About this opportunity
CEGA's Global Networks programme exists because evidence rarely travels on its own. The 2026 Research Grant Competition funds impact evaluation studies that a government agency, a policymaker or an implementing organisation can actually use, which is why the call asks teams to say clearly whose decision the research informs and how the collaboration will keep going after the study ends.
Letters of support from stakeholders can be attached to document that commitment. The money is modest but real.
The page states that "A total of $200,000 in research funding will be awarded to 3-4 projects. Individual projects may request up to $67,000.
" Results arrive on 19 January 2027, subaward processing runs from late January to April 2027, and the funded work itself covers 15 May 2027 to 1 October 2028, so a team that is awarded has a clear runway rather than an immediate scramble. What the reviewers look for is a design that can identify causal effects, a question that matters in the specific policy setting, and proof that the intervention being evaluated is developed enough to be studied as proposed.
Purely qualitative or descriptive studies are not eligible, and the call says so plainly. Research teams must bring together at least one CEGA Fellow and at least one CEGA Affiliate, and PhD students can lead if a CEGA Affiliate sponsors the study.
If you are a Fellow looking for an Affiliate, an NGO or a policymaker to work with, CEGA runs matchmaking on request.
What you receive
- Up to US$67,000 for an individual research project, drawn from a total pool of US$200,000 across 3 to 4 projects
- A funded period of performance from 15 May 2027 to 1 October 2028, with award notification on 19 January 2027 and subaward processing from late January to April 2027
- Priority consideration for extensions of CEGA funded pilot grants
- Matchmaking support for CEGA Fellows seeking an Affiliate, an NGO or a policymaker collaborator
- A route to publish rigorous causal evidence alongside an end user of that evidence, which the call treats as a strength in itself
Who can apply
- Applications come from teams of scholars made up of at least one CEGA Fellow and at least one CEGA Affiliate
- PhD students may apply if a CEGA Affiliate sponsors the study
- The study must be conducted in one of the countries the call lists, which include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Madagascar, Mali, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Togo
- The design must be capable of identifying causal effects, since purely qualitative or descriptive studies are not eligible for funding
- Applications must be submitted in English
- The intervention or programme being evaluated must be shown to be well developed and feasible to implement as proposed
Who should not apply
- Purely qualitative or descriptive studies are not eligible for funding
- Teams without at least one CEGA Fellow and one CEGA Affiliate cannot be awarded, unless a CEGA Affiliate sponsors a PhD student's study
Documents to prepare
- A research proposal of no more than 7 pages including the cover sheet, adapted from the CEGA template and addressing each section of the request for proposals
- A budget narrative, using the example provided on the page
- A budget completed in full on the accompanying CEGA Excel sheet
- The Global Networks Co-Authorship Statement setting out collaboration expectations between the Fellow and the Affiliate
- Optional letters of support from key stakeholders documenting engagement and commitment
- A proposal file saved as Proposal_First three words of proposal title_study country
How to apply
- Read the full request for proposals on the CEGA announcement page at https://cega.berkeley.edu/article/2026-research-grant-competition-request-for-proposals-2/
- Confirm your team includes at least one CEGA Fellow and at least one CEGA Affiliate, or arrange an Affiliate to sponsor a PhD student led study
- Adapt the CEGA proposal template and address each section against the evaluation criteria in the request for proposals
- Complete the budget narrative and the budget on the CEGA Excel sheet
- Submit the required files through the Submittable portal by 15 November 2026
- Direct any questions to Namita Karnik at namita_karnik@berkeley.edu
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- Emirates Leadership Initiative Research Fellowship 2027 to 2028
The Middle East Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School is taking applications for its ten month Emirates Leadership Initiative Research Fellowships. All nationalities may apply, stipends run from USD 55,000 to USD 75,000, and applications close 1 December 2026.
Questions applicants ask
Can a Nigerian researcher apply?
Yes, provided the study is conducted in one of the listed countries, Nigeria included, and the team brings together at least one CEGA Fellow and one CEGA Affiliate. A PhD student can lead if a CEGA Affiliate sponsors the study.
How much can a project ask for?
Individual projects may request up to US$67,000. The call sets aside US$200,000 in total for 3 to 4 projects.
What kind of research design does CEGA expect?
A rigorous design capable of identifying causal effects. The page states that purely qualitative or descriptive studies are not eligible for funding.
I am a CEGA Fellow without a partner institution. What can I do?
Use the matchmaking route. CEGA asks that you reach out to Namita Karnik with a short concept note and two or three proposed faculty, NGOs or policymakers you would like to be matched with.
When would the funded work actually run?
Award notification is set for 19 January 2027, subaward processing runs from end January to April 2027, and the period of performance covers 15 May 2027 to 1 October 2028.
When is the deadline?
Proposals are due through the Submittable portal by 15 November 2026, as printed on the CEGA announcement.
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