Co-Impact announces third open call for systems change initiatives in health, education, and economic opportunity

• Focused on improving the lives of at least one million people in one or more of Co-Impact’s three issue areas: health, education, and economic opportunity;
• Deeply rooted in the Global South countries/regions in which they seek to make a difference; and
• Substantively led by women: Co-Impact will seek to ensure that a minimum of 50% of the initiatives selected are substantively led by women.

Each systems change grant typically comprises $10-25 million over 5 years, plus an initial design grant of $500,000 over 6-8 months to develop a rigorous strategy for systems change. Co-Impact also provides dedicated support for learning, adaptation, and organizational strengthening.

Founded in November 2017, Co-Impact seeks to fill a particular gap in the philanthropic landscape, by providing substantial support to a small number of organizations and coalitions with proven ideas that are already benefitting tens of thousands of people. Systems change grants are designed to help achieve “adoption at scale” within a wider system, so that change can benefit millions of people and endure over the long term.

The philanthropic collaborative announced its first round of systems change grants in January 2019, totalling US$80 million, with the announcement of a second round expected in early 2021. For this third round, proposals will be accepted through March 31^st, 2020, with design grants to be selected by end of 2020 and systems change grants expected to be announced in early 2022.

“We seek to support exceptional social change leaders and organizations working to improve people’s lives in a lasting way. We know achieving systems change is challenging, and that’s why we provide large-scale, flexible support to organizations that are deeply rooted in the local context, that have a track record of strong partnerships with government and other key actors, and that understand how issues of gender equity and inclusion impact long-term results. Our philanthropic partners are excited and honored to work with some of the world’s most experienced and visionary leaders to bring about deep change,” said Olivia Leland, Founder and CEO of Co-Impact.

Co-Impact believes that systems change is best achieved by organizations that are deeply rooted in their particular geographic context and who bring a nuanced understanding of local governance, political savvy, trusted relationships, and a long-term commitment to improving systems within that context. Additionally, because discrimination against and exclusion of women is a major barrier to development, Co-Impact believes that powerful systems change requires a resolute focus on gender equity and women’s leadership.

Recognizing that systems change is difficult to achieve, Co-Impact is looking for initiatives that have technical competence, organizational strength, a strong track record of results, and effective engagement with political economy and governance – and aims to structure its support in a manner that helps initiatives further build those capabilities.

Full details of the criteria and process can be found here and are also available in Arabic, French, Portuguese and Spanish. Please note we can only consider submissions in English, but we do not require fluency from non-native speakers. Concept notes will be accepted until March 31, 2020.

About Co-Impact

Co-Impact is a global philanthropic collaborative for systems change, focused on supporting efforts to improve the lives of millions of people around the world. With an emphasis on proven initiatives addressing major social challenges at a systemic level, the organization brings together a global group of philanthropists, foundations, and other funders to invest in such efforts through long-term support. Co-Impact works in the areas of education, health, and economic opportunity in low- and middle-income countries, and with a particular emphasis on gender and inclusion. Current Core Partners are Richard Chandler, The ELMA Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates, Rohini and Nandan Nilekani, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Jeff Skoll. The Rockefeller Foundation provides significant operating capital and strategic support to Co-Impact.

Further Information

For full guidelines, process, planned webinars, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) please visit Co-Impact’s website: www.co-impact.org.

Specific media-related inquiries should be directed to:

Sara Husseini
Manager, Communications and External Affairs
[email protected]
+44 7736 317 456