Grants for Window I – Government Systems and Evidence (Gambia)

The Window I – Government Systems and Evidence Grant 2026 under The Gambia’s National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) supports research and innovation projects that strengthen government systems, improve public service delivery, and promote evidence-based policymaking. Eligible public sector institutions can receive grants of up to GMD 1,300,000, with a total programme budget of GMD 2,000,000.

What is the Window I – Government Systems and Evidence Grant?

The Window I – Government Systems and Evidence Grant is a competitive funding programme established under The Gambia’s National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF).

The programme supports research-driven initiatives that help government institutions improve governance, public administration, service delivery, and institutional performance. It encourages the use of evidence and innovation to address challenges within the public sector and strengthen policymaking processes.

About the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF)

The National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) serves as The Gambia’s statutory platform for funding research and innovation through competitive grants.

Operating under the State Innovation Framework, the NRIF promotes research that contributes to national development, institutional reform, innovation, and sustainable public sector improvement.

Why This Grant Matters

Strong government institutions rely on reliable data, research, and innovation to deliver quality public services.

This funding programme aims to:

Strengthen government systems
Improve public administration
Enhance public service delivery
Support institutional reform
Promote evidence-based policymaking
Encourage collaboration between government and research institutions
Build long-term governance capacity

The programme helps public institutions develop practical solutions that improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Programme Objectives

The grant seeks to:

Support applied research in government systems
Generate evidence for policy development
Improve institutional effectiveness
Strengthen public sector innovation
Address challenges in public administration
Promote collaboration between government and technical experts
Improve citizen-focused service delivery

Funding Available

The programme offers:

Total programme budget: GMD 2,000,000
Maximum grant per project: GMD 1,300,000

Funding is awarded competitively to successful projects that demonstrate strong potential for institutional impact.

Areas of Support

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

Government Systems Strengthening

Research that improves:

Institutional performance
Administrative systems
Governance processes
Organisational efficiency

Public Service Delivery

Projects that improve:

Access to public services
Service quality
Operational efficiency
Citizen satisfaction

Evidence-Based Policymaking

Initiatives that generate research and data to support:

Policy design
Government decision-making
Institutional planning
Public sector reform

Institutional Innovation

Projects introducing innovative approaches that strengthen government operations and improve service delivery outcomes.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Lead Applicants

Lead applicants may include:

Government ministries
Sub-vented government agencies
Regulatory bodies
Statutory bodies

These institutions must serve as the primary applicant for the project.

Co-Applicants

The following organisations may participate as co-applicants for territorially relevant projects:

Local Government Authorities
Area Councils

Their participation should strengthen local implementation and project relevance.

Technical Partners

Every proposal must include at least one technical partner.

Eligible technical partners include:

Universities
Research institutions
Specialist civil society organisations

The technical partner helps ensure independent research quality, technical expertise, and evidence-based implementation.

Private Sector Participation

Private sector organisations are encouraged to participate where appropriate, although their involvement is not mandatory.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

Standalone individual applicants
Projects duplicating existing government programmes without clear additional value
Activities funding routine government operations
Standard government staff salaries
Routine procurement unrelated to project innovation or research

Only projects that demonstrate innovation and measurable institutional improvements will be considered.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

Completed application form
Institutional profile
Organisational chart
Detailed project proposal
Comprehensive project budget
Letter of endorsement from the relevant Permanent Secretary or agency head
Evidence of legal registration or establishment
Most recent audited financial statements (where applicable)

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Institutional Eligibility

Ensure your organisation qualifies as an eligible lead applicant and has identified suitable project partners.

Step 2: Build a Project Partnership

Develop a collaborative project involving:

Lead government institution
Technical partner
Co-applicant (if applicable)
Private sector partner (optional)

Strong partnerships improve project quality and implementation capacity.

Step 3: Develop the Project Proposal

Prepare a proposal explaining:

Project objectives
Government challenge being addressed
Research methodology
Expected policy impact
Innovation approach
Implementation timeline
Monitoring and evaluation plan

The proposal should clearly demonstrate how the project will strengthen government systems.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Develop a detailed and realistic budget that aligns with project activities.

Funding requests should not exceed GMD 1,300,000.

Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents

Collect all required documentation, including endorsements and institutional records.

Ensure all documents are complete before submission.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit the completed application package according to the NRIF submission guidelines before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

Addressing a clearly defined government challenge
Using evidence-based research methods
Demonstrating measurable public sector impact
Including experienced technical partners
Providing a realistic implementation plan
Presenting a well-justified budget
Showing how the project complements existing government programmes rather than duplicating them

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

Applying as an individual
Failing to include a required technical partner
Submitting incomplete documentation
Proposing projects that duplicate existing programmes
Requesting funding for routine government operations
Providing weak evidence of institutional impact
Submitting unrealistic budgets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Window I – Government Systems and Evidence Grant?

It is a competitive research and innovation grant that supports projects aimed at improving government systems, strengthening public service delivery, and promoting evidence-based policymaking in The Gambia.

How much funding is available?

The programme has a total budget of GMD 2,000,000, with individual grants of up to GMD 1,300,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible lead applicants include government ministries, sub-vented government agencies, regulatory bodies, and statutory institutions. Local Government Authorities and Area Councils may participate as co-applicants.

Is a technical partner required?

Yes. Every proposal must include at least one technical partner, such as a university, research institution, or specialist civil society organisation.

Are private sector organisations required?

No. Private sector participation is encouraged but is not mandatory.

Can individuals apply?

No. Standalone individual applications are not eligible for funding.

What documents must be submitted?

Applicants must provide a completed application form, institutional profile, organisational chart, detailed proposal with budget, endorsement letter, legal registration documents, and audited financial statements where applicable.

Conclusion

The Window I – Government Systems and Evidence Grant 2026 provides an important opportunity for public institutions in The Gambia to strengthen governance through research, innovation, and evidence-based reform.

With grants of up to GMD 1,300,000, the programme supports collaborative projects that improve public administration, enhance service delivery, and generate practical solutions for institutional development. Government agencies working alongside research institutions and technical partners can use this funding to drive meaningful, long-term improvements across the public sector.