Deadline: 05-Mar-2026
The Social Innovation and Research Grant Program (SIRGS) in Mauritius provides funding of up to Rs 1M for projects developing innovative solutions to social challenges. The program supports NGOs, educational institutions, government bodies, and private companies to implement research-driven interventions that promote an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society.
Overview
The Social Innovation and Research Grant Program aims to support projects that address social challenges through innovative practices in Mauritius. The initiative encourages organizations to adopt new social practices that meet societal needs more effectively while fostering collaboration across sectors. SIRGS emphasizes research-driven interventions, where projects define, monitor, and evaluate solutions to clearly identified social problems. Eligible activities include community programs, research initiatives, pilot interventions, and collaborative projects designed to produce measurable social impact.
Funding and Grant Details
The program offers funding of up to Rs 1M per project for initiatives lasting no longer than 24 months. The grants are designed to support projects with the potential for novel, practical solutions to social challenges, focusing on sustainability, equity, and inclusiveness. Projects will be evaluated based on their innovation, feasibility, social relevance, and measurable impact.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
-
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Mauritius
-
Registered Higher Education Institutions
-
Registered Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions
-
Government and private research institutions
-
Government organisations
-
Private companies, preferably foundations or CSR arms aiming to expand social and environmental impact
Collaboration between multiple entities is encouraged, especially partnerships that combine academic, governmental, private, and NGO expertise to deliver socially innovative solutions.
How the Program Works / How to Apply
-
Check Eligibility: Ensure your organization or partnership meets the SIRGS criteria.
-
Identify a Social Challenge: Define a clear social problem your project aims to address.
-
Develop a Proposal: Include project objectives, proposed intervention, innovation aspects, expected outcomes, and research methodology for monitoring and evaluation.
-
Collaborate: Engage partners, trainees, or community stakeholders to strengthen impact and feasibility.
-
Submit Application: Follow SIRGS submission guidelines within the stated deadline.
-
Assessment: Projects are evaluated on novelty, social relevance, feasibility, and measurable outcomes.
-
Funding Award: Successful projects receive up to Rs 1M to implement the intervention over a maximum period of 24 months.
Tips for a Strong Application:
-
Clearly demonstrate novelty and practicality of the intervention.
-
Include research and monitoring components to track effectiveness.
-
Highlight collaboration and cross-sector partnerships.
-
Show measurable social impact and sustainability plans.
-
Align the project with national social priorities and inclusive development goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Submitting proposals without clear innovation or research methodology.
-
Failing to define measurable social impact.
-
Not demonstrating collaboration or partnerships.
-
Proposing projects exceeding the 24-month duration or Rs 1M funding limit.
-
Overlooking sustainability or scalability considerations.
Why This Grant Matters
The SIRGS program fosters a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Mauritian society by encouraging organizations to experiment with innovative social solutions. By supporting research-driven interventions, the program ensures that funded projects can measure, evaluate, and scale their social impact, ultimately contributing to societal transformation and improved quality of life for communities.
FAQ – Social Innovation and Research Grant Program
1. What is the maximum funding available per project? Up to Rs 1M.
2. What is the maximum duration for funded projects? 24 months.
3. Who can apply? NGOs, registered higher education and TVET institutions, research institutions, government bodies, and private companies in Mauritius.
4. Are collaborative projects encouraged? Yes, multi-sector partnerships are highly encouraged to enhance impact.
5. How are projects evaluated? Based on innovation, feasibility, social relevance, and measurable outcomes.
6. Can private companies apply? Yes, preferably foundations or CSR arms aiming to expand social and environmental impact.
7. What types of activities are eligible? Community programs, research initiatives, pilot interventions, and other projects delivering measurable social impact.
Conclusion
The Social Innovation and Research Grant Program provides strategic funding for socially innovative projects in Mauritius, supporting organizations that address pressing social challenges through research-driven, practical, and measurable interventions. By fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, SIRGS empowers projects to make a tangible impact and prepares them for long-term societal benefits.
For more information, visit MRIC.