FAQ

What is the purpose of this program?

The Radio, Convergence and Development in Africa program is designed to ensure that capacities to conduct research in the area of Radio and Information and Communications Technology and/for Development (ICT4D or ICTD) are built in Sub-Saharan Africa. More specifically, it will support research projects that will strengthen the body of methodologically-sound and theoretically-based social science research in radio and ICT development.
Eligibility for funding
1. What types of projects are eligible for funding?
  
  Eligible projects need to be grounded in the social sciences, but can draw on other disciplines to complement the conceptual design, data collection and analysis. All proposals must have: clearly articulated research questions; a review of relevant literature; a conceptual design grounded in theory; and a detailed summary of research methodologies and methods to be utilized. Although not conditional on funding, added preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach. For more information about the application requirements click here.
2. What types of projects are not eligible for funding?
  
  The focus of this granting mechanism is placed on funding social science research with respect to the relationships between the convergence of radio, ICTs and issues related to development and/or conflict reconciliation. As such, grants cannot be used to support advocacy or the development of radio stations and ICT applications.
3. Will there be a compulsory list of topics from which I have to select?
  
  Proposals are not limited to specific topics. However, applicants should consult the concept paper that informs the project and the list of key thematic areas.
What countries and regions will this granting mechanism fund research in?

Funding provided through this granting scheme will be reserved for research conducted in or on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible candidates must be affiliated with an organization or with a consortium of organizations based in African countries. These organizations can be from academia, the public sector, private sector or civil society. Organizations applying must be legally registered entities. If the project includes multiple investigators, the principle investigator must be based in Africa.
Are graduate or post-graduate students eligible to apply?

Yes, graduate or post-graduate students eligible to apply.
Are joint projects eligible?

Yes, projects that are co-implemented or co-funded with other agencies and organizations are eligible. The primary investigator must be affiliated with an African organizationor consortium of organizations.
Why is this a two-staged process?

To give applicants a chance to submit a clear idea for initial review and then additional time to complete a full proposal application and also to help inform different parts of the planning and capacity building elements of the program design.
What is the amount of funding?

There are three (3) categories of funding
1. A series of small seed grants at CAD $7,500 will be awarded . These grants would be aimed at promising graduate students, small organizations and individual researchers.
2. Additional grants will range from CAD$25,000 open to researchers affiliated with an established organization or a consortium of organizations.
3. Grants of CAD$100,000 open to researchers affiliated with an established organization or consortium of organizations. The number of grants approved in each category is contingent on available funds and specific budgetary needs.
What is the duration for each grant?

The minimum duration of a grant is 12 months and the maximum duration is 24 months.
What format should I use to submit my application?

All proposals should be completed using the guidelines provided here.
Who will review my application?

Applications will be considered by a board of individuals with varied expertise and experience in development research, social science methodologies, and a deep understanding of radio and ICTs in Africa.
When should I apply?

Call for concept notes (deadline: January 8, 2009): All interested individuals and organizations/applicants are required to submit a concept note (maximum 3-pages, using the template provided that will provide a general synopsis of a proposed research project. All submissions must provide the required information and follow the instructions found on this site. 2) Call for full proposals (deadline: March 5, 2010): Based on the assessment content of the concept notes, a subset of the number of applicants will be added to a short list and invited to submit a full proposal, early in 2010. Final results of the competition will be announced in the first quarter of 2010.
When do I find out if my application is successful?

If your concept note is short-listed you will be notified by late January 2010 and invited to submit a full proposal which will be due March 5, 2010.
Will I own the copyright for the output?

Yes, but the Radio, Convergence and Development in Africa project will have the right to disseminate the results of the research in an electronic and print format.
What processes and resources are available to grant awardees while implementing research grants?

In an effort to encourage and facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing, all grant awardees will be invited to at least one workshop to discuss their research design and another to share their research findings with others and to interact with established development communication researchers. Moreover, there are opportunities to be paired with a mentor over the course of the grant. More information about such opportunities will be made available as they arise.

For all other questions, please send a message to info@cmts-cmst.org.