CFPs: Modernizing Qatar’s Charitable Sector Program

Deadline: 18-Feb-2026

The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI), in partnership with the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA), invites applications for the Modernizing Charitable Sector Call (Cycle 2). This initiative funds projects up to QAR 150,000 for six months to develop innovative solutions, including generative AI tools, that enhance the efficiency, impact, and strategic alignment of Qatar’s charitable and humanitarian sectors.

Overview

The Modernizing Charitable Sector Call aims to strengthen Qatar’s charitable and humanitarian ecosystem by assessing sector capabilities and developing solutions that align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Projects are expected to address strategic challenges, unlock new opportunities, and enhance public and international confidence in Qatar’s charitable activities.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Maximum funding per project: QAR 150,000 (USD 41,095)

• Project duration: up to six months

• All budget and project effort must be expended inside Qatar

Eligible Costs

• Generative AI development or innovative research methods tailored to sector challenges

• Enhancing financial inclusion and operational efficiency

• Assessing societal impact of RACA programs

• Strategies for talent engagement, retention, and international visibility

Encouraged Contributions

• Co-funding or cost-sharing in cash or in-kind to expand project scope and impact

Ineligible Costs

• Activities or expenditures outside Qatar

• Non-compliance with QRDI or institutional policies

Who Is Eligible?

Lead Principal Investigator (LPI)

• Must be affiliated with a QRDI-approved submitting institution in Qatar

• Must hold an approved terminal degree

• Can submit only one application in this cycle

Submitting Institutions

• Must ensure institutional vetting of all proposals to comply with QRDI policies

• Collaborative institutions are permitted but must include at least one affiliated Principal Investigator

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility of the LPI and submitting institution

2. Prepare the proposal according to QRDI guidelines

3. Ensure vetting by the Research Office of the submitting institution

4. Submit the proposal through the QRDI online system

5. Include clearly defined objectives, methodology, and expected impact

Evaluation Process

• Proposals are reviewed based on:

  • Scientific excellence: originality, rigor, and innovation

  • Implementation: feasibility, methodology, and project plan

  • Resources: adequacy of personnel, infrastructure, and budget

  • Valorisation: potential impact, scalability, and societal benefit

• Compliance with human subjects, child protection, vertebrate animals, and biohazard regulations is required

Award Management

• Payment is disbursed in two instalments:

  • 50% advance upon signing the grant agreement

  • 50% reimbursement after acceptance of the final technical and financial reports

• Awarded institutions are responsible for project management and reporting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting multiple applications as Lead PI

• Failing to obtain institutional vetting

• Budgeting for ineligible activities outside Qatar

• Weak focus on generative AI or other innovative solutions

• Non-compliance with ethical or regulatory standards

Why This Grant Matters

The Modernizing Charitable Sector Call promotes innovation and operational excellence in Qatar’s charitable ecosystem. It enables institutions to leverage AI and other digital solutions to improve transparency, societal impact, and sector visibility, while supporting strategic national and global development goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can an LPI submit multiple proposals? No, only one application per LPI is allowed in this cycle.
Are collaborative institutions outside Qatar allowed? Yes, provided there is at least one Qatar-affiliated PI.
Is funding limited to in-Qatar activities? Yes, 100% of effort and budget must be expended inside Qatar.
How is funding disbursed? In two instalments: 50% advance upon signing and 50% reimbursement after final report acceptance.
What areas of innovation are prioritized? Generative AI solutions, operational efficiency, financial inclusion, impact assessment, talent engagement, and international visibility.
Is regulatory compliance mandatory? Yes, all proposals must comply with human subjects, child, vertebrate animal, and biohazard regulations.
Who ensures institutional compliance? The submitting institution’s Research Office must vet proposals before submission.

Conclusion

The Modernizing Charitable Sector Call (Cycle 2) empowers researchers to develop innovative solutions that enhance Qatar’s charitable and humanitarian sectors. By leveraging AI, digital tools, and evidence-based approaches, the program strengthens efficiency, impact, and global recognition while aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the SDGs.

For more information, visit QRDI.