Blog

BRAC Institute of Governance and Development is delighted to announce the launch of two requests for proposals in Spring 2024. BIGD’s newest initiative, WEE-Connect, has released its first RFP, and WEE-DiFine has released its fourth. WEE-Connect and WEE-DiFine are separate, but sister initiatives. While both initiatives explore impacts on women’s economic empowerment, WEE-Connect focuses on digital connectivity interventions and WEE-DiFine on digital financial services. Both initiatives are generously supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Both WEE-Connect and WEE-DiFine are currently accepting proposals for rigorous research studies based in Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Funding is available for large awards, valued up to $500,000, and small awards, valued up to $50,000, under both RFPs.

The WEE-Connect and WEE-DiFine teams have also prepared a variety of resources to help teams prepare competitive proposals!

First, the initiative teams are hosting office hours, which are informal, interactive sessions designed to address proposal teams’ specific inquiries. Additionally, one-on-one technical and budget coaching calls are available with team experts. Additionally, for the first time, BIGD will be hosting a live proposal development workshop in Dhaka! Finally, both initiatives will offer opportunities for feedback to all unsuccessful proposal teams. More information is available on the resources tabs for WEE-Connect and WEE-DiFine, respectively.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the full WEE-Connect RFP package, and the WEE-DiFine RFP package, as relevant, including the respective white papers and budgetary guidelines. Proposals for WEE-Connect will be accepted until 11:59 pm Bangladesh Standard Time (BST) on April 30th, 2024, and proposals for WEE-DiFine will be accepted until 11:59 pm BST on 14 May 2024.