Global Research and Capacity Building Fund for Public Health Systems Strengthening

The Global Research and Capacity Building Fund for Public Health Systems Strengthening is a competitive grant program launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address critical gaps in health system performance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With a deadline of September 15, 2026, this fund targets a wide range of applicants including governments, academic institutions, NGOs, and research organizations. The total funding available is estimated at $150 million, with individual grants ranging from $500,000 to $5 million over a three-year project period. The fund is structured to support two pillars: (1) operational research that generates evidence for policy and practice, and (2) capacity building that strengthens the health workforce and institutional systems. The fund is part of WHO's commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and ensuring health security, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Applicants are required to submit a detailed proposal that includes a theory of change, budget, work plan, and risk management strategy. The evaluation criteria emphasize technical merit, feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with national health plans. The fund also encourages partnerships with local organizations to ensure ownership and continuation beyond the grant period. For HTI, this represents a strategic opportunity to position its courses as essential tools for capacity building. Courses such as 'Public Health & Epidemiology', 'Project Management for Development', 'Monitoring & Evaluation', and 'Writing Winning Proposals' directly address the skills needed to design and manage funded projects. By integrating HTI training into their proposals, applicants can differentiate themselves by demonstrating a commitment to strengthening local capacity. This overview provides the foundational context for understanding the fund's objectives, scope, and potential for transformative impact in public health.

Strategic Overview

Who is it For?

The Global Research and Capacity Building Fund is targeted at a diverse range of organizations and entities that play a critical role in public health system strengthening. Primary recipients include national and sub-national government agencies, particularly ministries of health and public health institutes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These entities are expected to lead large-scale health system reforms and policy implementation. Academic and research institutions with a proven track record in health systems research, epidemiology, and implementation science are also eligible, especially those that can generate evidence to inform policy and practice. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) with experience in community health, health workforce training, and service delivery are strongly encouraged to apply. International organizations and multilateral agencies may participate as consortium partners or technical support providers. The fund also welcomes applications from private sector entities, particularly those involved in health technology, digital health, and capacity-building platforms, provided they demonstrate a non-profit orientation. Special consideration is given to organizations that prioritize gender equity, human rights, and community engagement. Furthermore, applicants must have a legal registration status in the country of operation, a transparent governance structure, and audited financial statements for at least two years. Collaborative proposals involving multiple stakeholders are preferred, as they foster cross-sectoral integration and sustainability. HTI's target audience includes professionals from these organizations who require upskilling in areas like project management, M&E, and proposal writing to strengthen their bids and project implementation capacity.

Priorities

The WHO's Global Research and Capacity Building Fund is driven by a set of global health priorities and investment KPIs that emphasize measurable outcomes and systemic impact. The primary priority is strengthening health systems to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by ensuring access to essential health services without financial hardship. This includes improving primary health care, maternal and child health, infectious disease control (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and emerging pandemics), and non-communicable disease management. A strong emphasis is placed on health workforce development: building the capacity of health professionals through training, mentorship, and knowledge exchange. The fund also prioritizes health security and pandemic preparedness, aligning with the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the WHO's Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. Investment KPIs include: (1) the number of health workers trained and retained; (2) improvements in service delivery coverage indicators (e.g., vaccination rates, antenatal care visits); (3) enhanced health information systems and data quality; (4) strengthened governance and accountability mechanisms; and (5) increased domestic financing for health. Additionally, the fund seeks to promote research utilization—ensuring that generated evidence translates into policy and practice. Cross-cutting priorities include gender equality, equity, human rights, and community engagement. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects will address these priorities with clear targets and timelines. For HTI, the alignment is clear: courses in Public Health & Epidemiology, M&E, and Project Management directly support the capacity-building and evidence-generation goals. The institute can thus position its training as a catalyst for achieving the fund's KPIs.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Global Research and Capacity Building Fund is defined by comprehensive financial, spatial, and corporate legal criteria. Financially, applicants must demonstrate sound fiscal management with audited financial statements for the past two fiscal years, showing no significant deficits. The organization must have a minimum annual operating budget of $500,000 or equivalent, and a demonstrated ability to absorb and disburse grant funds efficiently. Spatially, the fund targets projects implemented in low- and middle-income countries as classified by the World Bank. However, applications from high-income countries are considered only if they directly benefit LMICs through partnerships or capacity-building initiatives. Legally, the applicant must be a registered legal entity (e.g., NGO, government agency, university, or nonprofit corporation) with a valid registration certificate and tax identification number. The organization must have a governing board, a clear mission aligned with public health, and no history of corruption or fraud. Additionally, applicants must submit a detailed project proposal that includes a logic model, budget, and risk management plan. For academic institutions, proof of institutional review board (IRB) approval for research components is required. Consortia applications are allowed but must designate a lead applicant with at least 10% co-financing. In-kind contributions are accepted. HTI's training courses can help organizations meet eligibility requirements by strengthening their capacity in financial management (Financial Management for NGOs course), proposal writing (Writing Winning Proposals), and compliance (Grants Management). By enrolling staff in these courses, organizations can improve their financial documentation and proposal quality, thereby enhancing eligibility.

Path to Success

To maximize success for the Global Research and Capacity Building Fund, organizations should follow a strategic roadmap that integrates HTI's training courses to strengthen capacity and proposal quality. Step 1: Pre-Planning and Partnership Development (Months 1-2). Begin by conducting a stakeholder mapping exercise to identify potential partners from government, academia, and civil society. Establish a consortium that reflects diverse expertise and local ownership. Enroll key team members in HTI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' and 'Project Management for Development' courses to ensure the proposal team is skilled in logframes, budgeting, and donor compliance. These courses provide practical templates and feedback mechanisms that elevate proposal quality. Step 2: Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Theory of Change (Months 3-4). Conduct a baseline assessment of health system weaknesses using standardized WHO tools. Develop a robust theory of change linking inputs to long-term health outcomes. Use HTI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course to design indicators and data collection plans that align with WHO KPIs. This ensures the proposal is evidence-based and measurable. Step 3: Budget and Work Plan Development (Months 5-6). Create a detailed budget that includes cost categories, unit costs, and justification for each line item. HTI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' course offers best practices in budget preparation, including indirect cost recovery and audit readiness. Simultaneously, develop a Gantt chart for project activities, milestones, and deliverables. Step 4: Submit and Prepare for Implementation (Month 7+). After submission, engage in capacity-building activities for field staff using HTI's 'Public Health & Epidemiology', 'WASH', and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' courses to ensure readiness. Secure letters of commitment from partners and co-financing sources. Throughout the process, maintain communication with the WHO program officer. HTI's 'Grants Management' course is invaluable for post-award compliance and reporting. By following this roadmap, organizations not only strengthen their bid but also demonstrate long-term sustainability and capacity, which are key evaluation criteria for WHO.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Public Health & Epidemiology
Project Management for Development
Writing Winning Proposals

Deadline: 2026-09-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal