The WHO/IBP Network is accepting concept notes for SPARK (Shifting Power through Action and Reciprocal Knowledge Exchange), a one-year grant of up to USD 20,000 for community-based organizations led by youth, women or indigenous people. Applications close on 9 October 2026. The network plans 5 to 10 awards, with at least one in each of the six WHO regions.
For practitioners already running community health work, the filter is practical: you need two years of operation and hands-on experience with a WHO guideline or tool, and you must be able to document who leads the organization.
At a glance
| Deadline | 9 October 2026 |
| Who can apply | Youth-led, women-led or indigenous-led community-based organizations |
| Grant size | Up to USD 20,000 per grant, for one year |
| Number of grants | 5 to 10, with at least one per WHO region |
| Cost to apply | None stated on the call page |
| Languages | English, French or Spanish |
| Official call | WHO call for SPARK grant proposals |
Who can apply
The call sets four requirements. The organization must be youth-led, women-led or indigenous-led. It must be community-based and serve its target population directly. It must have operated for at least two years. And it must have previous experience implementing at least one WHO guideline or tool.
Priority goes to organizations that are new to WHO and IBP Network funding and that show strong community accountability and leadership. The call frames itself plainly: “This is not a call for organizations to implement someone else’s agenda. It is an invitation to lead.”
What you get
- Flexible funding of up to USD 20,000 for the proposed activities, over one year.
- Technical support and access to WHO sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health guidelines.
- Connection to four IBP Communities of Practice: Guidelines, Adolescent, Women’s Health and Powershifting.
- A global platform to show your work.
The page does not state a project start date or a notification date, so plan your timeline without assuming either.
How to apply
- Read the full call on the WHO page and confirm your organization meets all four requirements.
- Write a concept note of no more than 500 words covering your organization and leadership structure, the activities and the WHO guidelines or tools you will use, your approach to shifting power to the community, a budget up to USD 20,000, a timeline with milestones, and how you will document and share what you learn.
- Submit it through the online form linked from the call, in English, French or Spanish, before 9 October 2026.
- If shortlisted, expect to supply financial statements, one letter of support and the information WHO requires for working with non-state actors.
Start from the official SPARK call. Questions go to ibpnetwork@who.int.
Advice from the Impact DOTS team
- Put your leadership evidence first. The call asks for documentation of who leads, so show it in the opening lines of the concept note.
- Name the exact WHO guideline or tool you have used before, and say what you changed to fit your community. The call is about adapting guidelines locally.
- Pick one integration sector from those the call lists (maternal health, climate, workforce and livelihoods, education or faith-based initiatives) and say how health fits into it.
- Describe how community members decide, not only how they take part. Design, decision-making and evaluation are all named in the call.
- Budget to the 500-word limit. A short, specific note is easier to assess than a broad one.
FAQ
Can an organization that has never received WHO funding apply?
Yes. Priority is given to organizations new to WHO and IBP Network funding, provided they meet the other requirements.
Which languages are accepted?
English, French and Spanish.
How many grants will be awarded?
Between 5 and 10, with at least one in each of the six WHO regions.
Where do I send questions?
To ibpnetwork@who.int, the contact given in the call.
Sources
World Health Organization: Call for IBP Network SPARK grant proposals
