Frequently asked questions — Call for concept notes: Scaling Care Innovations in Africa
Please refer to the detailed call document for comprehensive information about the call and its requirements.
Note: The following constitutes a living document that will be continually updated as new questions related to this call arise.
Contents
Call Details
ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS
1. Can I submit applications after the deadline?
June 23, 2023 is the final day for submitting your proposal. Proposals received past this date and time (by 23:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time) will not be considered for review and will be automatically rendered ineligible.
2. Who should I email at IDRC in case I have a question regarding this call?
All inquiries and questions related to this call should be directed to the Care Innovations team at IDRC (careinnovations@idrc.ca). We invite you to carefully read the call document and FAQs in detail before emailing this account.
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE
3. The call document indicates that IDRC will support implementation research in sub-Saharan Africa. Can the proposed research be conducted in multiple countries?
Yes. We support research projects that are relevant in the contexts where the research is conducted. Proposed projects can be multi-country or single country as long as the research is conducted in one or more of the eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa (see Annex B).
4. Is there a preference for multi-country projects?
No, there is no preference.
While we do not have a strong preference, it is important that the work is contextualized and has strong policy and program relevance in the country or countries of focus.
We will support the scaling of promising or proven solutions where a proof of concept suggests positive impacts can be scaled to benefit more people.
5. Are there any restrictions on countries where the work can be carried out?
IDRC funds projects in many countries of the Global South, but is bound by Canadian law, which may restrict or prohibit funding for research and organizations in specific countries and/or regions. For example, if the law limits banking transactions by Canadian financial institutions in a particular country, IDRC will not undertake any form of programming in the country.
In project selection, IDRC will also take into account programmatic considerations, such as regional spread of the portfolio of projects, the time necessary for obtaining research clearance in each country, etc.
6. Do you encourage working in multiple countries?
Though it is not a requirement, it is welcome. The rationale and value added for the cross-country program/policy implementation would need to be made evident in the application.
CALL TERMINOLOGY
7. What do we mean by gender equality and inclusion (GEI) considerations?
Please refer to the Annex on Gender Equality and Inclusion found in the Call Document for guidance on what we expect to see reflected in the submitted research proposals.
8. What do we mean by scaling impact?
Scaling impact is not necessarily about pushing up or out, because bigger outputs or more actions do not always lead to better impact. Scaling science challenges the “bigger is better” logic of scaling, and will focus on scaling impacts that are important to women and girls in different socio-economic contexts, ensuring their voices are heard in the process.
You can refer to The Scaling Playbook: A Practical Guide for Researchers for guidance on how to incorporate scaling science into a research project.
9. What do you mean by addressing structural barriers?
Structural barriers in the context of this call are barriers (such as laws, policies, attitudes and norms) that inhibit women’s and girls’ opportunities, their participation in decision-making and market access, impacting their ability to reach their full potential.
10. What is your definition of “lead institution”?
The lead applicant or lead institution is responsible for the intellectual conception and implementation of the project, the direction of the proposed activities, and the management of the grant and the relationship with IDRC. The lead applicant should submit the application to IDRC on behalf of the partnership and/or consortia (if applicable).
ELIGIBILITY
11. What will you be looking for in a lead institution?
- Must be based in sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrate ability to spearhead implementation research relevant to the thematic priorities of the call in one or more of the eligible countries.
- Capacity to administer and manage a large grant from a financial and operational point of view.
- Thematic experience in the subject of the submitted proposal.
- Ability to identify and co-design the project with a women’s right organization in the country or countries of focus.
- Ability to bring together multiple partners (e.g., research organizations, policymakers, private sector, civil society organizations, etc.) with complementary expertise required to take promising or proven care program/policy innovations to scale.
- Independent legal status (or “legal personality”) and capable of contracting in their own right and name, receiving and administering funds, and have authority to direct proposed project activities. Applicants must be able to demonstrate legal status through written documentation. Legal status will only be reviewed if and when applicants are selected following technical selection.
12. Can applicant institutions involve additional partners?
Yes. Impactful projects often require multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary teams. Co-creation with women’s rights organization is a must. Partnerships with other key stakeholder including policymakers, private sector, and civil society organizations are expected and will be assessed favourably.
13. What is your definition of a “collaborating institution”?
Collaborating institutions are organizations that the lead applicant may wish to invite as key strategic partners for the purpose of implementing the project and/or for achieving greater impact and uptake. The lead applicant may include as many collaborating institutions/ co-applicants as are needed for the project (the application form allows you to name up to 5, see below). IDRC will however enter in a Grant Agreement with the lead applicant only. The lead applicant can negotiate and develop funding arrangements directly with collaborating institutions/co-applicants. Collaborating institutions/co-applicants are those that will participate directly in the conduct of the research but will not receive funds directly from IDRC. In this case, the proposing institution (lead applicant) is responsible for disbursement of funds and for ensuring that all institutions abide by the standard terms and conditions that apply to the IDRC grant.
