celebrities (27:00)
  • A powerful moment of philanthropy in Afam’s life (40:40)
  • Afam’s One Good Thing: Be kind and serve. (46:00)
  • Connect with Afam and Geanco (48:10)

For more information and episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/347

About our Sponsor Neon One
Technology alone can’t solve the challenges nonprofits face. That’s why Neon One provides software that empowers you to manage constituents all while giving you the resources and support you need to connect to what matters most - your people and their passions. Learn more about how Neon One is helping nonprofits create stronger connections by visiting neonone.com/weareforgood.

About our Sponsor Virtuous
You know we believe Everyone Matters - and we’ve witnessed the greatest philanthropic movements happen when you both SEE and activate donors at every level, and Virtuous is the platform to help you do just that. Virtuous helps charities reimagine generosity through responsive fundraising, volunteer management, and online giving,  and we love it because this approach builds trust and loyalty through personalized engagement. Learn more today at


Thank you to our partners 🩵

Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, DonorDock, Feathr, Whiteboard and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.

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