IDRC: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa

Grant Overview

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), with Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, is funding research addressing neglected areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for underserved populations across sub-Saharan Africa.

Funding Organization

International Development Research Centre (IDRC), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Eligibility

Research institutions, universities and research-capable NGOs proposing sustainable, evidence-informed and gender-transformative SRHR interventions for underserved populations.

Countries

Sub-Saharan Africa.

Funding Amount

Up to six grants of up to CAD 1.2 million each.

Deadline

23 August 2026. Confirm the exact call letter of interest requirements on IDRC’s official site, as this is typically a staged process.

Application Process

IDRC calls of this type typically begin with a letter of interest or concept note, with full proposals invited from a shortlist. Confirm the current stage and requirements directly with IDRC.

Official Source

Confirm current guidelines directly through IDRC’s official call for letters of interest before applying.

ATI Recommendations

Because this call explicitly prioritizes “neglected areas” of SRHR, applicants should clearly justify why their proposed population or intervention has been under-researched or under-resourced relative to mainstream SRHR programming, not just describe a general SRHR need.

Related ATI Training

ATI’s Post Graduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health builds the technical grounding this research call expects applicants to demonstrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NGOs without a formal research department apply?

Research-capable NGOs can apply, typically in partnership with an academic or research institution — confirm partnership requirements in the official call letter.

Is this funding for direct service delivery or research only?

This call funds research into SRHR interventions, not direct service delivery grants — confirm scope against your organisation’s proposed activities before applying.