14. Can the collaboration include a South-North partnership?
Yes, but the Southern partner must be the lead.
15. Is there a maximum number of partners/institutions that the lead applicant can enter as collaborating institutions?
The application portal — as set up for the moment — allows space to enter up to 5 collaborating institutions that the lead applicant can propose as partners of the proposed project, i.e., “collaborating institutions.”
16. Can an institution apply to both streams?
An institution can be involved in both streams as a collaborator but can only submit an application as lead institute for one project.
Funded projects will be expected to contribute to and participate in initiative-wide efforts across both streams providing opportunity to collaborate and foster interactions between the policy and program innovation pathways.
17. Can an institution propose more than one concept note?
An institution can be involved in multiple concept notes but can only be the lead applicant for one.
18. Can one of the stakeholders can be government, if so, can they be full on partners?
Yes, governments may be one of the partner organisations in a coalition.
19. Would an INGO registered in Africa be eligible to be the lead?
Eligibility requirements for lead organizations are that they must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa and have an independent legal status in the country where they are located.
20. Can the lead organization be a Women's Rights Organization?
Yes. We welcome Women’s Rights Organizations to submit concept notes as lead organizations. Eligibility requirements for lead organizations are that they must be locally based in Sub-Saharan Africa.
21. Are non-research institutions eligible to be the lead institutions for projects
Yes, non-research institutions can be the lead institution of a project. There will be many components to the work (policy, implementation, research) and the IDRC recognizes that this cannot be done by a single organization.
22. How will the eligibility of a project’s lead organization be evaluated?
Eligibility of lead institutions will be based on their capacity to administer the program technically and administratively between the collaborating organizations of the coalition.
23. Do you support agencies that work with refugees?
Yes, so long as the organization meets the eligibility requirements found in the call doc found here and the concept note submitted focuses on at least one of the three thematic entry points of the call.
24. Can there be consortium of two or three organisations?
As found under the eligibility criteria, this initiative will require successful applicants to form coalitions. The application portal allows the submission of up to three coalition members at this time, but additional coalition members can be named in the descriptive part of the concept note. Should a concept note be selected to move to the next stage, applicants will be required to formalize the roles and responsibilities of each coalition member.
25. What are the eligibility criteria to submit in the terms of financial responsibilities, financial management capabilities?
Financial responsibilities for the lead organizations submitting the application package are that they must have independent legal status (or “legal personality”) and be capable of contracting in their own right and name, receiving and administering funds, and have authority to direct proposed project activities. As submissions move past the concept note stage, additional documentation will be required to carry out an institutional assessment.
PROJECT DESIGN
26. What is the allowed duration of proposed projects?
Project duration for this call is a minimum 18 months and up to 36 months.
27. Can an institution submit a concept note that addresses more than one thematic entry point of the 3Rs?
Yes, while institutions are not required to submit concept notes addressing more than one thematic entry point of the 3Rs, they are encouraged to identify opportunities for tackling intersecting barriers across the 3Rs.
28. What is your advice on interventions that cut across the 3 Rs?
We anticipate interlinkages across interventions and that they may address more than one thematic entry point. When applying, you will have the option to select one entry point of the 3Rs. If applicable, you may also indicate where there are inter-linkages.
29. What type of proof is needed to demonstrate that an innovation works?
We are looking for promising and proven solutions; ones with established evidence base demonstrating that the proposed program/policy intervention works for marginalized women and girls and that positive impact that can be expanded or deepened in its application. We will require a proof of concept that has been tested. We are not seeking projects in the idea development stage at this time.
30. Do you have a more elaborate example of scaling innovation?
The IDRC has compiled several examples of scaling science research that can be accessed through this free downloadable e-book here: https://www.idrc.ca/en/scalingscience.
31. Can we link our proposal with combating gendered violence?
While the entry point for this initiative is through unpaid care work, addressing structural gender barriers and interconnections with issues such as gender-based violence is important. Ideally, we want to see how tackling these intersections will create positive impact in one of the 3R entry points and would ask that applicants make this clear in their submissions.
32. What are examples of promising innovations?
A mapping study was conducted through the IDRC Care Innovations team, to provide a preliminary scoping of existing care-based innovations. This report and its resources will be made publicly available by the end of June 2023.
33.What are the expectations around scaling? Do you need intervention(s) already identified as promising or proven to be effective?
The expectation is that project’s proof of concept will have already been done, and that they are ready for the next phase of investment. Scaling Innovations will not be funding preliminary studies or piloting new ideas.
34. In the articulations of scaling science under justification, the framework asks for two areas: evidence and values. What is expected under values?
Projects are expected to address real needs of the beneficiaries, and not assumed needs. For this, close interaction with the project beneficiaries throughout the process is key to ensure the program is not only scientifically sound, but also aligned with the needs and interests of the beneficiaries.
