Apply for the Agency Fund Open Window: Grants for Research & Innovation on Human Agency

Open Window: Research & Innovation on Human Agency

The Agency Fund invites innovative thinkers and organizations to apply to its Open Window funding initiative, supporting research and innovation projects that empower people—especially those living in difficult conditions—to navigate life with dignity, autonomy, and purpose.

The Agency funds organizations and ideas focused on human agency—the ability of individuals to make intentional choices and act on them meaningfully.

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About the Open Window

The Open Window is an ongoing funding call with no thematic or geographic restrictions. We are looking for bold research and innovation projects that align with our focus on human agency and explore how people engage their consciousness, recognize their options, and exercise control over their futures.

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Why Human Agency?

Emerging evidence from social science research shows that when people are supported in engaging their own sense of agency, dramatic improvements can follow—not only in self-perception, but in measurable outcomes such as:

• Income growth

• Health and well-being

• Educational achievement

The rise of mobile technology and falling data costs in low-income contexts have opened new channels for delivering meaningful, customized support at scale.

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What is Funded

We support time-limited projects that pilot, design, or test concrete, scalable solutions. Grants are awarded on a quarterly review cycle to organizations and research teams whose concepts align with our mission.

Key Evaluation Criteria

Relevance to Human Agency

• Does the project center on human dignity and purpose?

• Does it surface new insights into people’s choices and future possibilities?

Leverage & Synergy

• Does the solution harness technology to engage users in an interactive, scalable way?

• Does it build on existing platforms, policies, or user networks?

• Can it complement other Agency Fund–backed projects?

Data & Learning

• Is the idea evidence-based and informed by development economics or social psychology?

• Does it use data for adaptive learning and cost-effectiveness?

Team & Management

• Is the project led by a credible team with deep local understanding?

• Are timelines clear and ambitious?

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Additional information

Note: The Open Window from the Agency Fund does not have a fixed deadline — submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed quarterly.

Review Schedule: Submissions are reviewed quarterly

Apply via: www.agency.fund

Visit the website for FAQs and detailed guidance on preparing your application.

Explore more opportunities on: opportunitiesforyouth.org