Frequently Asked Questions

GFEMS does not currently have open funding opportunities for project delivery, but this FAQ aims to help prospective future applicants understand GFEMS’ approach to grantmaking generally. Future funding opportunities for project delivery will be posted on our Current Funding page.

 

1. Before Applying

I’m thinking about applying for GFEMS funding. Where should I start?

To learn more about our objectives and process, please review the GFEMS Funding Principles, Current Funding, and the following FAQs.

Is it possible to speak to someone at GFEMS about my program idea before applying?

In order to ensure an open and competitive process, GFEMS is unable to consult with applicants about ideas prior to Concept Note submission. Please review the Funding Principles, Current Funding, and the following FAQs to ensure your proposal is in alignment with GFEMS’ base criteria. 

Please also see these additional Q&As, where we aggregated and responded to questions related to our inaugural funding round.

 

2. Eligibility Requirements

What types of organizations are allowed to apply for funding? Are there other requirements organizations must meet?

GFEMS will only fund:

  • Registered non-profit organizations, multilateral organizations, academic institutions, and for-profit organizations with the caveat that for-profit organizations are not permitted to generate profit from grant-funded activities.

  • Organizations that are able to demonstrate financial due diligence to meet donor aid requirements (e.g., prior experience managing official development assistance funding from a government or multilateral organization, a minimum of 2 years of audited financials, etc.)

  • Organizations with existing legal authority to operate in relevant overseas locations.

  • Organizations that can legally receive grant funding that originates with the US, UK or Norwegian Governments without excessive tax or the use of an intermediary organization.

  • Proposals that align with GFEMS’ Theory of Change, including focus on prevalence measurement and reduction (please review the GFEMS Funding Principles for more information)

My organization is not based in the intervention countries or the donor country. Can we still apply for funding?

Yes, organizations are eligible to apply for funding as long as the project will be conducted in the listed intervention countries, and the organization is already legally authorized to operate there, or already working through relevant contractors / partners located there.

Does my project have to be in a certain country or industry?

GFEMS has posted Current Funding opportunities that specify the country and/or industry we are investing in. At this time, GFEMS is unable to fund projects that are not included in the Current Funding page.

Can my organization develop a joint concept note in partnership with another organization?

Yes, organizations can apply in partnership, provided they identify a prime applicant that meets the eligibility criteria above. Note also that GFEMS may suggest collaborations following the Concept Note solicitation phase.


 

3. Application Process

How does the application process work?

GFEMS utilizes a multi-stage application process to emphasize the quality of proposed ideas and to reduce the overall burden on applicants. Currently, the process begins with a solicitation for brief Concept Notes. Following receipt of Concept Notes, GFEMS will perform an intake review to determine which applicants score more competitively in the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants that advance to the second co-creation stage will be given additional time to prepare their full proposals, during which period they will work collaboratively with GFEMS and – potentially – other partners.

Does my submission have to be in English?

Yes.

What regulations should applicants be aware of?

GFEMS’ funding originates from a range of public and private sources. Donor government funding will be administered according to applicable laws and regulations, provided upon release of a solicitation. Applicants must be able to meet these requirements.

What are the different steps in the application process?           

  • Step 1: Applicants review Funding Principles, Current Funding, and FAQ in detail.

  • Step 2: Applicants download, complete, and submit the concept note template for their proposed project by the published deadline.

  • Step 3: GFEMS evaluates eligible Concept Notes and invites successful applicants to enter co-creation in partnership with GFEMS.

  • Step 4: GFEMS works collaboratively in co-creation with applicants to support full proposal development and ensure adherence to due diligence requirements.

  • Step 5: Invited applicants submit full proposals.

  • Step 6: GFEMS evaluates full proposals and requests feedback from external experts.

  • Step 7: Board reviews full proposals, external feedback, and due diligence requirements to make final funding decisions.

What does co-creation entail?

Co-creation will be an intense 6-8 week process that will require multiple iterations of the final project proposal, budget, and logframe. During co-creation, GFEMS works alongside partners to shape the design of intervention projects and innovations for testing. This can include suggesting partnerships between delivery partners to ensure collaboration on related interventions. Additionally, organizational due diligence will occur simultaneously, which will require a review of your organization’s financial and safeguarding processes. Applicants will be expected to be responsive to GFEMS deadlines within the co-creation period; lack of responsiveness or excessive delay may result in termination of the process. 

4. Evaluation Criteria

How will GFEMS evaluate my proposal?

GFEMS will evaluate proposals based on its Evaluation Criteria, which details criteria within the categories of impact at scale, sustainability, strategic approach, and execution.