35. What types of projects does the IDRC envision for the program?
The focus will be on the 3R strategy outlined in the call document. Examples are, a focus on time and labour-saving technologies, family-friendly workplaces, supporting evidence-informed policies, etc.
BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS
36. What currency should the budget be submitted in?
The budget needs to be submitted in the Canadian dollars. In the next stage, concept notes that move to the full proposal stage will be required to submit full budget in the working currency of the lead applicant institution.
37. Do I need to submit separate budgets for the lead applicant and collaborating institutions?
No. Please submit one budget including expenses of the lead applicant.
38. What is the limit of indirect costs or overhead costs allowable?
Indirect costs are allowable up to a maximum of 13% of the overall budget for each member. Please refer to Guidelines for acceptable project expenditures for more information on indirect costs. This amount applies for any amounts allocated to subcontracting. Please note that the total budget including the indirect costs should not be higher than the maximum amount of funding mentioned above.
39. What are the eligibility criteria to submit in the terms of financial responsibilities, financial management capabilities?
Financial responsibilities for the lead organizations submitting the application package are that they must have independent legal status (or “legal personality”) and be capable of contracting in their own right and name, receiving and administering funds, and have authority to direct proposed project activities. As submissions move past the concept note stage, additional documentation will be required to carry out an institutional assessment.
40. Is the budget ceiling per project?
Yes, the funding detailed in the call document is for each individual project within its respective stream. Each project in Stream 1: policy innovations may be funded for up to $300,000 CAD. Each project in Stream 2: program innovations may be funded for up to $1,250,000 CAD.
41. If there is collaboration between northern and southern institutions, can the northern institute manage the funds?
No. While we encourage South-South and South-North collaborations, the lead institution must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa. The lead institution will be required to manage and administer the funds for the project.
CONCEPT NOTE SUBMISSION PROCESS
42. How do I access the online application portal?
The link to the application portal is available on the IDRC Funding page and is accessible via Survey Monkey here. No password is required to access the application portal.
43. Which browser is best to use to open the online application platform?
We recommend that you use one of the following browsers: Safari, Chrome, or Microsoft Edge. It is not recommended to use Internet Explorer.
44. How do you start an online application?
The following link will take you to online application portal. Fill out each section, and once you are sure you have uploaded all necessary documents and answered all questions, hit “Mark as complete”.
45. Can I edit my application after I ‘save and exit’?
Once you hit “save and exit” you will not be able to go back and edit your responses.
46. Can I submit more than one application?
Yes. The Survey Monkey platform will allow you to submit up to two applications in case you experience issues with one. It will be your responsibility to indicate to the IDRC team which application you would like to see considered for review. Ideally you/ your organization only present one.
Also note that a person cannot be the lead applicant for more than one project under this call.
47. Can I submit our proposal in English or French?
Yes, proposals may be submitted in either of IDRC’s official languages: English or French.
48. In the proposal, may we add links/graphs/tables? Do they count in the word limit?
Yes, so long as your proposal is within the word limit allocated to each section.
49. How detailed and well-referenced must a concept note be, given the short time for submission?
Proponents are advised to use their best judgement given word limitations, and ensure their applications explain as clearly as possible the various elements of the proposed research.
50. What do I do if I encounter technical difficulties while trying to submit my application?
We require applicants to apply using the Survey Monkey Apply system and submit all required information and documents before the deadline. However, we do understand that some applicants may face technical difficulties in uploading the required information.
If this is your case, please do follow these steps:
- If you are having technical problems uploading the required documents, please write immediately to careinnovations@idrc.ca describing the problem. We will connect you with our IT system specialist who will work with you to solve the problem.
- If you continue to have a problem and our IT specialist is unable to solve the issue, please send an email to careinnovations@idrc.ca requesting permission to submit the application via email at least two days before the application submission due date.
- Once you have received permission from IDRC, you can then submit via email, quoting the permission granted.
- Applications submitted directly by email WITHOUT HAVING OBTAINED PRIOR APPROVAL from IDRC’s care innovations team WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
- Please do note that, in any case, applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
51. Is it possible to modify the proposals before the closing date of June 23, 2023, if it has already been submitted?
Once you click the submit button, you may not modify your proposals. We encourage you to double check your application before submission to ensure that all information is correct.
52. What is the process for submissions?
The application in the online platform Survey Monkey found here has the full list of required documentation and information needed to submit a complete application. You may also refer to the call document found here where the evaluation criteria and requirements are provided.
REVIEW, SELECTION AND FEEDBACK
53. How will the review of the applications be conducted?
The research proposals will be reviewed by a team of IDRC technical experts and external peer reviewers. Eligible applications will be reviewed according to the review criteria specified in the call document.
54. When can applicants expect to receive a response to their proposals?
We aim to provide notification of results by July 21, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.
55. Will I receive feedback on my application?
The care innovations team at IDRC will provide feedback to all shortlisted candidates at the latest by July 21, 2023. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed of their application status at the latest by July 21, 2023.