The African Hepatitis B Advocacy Coalition (ABAC) works directly with community-based organizations across Africa to amplify their abilities to serve their respective communities. Through a competitive process, when available, the African Hepatitis B Alliance Coalition (ABAC) will provide funding through catalytic community grants to support the goals and objectives of the coalition. Funding in 2025 will launch with the LOI survey on World Hepatitis Day, July 28, 2025. LOI submissions are due by August 29.
Through the ABAC Community Catalyst Grants, community-based organizations are provided funding and capacity building support to deepen their community impact, strengthen their sustainability, and expand their services which should be centered on the following priority health needs related to hepatitis B elimination:
Expanding Awareness and Education surrounding Hepatitis B
Expanding Access to Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination
Reducing Stigma and Discrimination
Perinatal Prevention of Hepatitis B
Strengthening Health System Capacity Related to Hepatitis B Testing, Treatment, Care and Management
The funding process is described in detail below.
Letter of Interest (LOI) Process
The LOI survey will serve as an initial screening tool to gather preliminary information from potential grantees, ensuring that applicants meet the basic criteria for the grant program. To be eligible for an award you must be an organization based in the African continent working on hepatitis B elimination activities.The LOI submission opens on July 28 and deadline is August 29. Grants will occur over a 12 month project period and include mentorship and technical assistance from the Hepatitis B Foundation.
LOI Survey components include:
Applicant contact details (name of the organization, project lead and contact information)
Project overview (project title and description, estimated budget, and timeline)
ABAC mission alignment (how does the proposed project align with the mission of the Coalition?)
Diversity and inclusion (does the proposed project include people with lived experience in the design or leadership of the project?)
Partnerships (does the project involve key stakeholders such as respective ministries of health or relevant health systems?)
Sustainability (how does the applicant account for long-term sustainability beyond the grant period?)
After reviewing the LOI responses, only those that align well with the ABAC mission and goals will be invited to submit a more detailed application for funding. The African Advisory Group will provide recommendations on the applications to move forward.
Selection Criteria for Invitations:
Regional Representation: Ensure that the projects selected reflect geographic diversity, ensuring that all regions are represented. Consider balancing urban vs. rural projects to provide equitable access to funding.
Diversity of Projects: Projects should cover different aspects of the grant’s mission. For example, there should be at least one project related to each of the outlined goals. This could include:
Community health access and education.
Sustainable healthcare solutions.
Community-based healthcare services.
Capacity-building within local health systems.
Inclusive of People with Lived Experience: Prioritize projects led by or including people with lived experience in the issue at hand (e.g., those who have experienced health disparities). This ensures that solutions are relevant, culturally appropriate, and impactful.
Partnership with Ministries of Health: Select projects that are developed in partnership with local ministries of health. This ensures a higher likelihood of integration into existing healthcare systems and policies, as well as long-term success.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Choose projects that not only address immediate needs but also have clear plans for sustainability, either through local capacity building, creating self-sustaining models, or seeking future funding sources.
Application Form for Invited Applicants
Once applicants are invited, they will be asked to fill out a detailed application form that includes the following:
Application Form Sections:
Applicant Information:
Contact details, organizational background, and relevant experience in the field.
Confirmation of regional representation (i.e., provide evidence of the geographic focus of the project).
Project Details:
A detailed description of the project, including objectives, activities, and timelines.
Information on how the project addresses one or more of the outlined goals.
Partnerships:
Provide a list of partners, specifically local ministries of health or other healthcare organizations, and the nature of their involvement.
Letters of support from these partners.
Impact Assessment:
How will the project measure success (e.g., metrics, indicators)?
Who will benefit from the project, and what changes are expected as a result?
Sustainability Plans:
How will the project continue to operate after the funding period ends?
Plans for integrating the project into local healthcare systems or scaling it further.
Budget and Funding Request:
Detailed budget with line items (e.g., personnel, equipment, materials, administrative costs).
Funding request in relation to the project’s scope, with justification for each cost.
Evaluation and Reporting:
What processes are in place to monitor progress and report outcomes to the funding body?
Proposal Review and Evaluation Process
Selection Committee: A committee will review LOIs and applications respectively. The committee will Include representatives from diverse sectors (e.g., public health, community leaders, health ministries, and those with lived experience).
Scoring System: Applications will be scored based on the following criteria
Mission Alignment: 35%
Diversity and Inclusion: 20%
Sustainability: 20%
Partnerships with Ministries of Health: 15%
Regional Representation and Community Impact: 10%
Final Decision: After the committee reviews the applications, select projects that score the highest and are most aligned with the goals of the program will be notified directly by the ABAC coalition with a agreement letter.
For questions about the Community Catalyst Grants please reach out to Catherine Freeland, PhD, MPH at Catherine.Freeland@hepb.org
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Join the effort to eradicate Hepatitis B in Africa. Your contributions can empower communities, provide key resources, and save lives. Whether you donate, partner, or volunteer, your support is invaluable in paving the way for a hepatitis-free future.