CFPs: Tools for Managing At-Risk Infants Under 6 Months and Mothers (Kenya and US)

Deadline: 27-Jan-2026

UNICEF is inviting grant applications to develop practical nutrition tools for mothers and at-risk infants in the United States (New York) and Kenya (Nairobi). With an indicative budget of USD 100,000, the initiative will create training content, quick reference guides, and capacity assessment tools to improve infant and young child feeding, malnutrition prevention, and nutrition in emergencies, ensuring global usability and field validation.

Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking applications to support the creation of practical, evidence-based tools to enhance nutrition care for mothers and infants at risk of poor growth and development.

This initiative targets:

• Infant and young child feeding (IYCF)

• Malnutrition prevention and treatment

• Micronutrient supplementation

• Nutrition in emergencies

The project aims to equip governments, UN agencies, and partners with user-friendly, family-centred resources that reduce mortality and support healthy child development.

Purpose and Objectives

The initiative is designed to:

• Develop practical implementation tools validated by global partners

• Provide training content for Ministry of Health officials and frontline health workers

• Enhance workforce competencies in identifying and managing at-risk infants

• Make tools widely accessible via childwasting.org for global use

• Field-test tools in diverse country contexts, including at least one humanitarian setting

Key Activities

1. Tool Development:

   • Create training modules aligned with UNICEF-WHO guidance

   • Develop an infographic for screening, early identification, assessment, and management

   • Identify additional competencies required for health workers caring for at-risk infants

2. Capacity Assessment:

   • Develop a rapid capacity assessment tool to identify workforce strengths and gaps

   • Support Ministries of Health in planning targeted capacity-building initiatives

3. Quick Reference Guide:

   • Consolidate all key steps, job aids, and tools into a single document for use during training and implementation

4. Field Testing and Validation:

   • Pilot tools in the United States and Kenya

   • Ensure applicability in diverse settings, including humanitarian contexts

5. Knowledge Dissemination:

   • Make all final tools available on childwasting.org for global access by health professionals and stakeholders

Funding Details

• Indicative budget: USD 100,000

• Funding covers:

  • Tool development and design

  • Field testing and validation

  • Training content creation

  • Development of quick reference guides and job aids

  • Capacity assessment initiatives

Who Is Eligible

Eligible applicants include:

• Research institutions, non-profits, or consulting firms with expertise in:

  • Infant and young child nutrition

  • Malnutrition prevention and treatment

  • Capacity-building and health workforce development

  • Development of practical, user-friendly tools for health professionals

• Entities able to coordinate with UNICEF, Ministries of Health, and global partners for field validation

Why This Grant Matters

This initiative is critical because it:

• Supports evidence-based nutrition care for vulnerable infants

• Strengthens health worker capacity to identify and manage at-risk infants

• Promotes family-centred approaches in nutrition interventions

• Provides globally accessible, practical tools for replication and use in multiple contexts

• Ensures integration of guidance into both routine and emergency health settings

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate expertise in nutrition for infants and young children

• Include clear methodology for tool development and field testing

• Show capacity to collaborate with Ministries of Health and UNICEF

• Ensure proposals address both routine and emergency contexts

• Highlight strategies to disseminate tools globally, including online accessibility

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing tools that are not practical or user-friendly for frontline health workers

• Failing to include a field-testing component

• Overlooking competency alignment with existing frameworks like IYCF, IMNCI, BFHI

• Ignoring the family-centred approach

• Submitting proposals without a clear budget or implementation plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for this grant?

Research institutions, non-profits, or consulting firms with experience in infant and young child nutrition and workforce capacity-building.

What is the budget for the project?

The indicative budget is USD 100,000.

Which countries are included in field testing?

The tools will be field-tested in the United States (New York) and Kenya (Nairobi City), including at least one humanitarian setting.

What types of tools will be developed?

Training content, infographics for screening and management, rapid capacity assessment tools, and quick reference guides.

How will the tools be disseminated?

All finalized tools will be made accessible via childwasting.org for global use by health professionals and stakeholders.

What is the main goal of the initiative?

To improve nutrition outcomes for mothers and at-risk infants by equipping health workers with practical tools, knowledge, and skills for effective care.

Is this project focused on emergencies or routine care?

Both. Tools will be designed for use in routine health services and nutrition in emergencies contexts.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s grant offers a unique opportunity to develop practical, evidence-based nutrition tools that strengthen health workforce capacity and improve outcomes for mothers and at-risk infants. By combining training, tool development, and field validation, the project will produce globally relevant resources that enhance nutrition care and support healthy child development in both routine and emergency settings.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.