Before you apply:
Please consider that EoIs should clearly describe how the research projects are linked to Science Programs by: (a) Providing feedback to research program design and CGIAR workplans (learning studies) and (b) providing rigorous evidence on impacts at scale of CGIAR research that can support decision-making at Science Program level (accountability studies). This will be a key criterion for assessing EoIs submitted.
Any questions about this call can be directed to Ricardo Labarta (r.labarta@cgiar.org)
Application Documents
SPIA invites researchers to submit EoIs for projects that carefully measure causal impacts of a variety of CGIAR-related technological, institutional or other innovations that have been disseminated or about to be disseminated in priority countries where CGIAR operates.
Deadline for submissions: March 7th, 2025
Note that: top-performing applicants in impact assessment will be considered for additional support, by partnering with impact assessment experts to refine their methodologies.
Completed EoI templates should be emailed to: spia@cgiar.org. The subject line of the email should read “EoI for accountability and learning impact studies"
Key Resources
Take a look at the three key resources that can guide teams in preparing their EoI and proposals:
SPIA Approach
In this technical note, we outline our current approach which specifically recognizes that CGIAR’s core activity is AR4D, and therefore faces the uncertainties inherent in scientific progress, in addition to those associated with development investments and processes. We focus on the two areas of accountability and scale, as well as learning studies and decisions to scale
Read here
Designing Quasi-Experimental Impact Studies of Agricultural Research at Scale
This technical note details some of these completed and ongoing studies and approaches, focusing on the identification strategies used to infer causal impact, and the kinds of diverse data sets that may be brought to bear in making these inferences.
Read here
Video: Use of theory of change in impact assessment.
Brief summary of what a Theory of Change is and how it can be applied for accountability and learning in the context of a development intervention based on a CGIAR innovation.
Watch here1) Are CGIAR researchers/centers eligibles to lead EoI/proposals?
Yes. It is expected that CGIAR researchers will play a lead or co-lead role in the proposed studies. CGIAR centers are also eligible to lead the research contract and manage the SPIA grant
2) Can a CGIAR Center, Research Program or academic institution submit more than one EoIs?
There is no restriction on the number of proposals that can be submitted to SPIA. However, keep in mind that only rigorous research designs with compelling methods of causal identification will be accepted.
3) Is it required to have academic partners as part of the proposed research projects?
No, CGIAR centers that can demonstrate capacity to design and implement rigorous impact assessment can submit their proposals without academic researchers. However, given the competitive nature of the call, SPIA encourages collaboration with external researchers, especially if full capacity in rigorous IA methods is not evident in the project team.
4) Would SPIA support ongoing impact assessments that would require top-up funding to complete the already designed impact assessments?
Yes. If there is an already designed impact assessment of CGIAR innovations and this study can clearly inform CGIAR Science Programs or Accelerators, SPIA will consider and review this proposal. However, for larger/longer studies, we encourage research teams to seek funding from elsewhere to match with SPIA funds.
5) Is there a geographical scope for the proposals in this call?
No. SPIA will support IA research projects in any CGIAR priority country where innovations where CGIAR has contributed are believed to generate impacts.
6) Is there any budget cap for the EoI?
SPIA has not established a budget cap for the EoIs, however, we are expecting to fund grants on the $200K to $400K. In very exceptional cases for strong proposals SPIA can accept proposals up to 500K.
7) What are the expenses categories that SPIA can support in this call?
Rather than the amount of funding requested, SPIA will assess the value of the proposal. For EoIs that would be invited for full proposals, SPIA will provide clear guidance on the limits and categories that the funding can support in the next step.
8) Is there any timeframe to implement the proposed study?
SPIA expects the majority of the funded studies to be completed in a two-year period. This does not stop research designs going over that period, but the SPIA supported activities are expected to be implemented during this two-year window.