The Catalytic
Opportunity Fund

The Catalytic Opportunity Fund (COF) is a rapid response financing mechanism that supports introduction and scale-up of new and lesser-used reproductive health products in LMICs.

The COF is a flexible pool of funds to support time-bound projects and catalytic activities that advance introduction and scale-up. The COF has multiple product funding streams for Hormonal IUD (H-IUD), MA Combipacks, Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH), and DMPA-SC self-injection.

Important Updates & Submission Deadlines

Now Available: Updated H-IUD COF Application Materials: The H-IUD COF has refined country eligibility (previously all LMICs) to focus on 39 countries that demonstrate strong government interest and/or health system readiness to introduce and scale H-IUD, as well as relatively higher potential for demand to support market growth over time. Visit the H-IUD COF page for full details and to access the new application materials.

Upcoming Submission Deadlines:

  • Cycle 12.1: H-IUD and MA Combipacks COFs applications are due Thursday, April 9 at 5:00 PM WAT

  • Cycle 12.2: PPH Product COF applications are due Monday, April 20 at 5:00 PM WAT

Required Expression of Interest (EOI): All prospective Cycle 12 applicants must submit a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form prior to the submission deadline. Applicants who do not submit an EOI by the deadline will be ineligible to apply.

EOI submissions for Cycle 12.1: H-IUD, MA Combipacks are now open and must be submitted by Wednesday, March 18 at 5:00 PM WAT.

The PPH Product COF EOI will open by February 23, please check back in then for updates.

COF Ethos and Principles

  • Catalytic, Time-Bound Opportunities

    Opportunities should have a clearly articulated impact to catalyze product introduction and scale-up, demonstration of funding needs, and alignment to the various definitions of “catalytic” for each of the funding streams.

    Opportunities should be time-bound projects (ranging from 9-12 months or less depending on which COF) with clear outcomes and results within the grant duration.

  • Country and Government Ownership

    The COF’s ethos is to provide funding that is aligned to government priorities and plans; shifting from traditional donor and partner top-down funding models toward greater country ownership.

    Opportunities are assessed on its merit for ensuring government-led introductions with the intention of enabling Ministries of Health to drive national priorities for introduction and ensure sustainable approaches to product scale-up.

  • Agile and Flexible Funding

    The COF is designed to rapidly deploy funding to allow for time-sensitive identification and action on catalytic opportunities; allowing grantees to repurpose funding to pivot to evolving government priorities and availability of funding through existing in-country programs identified during the grant.

  • Fair and Transparent Decision-Making

    Funding decisions follow a standardized process and are based on transparent criteria with input from relevant stakeholders in the SRH community

Read how the COF is delivering measurable outcomes here.

For more information on the H-IUD COF, MA Combipack COF, PPH Products, and DMPA-SC COF, please visit their dedicated pages.