Education Cannot Wait (ECW) CORE Programmes Call for Proposals 2026
Call for Proposal ShortlistOpportunity Details
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Opportunity ID 289590
Opportunity Description
Are you part of an organization or consortium dedicated to delivering education in crisis-affected regions? Do you want to implement multi-year programs that bridge humanitarian action and long-term development? Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is now accepting proposals for its new Crisis-Oriented Resilience and Emergency (CORE) Programmes, and your consortium’s initiative could be the next to receive vital backing.
Introduced under ECW’s Strategic Plan 2027–2030, the CORE Programme is the organization’s new flagship investment modality combining crisis preparedness, emergency response, and resilience-building. The first CORE Programme Request for Proposals will support education responses in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Myanmar, and South Sudan to help expand access to safe and inclusive education.
If your consortium has complementary technical expertise and strong coordination mechanisms, read on to discover the eligibility criteria, proposal requirements, and how to submit your application before the August 14 deadline.
Quick Overview
| Provider | Education Cannot Wait (ECW) |
| Target Countries | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Myanmar, South Sudan |
| Program Type | Grant / Call for Proposals |
| Focus Area | Education in Emergencies (EiE), Resilience, Preparedness |
| Open To | Consortia of partners (NGOs, UN agencies, etc.) |
| Deadline | 14 August 2026 (COB Geneva Time) |
Important Dates
| Application Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
Programme Focus and Benefits
The CORE Modality serves as ECW’s primary country investment tool. Proposals selected under this RfP will receive funding to implement multi-year programs that:
- Expand access to safe, inclusive, and gender-equitable education.
- Improve holistic learning outcomes.
- Strengthen crisis preparedness and resilience for children and adolescents.
- Bridge the gap between humanitarian action and long-term development.
Target Countries
This Request for Proposals supports education interventions in the following five countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Lebanon
- Myanmar
- South Sudan
Note: Afghan education organizations and NGOs are strongly encouraged to participate in consortia and submit proposals.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for funding, applications must be submitted by a consortium of partners demonstrating collaborative planning, technical expertise, and operational capacity. At least one consortium partner (the Host) must meet all the following requirements:
Organizational Compliance
- A low-risk HACT (Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers) assessment.
- A completed full capacity Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) assessment.
- Compliance with UN CORE values assessments.
Registration & Membership
- Registration on the UN Partner Portal (UNPP).
- Legal registration in the country of operation.
- Active member of an in-country cluster or coordination mechanism.
Required Documents
When preparing your consortium’s application package, you will need to complete the following specific templates:
- Programme Narrative Template
- Results Budget Template
- PGI & Safeguarding Self-Assessment Checklist
- Risk Assessment Template
How to Apply
If your consortium is prepared to submit a proposal, follow these steps carefully:
- Download the specific application package for your target country from the official ECW website.
- Review the CORE Eligibility, Corporate Requirements, Country-specific Guidance Note, and Programme Theory of Change (ToC).
- Complete all components of the application package.
- Submit all materials electronically via the ECW-Grants Management System (GMS).
- Submit a copy via email to rfp@un-ecw.org by Friday, 14 August 2026, COB Geneva time.
For full application packages and Q&A documents, please visit the
Official ECW Announcement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a single organization apply for the CORE Programme?
No, applications must be submitted by a consortium of partners. ECW requires collaborative planning, complementary technical expertise, and strong coordination mechanisms among participating organizations.
What time is the deadline on August 14, 2026?
The deadline is Close of Business (COB), Geneva time, on Friday, 14 August 2026. Applications received after the submission deadline will not be considered.
Where can we ask specific questions about the application process?
Applying consortia should submit their questions through the designated Live Q&A document provided for each specific country in the application package. Responses will be shared in a timely manner within the document.
