The Think Tank Initiative is a new, multi-donor program dedicated to strengthening independent policy research institutions – or “think tanks” – in developing countries, enabling them to better provide sound research that both informs and influences policy.

The Initiative announces the launch of its first Call for Expressions of Interest in East and West Africa, in the following countries:

• Develop their own robust research agenda;
• Increase their ability to inform and influence policy; and,
• Improve key aspects of their organizational performance.

• Be existing or newly formed non-governmental, not-for-profit organizations legally founded and registered as independent entities in the country of operation;
• Possess a track record of rigorous research and analysis on national social and economic policy issues related to growth, equity and poverty reduction; this precludes institutions whose work is focused exclusively on one sector or policy issue; and,
• Be committed to using research to inform national public debate and to create spaces for discussion and new ideas.

Key Dates

Call Launched: June 9, 2008
Expressions of Interest Due: August 19, 2008
Shortlisted Applicants Contacted: September 26, 2008
Successful Applicants Announced: December 20, 2008

Funding Available

The Initiative will make a series of core grants to cover operating and research costs as well as institutional strengthening activities. Grants will provide up to 30 percent of an institution’s overall budget over the funding period. Core grants will be either a four-year renewable grant or a two-year renewable grant combined with dedicated capacity development to address key weaknesses.

Newly-established think tanks may be provided with a short-term grant to support a strategic planning exercise. Assuming successful completion of these grants, applicants would then be invited to re-apply for longer-term support.

Up to 20 institutions are expected to qualify for support as a result of this Call.

Expressions of Interest

Expressions of Interest should be submitted online and will include:

• A description of the organization, its vision and mission, and its commitment to undertake organizational improvement;
• A brief description of current research areas, significant achievements and future research agenda;
• A description of current and future partners, stakeholders and users of their research;
• An overview of how the institution anticipates making use of support from this Initiative (e.g., kinds of improvements to be introduced).

Additional information and documentation is also requested to support the application.

Information

All enquiries should be addressed to: thinktank@idrc.ca.

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Initial funding for the Initiative and for the current Call for Expressions of Interest has been provided by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.