Application Deadline:
31 December 2025
About Organisation
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is the largest global fund dedicated exclusively to transforming education in lower-income countries. Established as a unique partnership of governments, donors, civil society organizations, and private sector actors, GPE works to ensure that every child—especially those in areas affected by poverty, conflict, or displacement—has access to quality education. GPE provides funding, technical support, and policy guidance to governments to develop and implement education systems that are equitable, inclusive, and resilient. The organization emphasizes collaboration, encouraging countries to align strategies, share knowledge, and build sustainable education frameworks. With a focus on both access and learning outcomes, GPE aims to reduce educational disparities, enhance equity, and strengthen education systems in fragile settings. Through grants like the Program Development Grant, GPE supports governments in preparing education programs, ensuring that interventions are well-planned and aligned with long-term goals. By integrating evidence-based strategies, fostering innovation, and promoting local ownership, GPE plays a vital role in helping countries deliver impactful education reforms that benefit children, families, and communities across the globe.
About the Grant
The Program Development Grant (PDG) by GPE is designed to support partner countries in preparing and developing comprehensive education programs for funding under GPE’s System Transformation Grant or Multiplier mechanisms. The grant provides financial resources—up to USD 200,000, or USD 400,000 in exceptional cases—to cover activities, goods, and services necessary for planning and developing education sector programs. The PDG helps governments conduct consultations, risk assessments, and timeline planning to ensure that education strategies are aligned with national priorities and sustainable development goals. It covers costs such as research, technical assistance, and program documentation, as well as facilitating inclusive processes that engage stakeholders like civil society, private actors, and international partners. The grant requires an approved timeline and budget, signed by relevant authorities, to ensure government ownership and proper implementation. The PDG plays a crucial role in helping countries design effective, evidence-driven education programs that can be scaled and replicated. It promotes system transformation, capacity-building, and alignment with broader education sector goals, while ensuring that marginalized populations receive equitable access to quality learning opportunities.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants for the Program Development Grant are grant agents selected by partner countries according to GPE’s criteria. These are typically national or international organizations tasked with supporting governments in education sector planning and reform. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in program development, stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and education planning processes. A proven track record of working with education ministries and coordinating bodies is essential, as is the ability to manage complex projects within agreed timelines and budgets. Eligible countries are those recognized as GPE partner countries, with particular attention to lower-income nations facing challenges in education access and quality. The grant requires applicants to submit a government-endorsed timeline and budget for program development, supported by signatures from the Ministry of Education and relevant coordinating agencies. The application must also include details on consultations with local education groups to ensure alignment with national priorities. Strong proposals will show how the PDG will contribute to comprehensive education reforms, equity, and learning improvements. Organizations must meet administrative and financial compliance requirements set by GPE and align their work with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How to Apply?
Applications can be submitted at any time through the GPE portal. The grant agent must submit a request within four weeks of being selected by the country, providing a government-approved program development timeline, budget, and supporting documentation. Endorsements from the Ministry of Education and coordinating agencies are required. Complete applications should include risk assessments and stakeholder consultation processes to ensure alignment with national education priorities.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 31 December 2025. All required documents, including timelines, budgets, and endorsements, must be completed and received before this date to be considered.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
