Deadline: 23-Feb-2026
The Al Madad Foundation Education Grant supports innovative, cost-effective projects that improve access to safe, high-quality formal education for refugee and displaced children and youth in the Middle East. With funding of up to £100,000 for projects lasting up to three years, the initiative prioritizes in-person learning, formal education pathways, and solutions that address persistent barriers to education for children aged 5–18.
Overview of the Funding Opportunity
The Al Madad Foundation (AMF) invites eligible civil society organisations to submit proposals for innovative education projects that strengthen access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality formal education for refugee and displaced children and youth across the Middle East. The call focuses on practical, scalable solutions that respond directly to the educational gaps faced by displaced populations and enable clear pathways into recognised formal education systems.
Core Objectives and Focus Areas
The funding opportunity is designed to address systemic and access-related challenges in refugee education through targeted, innovative interventions. Key objectives include:
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Making education safe, inclusive, and accessible for refugee and displaced children
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Improving the quality and relevance of formal education delivery
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Strengthening education systems and local capacity to support learning continuity
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Addressing critical gaps in education and child protection systems
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Creating direct and realistic pathways into formal schools and accredited institutions
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Delivering innovative solutions to overcome long-standing barriers such as displacement, safety concerns, and exclusion
Funding Size and Project Duration
Projects may request a total budget of up to £100,000. The maximum project duration is three years. AMF places strong emphasis on value for money, realistic budgeting, and cost-effective implementation models that maximise impact for children and youth.
Target Population
Proposed projects must directly benefit refugee and displaced children and young people, particularly those aged 5 to 18 years. Interventions should be tailored to the specific country or local context where displacement has occurred, reflecting cultural, legal, and educational realities on the ground.
Education Approach and Quality Standards
All supported education interventions must:
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Focus on in-person learning rather than remote-only models
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Deliver high-quality, structured education aligned with formal standards
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Enable learners to transition into recognised schools, colleges, or accredited learning institutions
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Prioritise safety, child protection, and inclusive learning environments
Innovation Requirement
Innovation is a central requirement of this funding call. Projects must clearly demonstrate:
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New or significantly improved approaches to overcoming barriers to education
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Innovative program design, delivery methods, or system-level solutions
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A clear distinction from existing or ongoing activities
Existing projects are only eligible if they are entering a clearly defined new phase that introduces a demonstrably innovative component. AMF must be the exclusive donor funding the proposed innovation.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Registered civil society organisations and charities
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Eligible institutions with proven education delivery capacity
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Organisations able to meet safeguarding, reporting, and compliance requirements
All projects must be non-religious in aim and fully compliant with child protection and safeguarding standards.
Why This Funding Matters
Refugee and displaced children face persistent barriers to education, including insecurity, disrupted schooling, and lack of access to formal systems. This funding opportunity supports solutions that move beyond temporary or informal learning by strengthening pathways into recognised education, improving long-term outcomes, and reducing the risk of exclusion, exploitation, and lost potential.
How the Funding Works
Applicants are expected to:
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Identify a clear education gap affecting refugee or displaced children
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Design an innovative, context-specific intervention addressing that gap
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Demonstrate implementation capacity, sustainability, or a clear end point
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Provide a realistic budget within the £100,000 cap
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Outline monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanisms, including service-user input
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Commit to regular communication and reporting to AMF
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability
Strong monitoring and feedback mechanisms are required. Proposals should include:
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Clear indicators and measurable outcomes
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Methods for collecting feedback from children, youth, and caregivers
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Systems for learning, adaptation, and accountability throughout implementation
Preference Criteria
Preference will be given to projects that:
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Demonstrate sustainability or a clearly defined and appropriate end point
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Avoid duplication of existing services
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Enable consistent reporting and communication with AMF
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Show strong value for money and efficient resource use
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Proposing informal education without pathways to formal recognition
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Replicating existing programmes without innovation
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Submitting projects with unclear safeguarding arrangements
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Overly ambitious designs that do not match budget or capacity
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Religious or faith-based programming elements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum grant amount?
The maximum funding available per project is £100,000.
How long can projects run?
Projects may run for up to three years.
Who can benefit from the projects?
Refugee and displaced children and youth aged 5–18 must be the primary beneficiaries.
Are existing projects eligible?
Yes, but only if they are entering a clearly defined new phase with a demonstrably innovative component.
Is remote or online learning eligible?
The fund strongly prioritises in-person learning and formal education pathways.
Can faith-based organisations apply?
Organisations may apply, but all funded projects must be non-religious in aim.
What reporting is required?
Funded organisations must provide regular reports and maintain ongoing communication with AMF.
Conclusion
The Al Madad Foundation Education Grant offers a strategic opportunity for civil society organisations to deliver innovative, high-impact education solutions for refugee and displaced children in the Middle East. By prioritising safety, quality, formal education pathways, and innovation, the fund aims to create lasting educational access and improved futures for some of the region’s most vulnerable children and youth.
For more information, visit Al Madad Foundation.
