Apply For GHAI Budget Advocacy Accelerator 2025

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Budget Advocacy Accelerator is 7 July 2025, at 17:00 EST (22:00 UTC). All interested civil society organisations (CSOs) based in Africa or Asia are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, and due to the programme’s limited capacity, early submission is highly advised to increase the chances of consideration.

About the Opportunity

The Budget Advocacy Accelerator, led by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), is a one-year initiative designed to strengthen the capabilities of civil society organisations to effectively engage in health budget advocacy within their countries or regions. The programme is specifically tailored for low- and middle-income countries across Africa and Asia, where there is a pressing need for increased and sustained domestic investment in public health.

This accelerator builds on the lessons and successes of the GHAI’s previous Budget Advocacy Academy, but offers deeper mentorship, technical assistance, and structured strategic planning to help CSOs design and implement advocacy campaigns that target public budgets. These campaigns are aimed at influencing government spending in favor of key health priorities such as:

• Non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention
• Mental health services
• Road safety initiatives
• Nutrition programmes
• Epidemic preparedness and response
• Injury and trauma prevention
• Health system strengthening

The accelerator model emphasizes peer learning, evidence-based advocacy, and coalition-building. Organisations will emerge from the programme not only with enhanced technical capacity, but also with a ready-to-launch campaign grounded in local realities and supported by global best practices in public finance management and policy advocacy.

Programme Details

Over the course of 12 months, participating CSOs will engage in a series of activities that include:

1. 

Technical Webinars

Between 9 and 10 live online sessions will cover core concepts in:

• Budget cycle analysis
• Public financial management systems
• Domestic health financing mechanisms
• Advocacy strategy development
• Effective engagement with policymakers
• Communications and storytelling in advocacy
• Monitoring and evaluating budget reforms

Each webinar is designed to be interactive and led by practitioners and subject matter experts with deep experience in global and national-level budget advocacy work.

2. 

In-Person Workshops

Participants will attend 1–2 in-person regional workshops (travel costs covered), where they will receive hands-on training in:

• Campaign planning
• Financial tracking and data use
• Power mapping and stakeholder analysis
• Drafting advocacy asks and communication strategies

Workshops will also provide opportunities to receive live feedback on campaign concepts, allowing participants to refine their approach collaboratively.

3. 

Mentorship

Each organisation will be paired with experienced mentors, including budget policy experts and GHAI staff, who will guide participants through:

• Researching budget trends
• Identifying strategic entry points for influence
• Navigating government budget processes
• Strengthening coalition efforts and partnerships

Mentorship includes one-on-one virtual check-ins, feedback on campaign documents, and troubleshooting support throughout the year.

4. 

Capstone Advocacy Project

Each CSO will develop and implement a budget advocacy campaign as a capstone project. GHAI will provide:

• Technical guidance on project design and execution
• Visibility and support through GHAI’s communication platforms
• Seed funding of up to $10,000 USD for select campaigns based on feasibility, impact potential, and alignment with programme goals

The capstone project is the culmination of the accelerator and is intended to yield real-world outcomes in influencing public health budgets.

Benefits

The Budget Advocacy Accelerator is a fully supported programme that offers both technical development and financial support. Key benefits include:

• Free access to expert-led webinars and educational resources
• Paid travel, accommodation, and participation in regional workshops
• Ongoing one-on-one mentorship with budget policy professionals
• Networking opportunities with CSOs, funders, and health policy actors
• Seed grant funding for top-performing advocacy projects
• Professional visibility through GHAI’s global advocacy platform
• Inclusion in a growing regional community of practice, helping CSOs stay connected, informed, and supported after the programme ends

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Budget Advocacy Accelerator, organisations must meet the following criteria:

1. Geographic Location
   • Must be based in a low- or middle-income country in Africa or Asia
3. Legal Registration
   • Must be a formally registered CSO and legally permitted to receive foreign funding
5. Thematic Relevance
   • Should be working on or planning advocacy in public health-related sectors (e.g. NCDs, nutrition, health financing, mental health, road safety)
7. Organisational Capacity
   • Able to commit two staff members to participate in the full duration of the programme
   • Staff should be mid- to senior-level professionals with decision-making or advocacy roles
9. Language and Connectivity
   • Must be fluent in English, as all programme materials and sessions will be conducted in English
   • Must have reliable internet access to attend online sessions
11. Grant Status
    • Organisations currently receiving GHAI budget advocacy grants are not eligible
    • Organisations funded by GHAI for other programmes may still apply

Application Process

Applications are due 7th July

Click HERE to apply

For more  details visit  : GHAI Budget Advocacy Accelerator