The SVRI Research Grant 2025-26

Knowledge for Action to End Violence Against Women and Violence Against Children  

Request for Proposals

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is inviting applications for innovative research that will contribute to the prevention and response of violence against women (VAW), violence against children (VAC) and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We support projects that generate generalisable knowledge, strengthen evidence use in policy and practice, and promote locally led, equitable research partnerships to address structural inequalities driving violence.

Download the Request for Proposals (applies to both streams):

What We’re Looking For

All proposals should:

• Be led by low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)-based organisations, universities, or
  research institutions.
• Build on existing evidence, outlining a clear gap in the field, outlining how the research
  will strengthen policy, practice, or methodology in the field.
• Clearly show how the research addresses a priority evidence gap, drawing on SVRI’s
  research agendas, including:
  • Global and regional shared research agendas: Global, Latin America and the
    Caribbean, Africa, East Asia and Pacific
  • Topic specific research agendas: Child Sexual Violence; Technology-Facilitated GBV;
    GBV in Higher Education Institutions; Intersections between VAW and VAC.
  • Demonstrate ethical rigour, including strategies to minimise harm and ensure informed
    consent.
  • Include clear, actionable research uptake and dissemination plans.
  • Where applicable, include a data management plan detailing data security, access, and
    storage.
  • Outline a realistic budget and timeline, with strong justification.

We prioritise proposals that:

• Involve multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral consortia.
• Demonstrate strong local partnerships and institutional buy-in.
• Adopt feminist, intersectional, and rights-based approaches, with safe, ethical, and inclusive engagement of affected communities where appropriate.
• Provide a clear breakdown of responsibilities for consortium proposals, ensuring equitable partnerships and including an expert in VAW/VAC research.

We welcome proposals that:

• Strengthen research capacity in LMICs through mentoring, training, and leadership development, with meaningful participation of early-career researchers.
• Test, adapt or scale innovative approaches to addressing VAW and VAC.
• Build or support networks between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Research Design

In terms of research design, we invite a diversity of designs including:

• Primary data collection
• Secondary data analysis
• Mixed methods
• Implementation science
• Innovative methodological approaches, where appropriate to the research question

Funding Stream: Open Grant

Supports research on all forms of VAW and VAC which addresses a priority evidence gap,
drawing on the following research agendas, including:

• Global and regional shared research agendas: Global, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, East Asia and Pacific;
• Topic specific research agendas: Child Sexual Violence; Technology-Facilitated GBV;
• GBV in Higher Education Institutions; Intersections between VAW and VAC.

Grant Value: $40,000–$100,000
Duration: 12–18 months

Note: All countries that qualify as low- and middle-income countries are eligible to apply under this
funding stream. Please check if your country qualifies as a Low- and Middle-Income Country.
Funding is limited and is highly competitive.

The number of grants awarded will depend on the funding pool available to SVRI. The common characteristic of these awards is the provision of limited funding for a short time limited period to research projects with clear, measurable outcomes.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through our online application system via Proposal Central: https://proposalcentral.altum.com 

If you are a first-time user of Proposal Central, you must first register before you can proceed with your application.

• Deadline for the SVRI Research Grant – Open Grant: 31 July 2025 at 11:59 PM (South African Time)
• Languages: English, French, and Spanish
• Contact: svri@svri.org

We strongly encourage early submission. Late applications or those not submitted through the online portal will not be considered.

Download the Application Guidelines:

Closing Date

All applications for the Open Grant must be submitted and reach us by 11:59 PM South African Time on 31 July 2025. Only applications submitted via the online system before the stated closing date and time will be considered.
Online applications can be complicated. Please try and submit well before the deadline. The SVRI and Proposal Central will not be held responsible for delays in internet connectivity or problems experienced with the online form.

Grant Information Summary

• Level of award: $40,000 up to $100,000
• Period of award: 12-18 months in length
• Closing date for applications: 31 July 2025 at 11:59 PM (South African Time)
• Further information: email svri@svri.org
• Method of application: Applications must be submitted online here (Select Award Maker: Sexual Violence Research Initiative).
• Language of application: Applications in English, French and Spanish will be accepted.

Download Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):