By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is inviting NGOs, registered companies, and government agencies to submit proposals for innovative Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) solutions.
The UNICEF Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub aims to source, accelerate, and scale transformative WASH solutions to create lasting impact for children and their families.
This call for applications seeks to expand the WASH innovation portfolio by addressing systemic WASH challenges through diverse solutions, including programmatic models, private sector approaches, and public sector strategies.
Objectives
The WASH Innovation Hub is looking for proven solutions that:
- Strengthen supportive environments for WASH small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Improve access to finance and investment for WASH SMEs.
- Foster partnerships between WASH SMEs, governments, and large service providers.
- Equip SMEs with tools and systems to enhance efficiency and track performance.
- Influence policies to help SMEs formalize, scale, and thrive.
- Enhance climate-sensitive data collection and integration into WASH programming.
- Improve the collection, analysis, and accessibility of climate-sensitive data.
- Integrate climate change considerations into WASH planning and decision-making.
- Strengthen WASH systems to be more resilient to climate variability and environmental changes.
Selection Criteria
Solutions will be chosen based on their potential to drive results for children across multiple countries and regions. The initiative emphasizes strategic, program-driven innovation, focusing on evidence-building and scaling impact globally.
Benefits
Selected participants will gain access to:
- Global Reach – Engage with UNICEF’s network across 190+ countries and collaborate with field teams and governments.
- Strategic Matchmaking – Connect with key ecosystem players to scale impact through strategic alliances.
- Expert Support – Receive technical and financial guidance to align solutions with market needs and best practices.
- Catalytic Funding – Access an initial grant of approximately $150,000 in flexible funding for feasibility studies, evidence generation, and market assessments.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a registered entity, including companies, NGOs, government agencies, or university spin-offs.
- Demonstrate financial viability with a detailed 12-month financial plan.
- Address at least one WASH Hub problem statement.
- Operate or plan to expand in at least one UNICEF programme country.
- Commit to scaling their solution for broader adoption (no IP sharing required).
- Adhere to UNICEF’s policies, including anti-fraud, child protection, and ethical standards.
How to Apply
Interested organizations can apply by visiting: UNICEF Call for Innovative WASH Solutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to sustainable and impactful WASH solutions globally!
UNICEF is calling on NGOs, registered companies, and government agencies to submit proposals for innovative Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) solutions. The goal is to expand the Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub's portfolio, accelerating transformative solutions that address systemic challenges. Objectives include enhancing support systems for WASH SMEs, improving access to finance, fostering partnerships, integrating climate data into WASH programs, and strengthening resilience against environmental changes.
The selection process will prioritize solutions with the potential to impact children across multiple regions, emphasizing innovation with global scalability. Participants will benefit from UNICEF’s extensive network, strategic matchmaking, expert support, and potential $150,000 in catalytic funding. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be registered entities with a viable financial plan, addressing relevant WASH Hub issues, and approved for operation in UNICEF program countries.
Applications can be submitted through the UNICEF website, offering organizations a significant chance to contribute to sustainable WASH solutions worldwide.
