Gender and Learning Evidence Fund 2026 | Up to $250,000 Grants for Education Research in Africa

The Gender and Learning Evidence Fund is now open for applications, offering grants of up to $250,000 USD to organisations working to improve education outcomes while addressing gender gaps across Africa. Supported by the Brink Foundation with funding from the Gates Foundation, this opportunity is designed for organisations already implementing education or gender-focused programmes that want to generate stronger evidence, test new approaches, and improve long-term outcomes for girls and boys.

This funding call is especially relevant for organisations working in schools during critical transition years, where many students begin to face barriers to progression. Selected grantees will receive funding for implementation research, technical assistance, and access to a collaborative learning cohort.

About the Program

The Gender and Learning Evidence Fund is based on the idea that learning outcomes and gender equality should be addressed together rather than separately. Many education programmes focus only on academic progress, while gender programmes often overlook learning outcomes. This fund aims to bridge that gap.

The program will support 6 to 8 grants for organisations conducting implementation research in real-world settings. Rather than funding theoretical studies, the fund is looking for practical projects that test what works in classrooms, schools, and communities.

Projects can focus on improving learning for girls, boys, or both, while also measuring broader outcomes such as school progression, aspirations, empowerment, and wellbeing.

Funding is available for projects lasting up to 24 months.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Across many countries, gender gaps in education often widen during adolescence, especially when students transition from primary to secondary school. At the same time, learning levels remain a major concern.

This fund recognises that improving literacy, numeracy, and school quality can also improve long-term outcomes such as employment, health, and empowerment. It also recognises that girls and boys may face different barriers in school and need better-targeted support.

For organisations already working in these areas, this is a valuable chance to strengthen evidence, improve programme design, and influence future policy and investment decisions.

What Participants Will Gain

Selected organisations will receive up to $250,000 USD in grant funding to support research and programme improvements.

Beyond funding, grantees will also gain access to technical support in areas such as research design, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, adaptive testing, and policy engagement.

Participants will join a cohort of organisations tackling similar challenges, creating opportunities for peer learning and collaboration.

The Brink Foundation will also support grantees in communicating results through publications, evidence briefs, and wider visibility opportunities.

For organisations seeking to scale impact or improve government uptake, this added support can be just as valuable as the funding itself.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to registered organisations from multiple sectors, including nonprofits, academic institutions, for-profits, multilateral bodies, faith-based organisations, and government agencies.

To be eligible, applicants must already be implementing a programme focused on learning, gender equality, or both.

Projects must focus on students who are currently enrolled in school and should target one or both of these transition stages:

Grades 4 to 6 (lower to upper primary)
Grades 7 to 9 (upper primary to secondary)

Consortia and multi-country proposals are also welcome where feasible.

Eligible Areas

Applications are open to organisations registered in the following countries:

Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Projects may operate in one or multiple eligible countries.

Application Process and Deadline

The application process is intentionally light-touch. Applicants are required to submit a short two-page proposal outlining their current programme, the proposed research project, and expected impact.

Shortlisted applicants will then participate in two interview stages.

The application deadline is:

5 June 2026 at 11:59 PM CAT

Selected organisations are expected to begin onboarding from August 2026.

Organisations working at the intersection of education quality, gender equality, and evidence-based programming should strongly consider applying.

Learn more and apply on the official Brink Foundation website.

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