The first funding round for the U.K. Department for International Development’s new fund for small and midsize organizations is now open. And the first order of business is to support projects geared toward the achievement of health-focused Millennium Development Goals.
Up to 30 million pounds ($47.98 million) is available for the current funding round under U.K. Aid Direct, of which 10 percent is ring-fenced for small organizations whose annual income for the past three years did not exceed 1 million pounds, an eligibility requirement similar to its predecessor, the Global Poverty Action Fund.
The first round aims to support projects that will help reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and halt the spread of HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases like tuberculosis. Proposals addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights are also welcome.