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Themes: Assistive & Accessible Technology

Country Investment Fund (CIF) launched

Jemiatu and Joanna. AT2030.
Jemiatu and Joanna in Sierra Leone. Credit: Angus Stewart

GDI Hub is pleased to announce the launch of the Country Investment Fund (CIF). The aim of the CIF is to make direct investments in activities which deliver foundational, strategic, agreed national AT priorities and reach disabled people directly with access to AT. This is undertaken in pursuit of building an evidence base in support of AT2030's purpose–finding out 'what works' to get AT to the people that need it around the world.

This £1million direct investment will be split across 3-5 grants across different countries, to stimulate demand d and kick-start processes to shift a non-functioning AT approach to one with sustainable long-term solutions at scale. It is anticipated that the investments will result in both systems level, eco-systems changes (e.g. policy or capacity building) activity as well as direct testing of AT routes (AT in peoples' hands).

As part of Subprogramme 8: Country Capacity Assessments assessments have been completed in 7 countries across Africa using newly developed tools. As part of the continued work in this AT2030 subprogramme, the Country Investment Fund (CIF) will support 3-5 grants in Africa that have already completed a CCA.

The CIF will consist of two parts, the 1) allocation of grants and 2) accompanying research, which will be led by Maynooth University.

Eligibility requirements

Applications are sought from organisations that (1) are not a government entity (2) are able to provide approximately 50% match funding in cash or kind toward delivery of the aims (this can be toward the end of the programme to build sustainability) and (3) have the support of relevant Ministry/Ministries who lead on AT in the country in which they propose to work.

Bidders will need to demonstrate their willingness to engage with research to test the impact of their interventions and will also need to show how they have engaged with disabled people as part of their activities. Applications will be assessed according to a points-based system at the first and second stages. Bidders should not provide second-stage applications until invited to do so. The third stage of the process, Research Codesign, will only be conducted with successful stage 1 bidders.

For full requirements, please review the applications form and guidance.

Country Eligibility

Applications will only be considered if applications are relevant to the FCDO priority countries that have completed a Country Capacity Assessment.

These countries are:

  • Nigeria
  • Sierra Leone
  • Rwanda
  • Malawi
  • Liberia
  • Ethiopia
  • Uganda

How to apply?

  1. Review the applications form and guidance and background documents
  2. Submit applications and further queries to at2030@ucl.ac.uk
  3. Deadline for stage one applications: 17:00 (BST) 31st JULY 2020

Webinar

A webinar was held on 2nd July at 13:00 BST to give further information on the application process. Use this link to access the recording.

Download: Applications form and guidance.

Background documents

Frequently asked questions