Global Development Network Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) Competition 2024: (Deadline 24 May, 2024)

Under the Global Development Awards Competition 2024, the Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) is an award program that invites non-profit NGOs and CSOs to submit project proposals supporting (in particular) improved service delivery, and innovative approaches that may be scaled-up through a grant.

THEME – 2024 EDITION
Sustainable Climate Action for Human-Centered Development

The award targets projects currently at the stage of implementation being on the ground at least since July 1, 2023, which have a high potential for impact targeting exceptionally marginalized and disadvantaged groups located in developing countries – per the World Bank’s recognition as low- and middle-income countries.

About Global Development Network (GDN)

The Global Development Network (GDN) is a public international organization that supports high quality, policy-oriented, social science research in developing and transition countries to promote better lives. It supports researchers with financial resources, global networking, as well as access to information, training, peer review and mentoring. GDN acts on the premise that better research leads to more informed policies and better, more inclusive development. Through its global platform, #GDN connects social science researchers with policymakers and development stakeholders across the w…

Global Development Network Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP)

Aim and Benefits of Global Development Network Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP)

• The winning projects will receive grants worth US$ 125,000 in total. 
• The two first-prize winners under each theme will receive a grant of US$ 50,000 each. 
• The second prize will receive a grant of US$ 25,000.

Additionally, awardees will be paired with a Technical Advisor throughout the entire implementation of the grant.

Global Development Network Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) Courses

• Sustainable Development and Global Justice

Requirements for Global Development Network Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) Qualification

The awards will be given to organizations whose projects embody an innovative approach to an important development need and hold the greatest promise for:

1. Responding directly to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, underserved groups to improve their lives aiming at rapid results for improved livelihood;
2. Supporting initiatives that lead to developing sustainable outcomes through the scaling-up of the project.

Geographical scope

Eligible countries for the MIDP competition are those classified by the World Bank as low-income or middle-income countries3.

World Bank Environmental and Social Framework’s (ESF)

Comply with the WB Environmental and Social Framework’s (ESF) and the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). Please check the Annex at the end of this call to see the exclusion list of ineligible activities.

NGO registration

The project must be managed by a registered non-profit, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or Civil Society Organization (CSO) with its headquarters in one of the eligible countries.

Project implementation

Project must have started its implementation on 1st June 2023 or before to be considered eligible. The applicant will need to prove during the review stage that there is a track record of activities since this Competition does not fund ideas or pilot initiatives.

Submissions concerning a recently started project or only a project idea or a feasibility or baseline study will not be considered.

Submissions for funding conferences (either in part or in full) will not be considered.

Recurrent submissions

• Applicants from previous years (except winners) may re-apply, but they must update the application to include new aspects of the project.

Previous winners Previous MIDP winners are not eligible to apply.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Global Development Network Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP)

Selection Process Once the submission of proposals is closed, a multi-stage review process will be used to select the winners.

• After a preliminary assessment by GDN, up to 30 applications will be reviewed by an independent external evaluator (MIDP Reviewer).
• The MIDP Reviewer will conduct the assessment in 3 Phases:
  • Phase 1 – Review focused on: Innovative approaches, Clear development objectives, Sustainable social impact, Expansion, and Cost efficiency. 10 applications are shortlisted for Phase 2.
  • Phase 2 – Review considering all criteria with interviews and request for additional information. 6 applications are shortlisted for Phase 3.
  • Phase 3 – Review considering all criteria with in-depth interviews, written references, and site visits if needed and applicable. 3 applications are selected as finalists.
  • A feedback paragraph will be provided to each applicant by the MIDP Reviewer.
• The final selection of proposals will be undertaken by the MIDP High-Level Jury, after a public presentation of the projects by the finalists. The decision of the Jury will be final.
• The Jury for the Award will consider the substantive and operational merits of the submissions but will also consider the potential for expansion into other settings and countries.
• The final selection of proposals will be undertaken by the MIDP High-Level Jury, after a public presentation of the projects by the finalists. The decision of the Jury will be final.
• The Jury for the Award will consider the substantive and operational merits of the submissions but will also consider the potential for expansion into other settings and countries.

Finalists will join a virtual Communications Training before presenting their projects to the jury. The session will take place virtually in mid-April as a satellite event of INGSA2024. Stay tuned!

The last date for submission is May 24, 2024 (6:00 PM Indian Standard Time).

IMPORTANT DATES

• Deadline for submissions: May 24, 2024
• Eligibility screening results: June 3, 2024
• Phase 1 – Desk review results (1st shortlisted applications): July 3, 2024
• Phase 2 – Business review results (2nd shortlisted applications): August 19, 2024
• Phase 3 – Site visits to 2nd shortlisted applications: August 19 until September 18, 2024
• Announcement of finalists: September 30, 2024
• Announcement of winners: November 2024

Application Deadline

24 May, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Global Development Network (GDN) on www.gdn.int to applyPrerequisites

• Non-profit status – Obtain an official document certifying the registration of your non-profit NGO/CSO. If the document is not available in English, please provide a translation (noncertified is acceptable).
• Ability to receive funds from abroad – Obtain an official document certifying your organization is legally able to receive funds from abroad according to your national legal framework (For example, if in India, the organization must be FCRA registered and compliant).
• Budget from previous year – Upload the budget/financial report of the project in 2023 so that we can validate it has a track record/implementation history.
• Proof the project is ongoing – You will be asked by the Reviewers for proof that the project is ongoing (beyond the budget from 2023).
• Clarifications from GDN/Reviewers – An application will be excluded at any stage if the requests from GDN/Reviewers are not promptly complied with. Check the “Important Dates” section for more information.

Submit your application

1. Follow to GDN’s dedicated online submission platform using the following link: www.gdn.int/gdac/2024/apply
2. Register or Log-in into the platform to have access to your profile. You will receive an email confirming the successful registration of your profile and define your password. Only after verifying your profile, will you be able to apply.
3. On your profile page, follow the displayed instructions and go to [Applications] “Funding Opportunities” to select the Call you wish to apply to or resume one from the [Applications] “In Progress” section.
   • You must pass the automated Eligibility Screening before having access to the Full Proposal. If you fail it, you will not be able to apply but reach out to GDN if you are facing issues.
   • A collaborator must accept and fill their Collaborator Form which is found at [Collaboration Forms and Applications] “Action Required” before being filled. Afterwards, he/she will have access to the proposal they are associated with and can make edits and even submit it. This application will not be at [Collaboration Forms and Applications] “Applications”.
   • Take note that you will be able to resume your entry at any time up to the deadline. If there are duplicate entries, the most recent one will be considered as only one proposal per applicant is allowed.
4. You will be asked to provide the details of the proposal and you must invite your team members by placing their name and email address on the “Collaborators” tab. Don’t forget to press “Invite” and check if people have accepted by checking their status on this tab.
5. Upload all necessary documents and fill in all sections otherwise your application will not be submitted.
6. Once you have completed your application, click on “Submit”. You will receive an email notifying you of the successful submission of your application with a copy of the entire submission.

Check our website for additional information on how to interact with the platform or reach out to us if you need any assistance.

For more details visit: OFFICIAL LINK.