Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP) is an international non-governmental organization of Rwandan origin founded in 2010. Based on Christian faith, it uses art (music, poems, drama) to promote peace, reconciliation, unity, forgiveness, and non-violence in Rwanda and beyond. The foundation runs the annual Mihigo Art-Peace Prize (MAP), a music competition for youth aged 15-30 that awards prizes to winning artists. View Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)'s website for more information.
Content last updated: March 24, 2026
About Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)
What is the mission of Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)?
To use art (music, dance, literature, poetry, theatre, drawing, painting, movies) dedicated to spreading the values of peace such as love, compassion, truth, reconciliation, forgiveness, unity, humanity, kindness, tolerance, consensus-seeking, non-violence, human dignity, and memory conservation.
What type of organization is Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)?
Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP) is a Foundation.
When was Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP) founded?
Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP) was founded in 2010.
What is Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)'s official website?
Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)'s official website is https://www.kizitomihigo.foundation/.
What else should I know about Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP)?
Role of KMP Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation operates as a cultural and peace-building organization that provides funding through artistic awards and competitions. Unlike traditional grant programs, KMP focuses on identifying and supporting young artistic talent in the Great Lakes region and East Africa through its annual Mihigo Art-Peace Prize (MAP).
MAP Competition Structure and Funding
The MAP competition is an international music contest now in its 6th edition (2025). It invites young people aged 15-30 worldwide, with particular encouragement for youth from the Great Lakes and East Africa, to submit a cappella video performances (max. 5 minutes). The foundation provides studio production time for the 5 finalists and awards prizes to the top 3 winners. The 2025 edition focuses on peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
General Evaluation Criteria
Entries are evaluated by a jury based on artistic merit, message alignment with peace themes, and public online voting. The evaluation process includes nomination (June 1-15, 2025), studio production (June 15-30), public voting (July 1-10), and final jury voting (July 10-15). Winners are announced at the MAP concert-conference in Belgium on July 26, 2025.
Transparency and Accountability
The foundation operates under a constitution, internal regulations, and the charter of its founder Kizito Mihigo. KMP-International, established in March 2016, provides global coordination ensuring standards and policies are pursued across all national branches.
History and Evolution
Founded in 2010 by Rwandan artist Kizito Mihigo, who survived the 1994 genocide against Tutsis, the foundation emerged from Mihigo's personal journey of using art for reconciliation. After his death, the headquarters moved from Kigali, Rwanda to Brussels, Belgium. The organization maintains branches worldwide under the global coordination of KMP-International.
Supported Audiences and Overall Impact
Primary audiences include youth aged 15-30, particularly from the Great Lakes region and East Africa. The foundation also works with prisoners in Rwanda through concerts, conducts youth civic education in schools, organizes inter-religious dialogues, and holds annual genocide commemoration concerts.