What Works II has announced the opening of applications for its Innovation Grant Program – Window 2, aimed at supporting innovative approaches to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG). The deadline for submissions is December 6, 2024, and the program seeks to fund projects that explore new methodologies and partnerships in various contexts, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Key Takeaways
- Deadline for Applications: December 6, 2024
- Funding Amount: Up to GBP 500,000
- Target Groups: Women-led organizations in the Global South
- Focus Areas: VAWG prevention, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and climate change
Overview of the Innovation Grant Program
The Innovation Grant Program is part of the What Works II initiative, which aims to expand its portfolio by funding projects that test innovative strategies for preventing VAWG. This funding window encourages organizations to develop and implement projects that address under-researched forms of violence, such as conflict-related sexual violence and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
Goals of the Program
The program has several key goals:
- Design and Test New Approaches: Focus on preventing forms of violence that have been under-researched.
- Explore New Partnerships: Encourage collaborations between women’s rights organizations and digital rights organizations.
- Address Vulnerable Populations: Develop strategies for populations with little existing support, such as refugees and ethnic minorities.
Priority Areas for Funding
The program prioritizes several areas for funding:
- VAWG Prevention in Fragile Settings: Special emphasis on countries in protracted crises, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
- Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: Support for projects that address emerging forms of VAWG in digital spaces.
- Climate Change and VAWG: Funding for initiatives that integrate VAWG prevention into climate change interventions.
Funding Information
What Works II will award innovation grants of up to GBP 500,000 for projects designed to achieve measurable reductions in VAWG. The funding is available for a duration of up to three years, targeting organizations or consortia led by women’s rights organizations in the Global South.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Women-Led Organizations: Must have a majority of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
- Focus on VAWG Prevention: Core work should be in the field of VAWG prevention, women’s rights, or gender equality.
- Geographical Focus: Organizations must be based in the FCDO priority regions: MENA, Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Application Process
Interested organizations are encouraged to apply by the deadline of December 6, 2024. The application process involves demonstrating a commitment to innovative approaches and collaboration with other organizations, particularly in the context of VAWG prevention.
For more information on the application process and eligibility, organizations can refer to the What Works II program’s official guidelines.
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