Frequently asked questions: SGCI Call for Proposals to support the strengthening of national research and innovation funding agencies in West Africa

Please refer to the detailed call document for comprehensive information about requirements.

Eligibility and application details

  1. What is the purpose of this call for proposals? 
    This call for proposals will support the strengthening of national research and innovation funding agencies in West Africa. The aim is to strengthen agencies where they already exist and where they do not, it will support the development of frameworks for establishing new agencies.
  2. What are the thematic areas of focus of the proposals?
    The call invites proposals from organizations based in Africa with proven experience in areas such as public sector science, technology and innovation organizations; strengthening organizational capacity; managing research funds; national science, technology and innovation policy and practice; and engaging the private sector in research. Proposed activities could include offering training and technical support to science granting councils and related organizations (such as Commissions or Funds) in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
  3. What key points should the proposals address?
    The proposals should provide details about the approach that will be taken to identify areas for support, the nature and scope of activities, and the expected results over the duration of the project. Proposed support could include technical support to develop policy documents/frameworks; commissioned studies; learning/benchmarking visits to other countries; and support to convene stakeholder consultations and other policy engagements.

    The intended results in the target countries are strengthened research funding bodies/mechanisms and/or frameworks established for new research funding bodies/mechanisms. Please refer to the call document for more details and context on the potential objectives and approach. Applicants are expected to use the call information as a guide to develop their proposals and should not be limited to the key points. Originality and creativity are key evaluation criteria.
  4. Which countries are the focus of this call?
    Projects funded through this call must focus on and take place in the following six countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
  5. Who is eligible to apply (as an individual organization or to lead a consortium)?
    African organizations (organizations with independent legal registration in an African country) may submit proposals as an individual organization or as the lead organization in a consortium. IDRC will enter into an agreement with the lead organization.
  6. What is meant by “individual organizations”?
    Individual organizations may be non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, universities, academic institutions, research institutions, think tanks, private sector (for profit) organizations or private foundations (not for profit).
  7. What is meant by “consortia”? Who can be a member of a consortium?
    • Consortia are groups of organizations that collaborate to submit a proposal for funding and to implement the project.
    • Proposals from consortia must name one lead organization. The lead organization must be an African organization (organizations with independent legal registration in an African country). 
    • Consortium members may include other African organizations; national, regional, or international offices of multilateral organizations or international NGOs; or other organizations from outside Africa.
    • Fair and equitable partnerships must be established among consortia members.
  8. What are the criteria for a lead organization? 
    • Ability to manage a large-scale grant from a financial and operational point of view; 
    • presence in the field;
    • thematic experience in the subject of the proposal;
    • ability to coordinate multiple partners and members of a consortia (if applying as a consortium);
    • an independent, legally incorporated entity capable of contracting in its own right and name.
  9. What documentation does the lead organization need to provide to IDRC to verify its legal status?
    A copy of (or internet link to) the legal documentation will be required to confirm the lead organization's creation and independent legal status. The documentation provided to IDRC should clearly indicate the name of the institution. Documentation in a language other than English or French requires a certified translation that must also be submitted. 

    Legal documentation varies depending on the location and type of organization. By way of illustration, this legal documentation may include:
    • letters patent;
    • articles of incorporation;
    • articles of association;
    • certificates of incorporation;
    • certificates of registration; or
    • proof issued by government authorities for private sector/non-governmental organizations.
  10. May an organization with a pending registration in an eligible country apply to a call?
    No. Organizations must already be registered or incorporated in an eligible country.
  11. My organization has a national/regional office in an African country, but our headquarters are outside Africa. May I apply as an individual organization or lead a consortium?
    No. You are welcome to participate as a member of a consortium, but not individually or as a lead.
  12. May consortia include national governments?
    No, however applicants are encouraged to include national and local governments as strategic partners in their projects.
  13. Do consortia need to include Canadian organizations?
    No.
  14. Should partners be in the same geographical region?
    Not necessarily. Consortium partners may be located in various geographical regions.
  15. When is the submission deadline?
    Proposals should be submitted by July 30, 2022 (17:00 East African Time). APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Proposals should be submitted electronically to the secretariat of the  Science Granting Councils Initiative at sgcssa@idrc.ca.
  16. What language should be used for the proposal?
    Proposals may be submitted in either French or English. The ability to work in both French and English is a requirement and APPLICATIONS WITHOUT BOTH LANGUAGE CAPCABILITIES WILL NOT BE EVALUATED.
  17. May I contact someone if I have questions about the call for proposals?
    The call document and this FAQ page should address most relevant application questions and are updated regularly. However, if additional technical questions or difficulties arise, please contact sgcssa@idrc.ca.
  18. Will applicants receive feedback on their application?
    IDRC will share feedback on the selected proposals with successful applicants. Given the volume of applications expected, please note that we will not provide comments to unsuccessful applicants.