FAQ’s

Deadlines & Application Access

What are the deadlines? The foundation has two funding cycles each year.

  • Cycle 1: Begins in October and ends in May.
    • Concept applications received October–December are considered for eligibility for the February 15 full proposal deadline.
    • Grant payout is in June.
  • Cycle 2: Begins in May and ends in November.
    • Concept applications received May 1–June 15 are considered for eligibility for the August 15 full proposal deadline.
    • Grant payout is in December.

What is the password for the online concept application form? cfhgrants (not case-sensitive)

I don’t have a U.S. charity number to register in your system. How do I register? Type 12-1234567 instead. The grants application system is not set up to accept international tax identification numbers.

What organization in a partnership should apply? The organization responsible for leading the project and managing funds should apply. The Foundation does not have any preference beyond eligibility requirements listed here.

May I fax or e-mail my concept application or proposal? No. Use the online portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=gma

May we submit our application in a language other than English? No. The foundation cannot translate proposals submitted in other languages.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Public and private universities and research centers
  • Local, regional, national, and international NGOs
  • Public charities

Not Eligible

  • Businesses, B-Corps
  • Social enterprises without charitable status
  • Individuals
  • Unaffiliated researchers
  • Government departments, except public universities and research centers. All universities are eligible.
  • Unregistered charities or NGOs pending registration

Eligible Countries

All projects serving countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and South America are eligible for support. The Foundation does not fund U.S. colonies.

Must projects be locally led? The foundation gives priority to projects that have local leadership and share power, risks, and decisions with local people.

Who should submit the concept application if we use a fiscal sponsor? The fiscal sponsor should apply as the lead organization. A fiscal sponsor is an NGO/nonprofit that provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and administrative services to a charitable project that does not have its own charitable status. The fiscal sponsor can reference the implementing organization in the narrative sections of the application.

What evidence of charitable status do we need to provide? None is required at the concept application stage. The Foundation accepts any evidence of charitable status you are able to provide at the proposal stage.

Can an organization submit two concept applications for consideration? No. Organizations may submit only one concept application per round.

Funding Parameters & Allowable Costs

Will the Foundation support indirect costs or administrative overhead? No. Applicants are more competitive when they request only direct costs.

Will the Foundation support staff, research assistants, technicians, etc.? The Foundation will support direct project costs including staff.

What is the allowable duration or timeframe for a project? Applicants define the project period. The Foundation does not set limits.

Does the foundation provide multi-year funding? The Foundation usually makes one-year grants but now also makes two-year grants. Two-year grants are rare. Continued funding is considered case-by-case. Applicants may reapply annually through the competitive process.

Will the foundation support international travel costs? Generally no. The Foundation prioritizes local project expenses. It may consider small, essential, reasonable travel costs when integral to the project.

Will the foundation support fellowships, scholarships, and training activities for university students? No tuition or scholarships. The foundation may support research costs for early-career professionals from low- and middle-income countries working on priority issues. These grants are rare.

What the Foundation Rarely or Never Funds

Humanitarian aid, missionary, social welfare, and social service programs: The Foundation does not prioritize feeding programs, emergency medical care, missionary organizations, or other direct social services.

Projects with primarily local emphasis: The Foundation prefers projects with broad applicability beyond a single community.

Basic farmer training programs: The Foundation does not prioritize general village improvement efforts, basic organic farming, animal husbandry training, or operating support for extension programs.

Capital requests: The Foundation does not fund buildings, water systems, pumps, wells, or large equipment purchases. Research equipment is not considered a capital expenditure.

New organizations or start-ups. The Foundation does not fund organizations with limited experience and accomplishments even if they use a well-established organization as a fiscal agent.

Microenterprise, ecotourism, and livelihood projects: The Foundation does not fund these economic development projects.

Publications and media: Rarely supported.

Social science research: The Foundation prioritizes applied research in natural and health sciences.

Medical care: The Foundation emphasizes prevention over treatment and does not generally fund primary medical care service delivery. It favors health promotion and family planning initiatives with potential to advance the field.

Guidance for Current Grantees

May we reapply for funding next year? Yes. Grantees may submit a proposal for continued funding if the project substantially continues the currently funded work. For new projects or new phases, submit a new concept application.

Should current grantees submit a concept application to request continued support? Only if seeking support for a totally new project. Notify the Foundation if you plan to resubmit.

How do we reapply for funding? Follow the proposal instructions on the website. Guidelines and forms may change each year.

If we reapply, should we complete the entire form again, including attachments? Yes. Do not assume reviewers remember your organization or work.

When do we report on the project? Submit an interim report with any request for follow-up support. Submit a final report at the end of the grant period or project phase. Complete reports through the online portal.

How should we report? Follow the Foundation’s reporting guidelines.

January 01 2026 12:00 pm