Request for Proposals
SVRI Data to Evidence Grant 2027: Knowledge for Action to End Violence Against Women and Child Sexual Violence

About SVRI

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is a global organisation committed to advancing research on violence against women (VAW) and child sexual violence (CSV), and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Since 2014, SVRI has supported close to USD 11 million in research across LMICs, building a network of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working to address violence driven by gender inequalities. SVRI’s grant-making is guided by its commitment to research that is locally-led, ethically rigorous, and directed toward strengthening policy and practice in the communities where violence is most prevalent.

A New Call: The Data to Evidence Grant

The SVRI’s Data to Evidence Grant 2027 supports researchers based in low- and middle-income countries to analyse data that has already been collected, generating new evidence to answer questions the field has not yet resolved.

A lot of data relevant to violence against women (VAW) and child sexual violence (CSV) already exists, generated through surveys, evaluations and research studies; yet much of it remains unanalysed for what it can reveal. This represents a significant, untapped source of evidence.

Using existing data well is good science and good ethics. It respects the time and trust of the people who took part in the original research, and it generates new evidence without asking communities to give their time and stories again. It also makes better use of the field’s resources, freeing researchers to focus on analysis, interpretation and dissemination rather than new data collection.

The Data to Evidence Grant will fund LMIC-based researchers to conduct secondary data analyses, generating new evidence on questions the field has not yet answered and putting it in the hands of researchers, policymakers and practitioners. SVRI will also provide technical assistance and mentorship, strengthening the skills of researchers in secondary data analysis that then can apply to other datasets in the future.

Applicants may propose analysis of any dataset relevant to VAW and CSV provided the dataset has been ethically sourced and the applicant can demonstrate they have the necessary approval to use it. A number of existing datasets relevant to the field are listed on SVRI’s datasets page. Applicants are encouraged to consult this page, though use of a dataset not listed there is equally welcome, provided it meets the ethical sourcing and approval requirements set out below.

All proposals must:

• Be led by a researcher or research team based in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) as per World Bank classifications.
• Propose a focused, well-defined research question or questions that can be addressed through secondary analysis of an existing, ethically sourced dataset.
• Confirm that the applicant has the necessary approval and permission to access and use the proposed dataset for this analysis.
• Demonstrate familiarity with secondary data analysis methods, including an understanding of the dataset’s scope, structure, and limitations.
• Clearly articulate the evidence gap the proposed analysis will address, with reference to SVRI’s research agendas where relevant, developed by the field.
• Show how the findings will contribute to policy, practice, or the broader evidence base on VAW and/or CSV in an LMIC context.

We welcome proposals that:

• Are led by, or meaningfully involve, early-career researchers from LMICs.
• Include a clear knowledge output or product and a dissemination plan.
• Demonstrate ethical awareness appropriate to working with sensitive data on violence, including data confidentiality and responsible handling of findings.
• Outline a realistic budget and timeline within the twelve-month grant period.

Eligibility Criteria

• The lead applicant must be based at an LMIC-based university, research institution, or non-governmental organisation. Individuals unaffiliated with an institution, including independent consultants, or affiliated to a for profit company are not eligible to apply.
• The proposed dataset must be ethically sourced, and the applicant must confirm they hold the necessary approval and permission to use it for the proposed analysis.
• The lead applicant must not hold another active SVRI research grant or have previously received an SVRI grant. However, institutions that held a past SVRI grant which is no longer active may apply. Note that preference will be given to organisations that have not yet received an SVRI grant.
• Researchers based in any low- or middle-income country are eligible; there are no further country restrictions.

To help you assess your eligibility to apply, check the FAQ: Data to Evidence Grant.

Grant Value

Individual grants will range between USD 30,000 and USD 50,000. SVRI has a total funding envelope of USD 400,000 for this round, so we expect to make between 8 and 13 grants, depending on the budgets requested.

Grant Period

Grants are for a maximum period of twelve months from the date of the signed grant agreement. Applicants should ensure their proposed timeline reflects realistic milestones for analysis, write-up, and dissemination within this period.

What the Grant May Cover

Grant funds may be used to cover costs directly related to carrying out the proposed analysis, including:

• Researcher time (salary/costs for the lead researcher and any co-investigators).
• Costs associated with data access or data cleaning, where applicable.
• Statistical or analytical software, where not already available at the applicant’s institution. Applicants are encouraged to use open-source software (such as R or Python) where feasible; where the analysis requires licensed software, budgets should cover a single-user licence for the grant period only, up to USD 1,000, with a brief justification.
• Research assistance or support staff directly engaged in the analysis.
• Dissemination costs, including preparation of policy briefs, presentation at relevant forums, or translation.
• Reasonable institutional overhead, not to exceed 15% of the total budget.

Ineligible costs include: primary data collection; travel or conference costs not linked to the dissemination of this grant’s findings; equipment purchases that are not essential to the proposed analysis; and institutional overhead above the 15% cap.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through our online application system via Proposal Central.
If you are a first-time user of Proposal Central, you must first register before you can proceed with your application.

Languages accepted: English, French, and Spanish
Contact for queries: svri@svri.org

Applications Dates

Applications open: 17 July 2026, 11:59 pm (South African time)
Applications close: 17 September 2026, 11:59 pm (South African time)

We strongly encourage early submissions. Late applications or those not submitted through the online portal will not be considered. SVRI and Proposal Central will not be held responsible for delays in internet connectivity or problems experienced with the online form.

Review and Selection Process

All applications will first be assessed for eligibility and completeness. Eligible applications will then be reviewed by an independent panel of experts, and shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online discussion with the panel. SVRI may contact applicants for clarification at any stage; however, to reduce any risk of conflict of interest, we do not engage with applicants on an individual basis while a call is open, and we are unable to respond to individual queries by email. Questions about the call are answered through the FAQs. We are unable to provide individual feedback on applications before, during or after the review process. All applicants will be notified of the outcome.