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FoundationGrantRolling

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Africa)

$100K-$100M+ (varies widely by program; Grand Challenges: $100K-$3M; major program grants: $5M-$100M+)

RollingWebsiteEst. 2000

GrantHealthAgricultureFinancial InclusionWater & SanitationEducationNutritionAI for DevelopmentAll Stages

Strong Gender LensModerate Climate Lens

Apply Now

The world's largest private foundation, directing the majority of its resources toward improving health, agriculture, financial inclusion, water/sanitation, and education across Africa. Grants range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, deployed through RFPs, Grand Challenges calls, and direct solicitation.

What You Get

Grant Funding

Non-dilutive grants ranging from $100K to $100M+ depending on program and scope

Technical Assistance

Collaborative grantmaking with foundation program officers providing strategic support

Network Access

Connection to foundation's global partner network across governments, NGOs, and research institutions

Capacity Building

Reporting support and organizational development

How to Apply

Three pathways: (1) Respond to open Requests for Proposals (RFPs) at submit.gatesfoundation.org; (2) Apply to Grand Challenges calls at gcgh.grandchallenges.org/grant-opportunities; (3) Submit a Letter of Inquiry directly. Most grants are initiated by foundation staff through direct solicitation. Applicants should review current RFPs and Grand Challenges for open opportunities.

Warm Intro

Required

Geographic Focus

Pan-Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa

Decision Timeline

4-12 weeks for Grand Challenges; 3-12 months for major program grants

Eligibility

U.S. 501(c)(3) or equivalent tax-exempt organization preferred
Demonstrated capability to deliver measurable outcomes
Alignment with foundation strategic priorities (health, agriculture, financial inclusion, WASH, education)
Strong project plan with clear theory of change
Operational capacity to manage large grants with rigorous reporting

Traction Required

Clear project plan with measurable outcomes, established track record in relevant sector, evidence-based approach

Team Requirements

Strong organizational capacity, experienced leadership, ability to manage foundation reporting requirements

Selection Criteria

Alignment with foundation strategic priorities
Evidence-based approach with clear theory of change
Organizational capacity and track record
Potential for scalable, measurable impact
Cost-effectiveness and value for money

Focus Areas

Global Health

Maternal and child health, infectious disease (malaria, TB, HIV), vaccines, nutrition, health systems strengthening

Agriculture

Smallholder productivity, sustainable livestock, climate-resilient crops, agricultural research (CGIAR)

Financial Inclusion

Digital financial services for the poor, mobile money, savings products

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

Urban sanitation, reinvented toilet technologies, water quality

AI for Health

Horizon1000 initiative — AI-enabled clinical decision support tools in Sub-Saharan Africa (starting Rwanda). EVAH grants: up to $1M (Pathway A) or $3M (Pathway B)

What They Look For

Organizations with demonstrated ability to deliver measurable health, agricultural, or development outcomes at scale in Africa. The foundation prioritizes evidence-based approaches, partnerships with African governments, and innovations that can reach the poorest populations. Strong preference for organizations already identified by program staff or responding to specific RFPs.

2000

Active Since

Yes

Deploying

Opportunities

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Africa)

What You Get

Application Details

Fit Criteria

Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Focus Areas

Insights

What They Look For

About Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Africa)

Track Record