ICF OVERVIEW
The Innovation Challenge Fund (ICF) is a competitive grant/funding mechanism around a pre-defined governance theme. It seeks to finance innovative and potentially scalable solutions to governance bottlenecks. The purpose is to build a body of evidence of what works to improve governance for better service delivery that meets the needs of the poor and marginalized people of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
NOTE: We are not currently accepting any applications.
ICF Rounds
ICF Round 1
This round was launched in March 2020 in the province of KP and Punjab. A total of nine pilots (six in Punjab and three in KP) were commissioned and are at different stages of implementation The pilots were designed to improve systems, processes, and ways of working, with high levels of replicability. The following thematic areas were selected for ICF Round 1:
DATA INTEGRATION FOR BETTER PLANNING AND SERVICE DELIVERY
Tackling the climate change
Tackling the
climate change
Expanding the
e-services
On-line
feedback
Payment systems for
social protection
Strengthening the
planning process
ICF Round 2
This round was launched in March 2021. A total of four projects, two in each province, were approved. Currently, they are at different stages of implementation. The following thematic areas were selected for inviting application under ICF Round 2:
Online consultation
feedback mechanism
Improved development
planning and
monitoring system at
local level
Internet of things for
improved planning and
governance
Responding to climate
change challenges
through better
planning and
governance
Online civic services
centre
Improved immovable
properties
management systems
for local
governments
ICF Round 3
Further updates for the launch of this round will be available soon.
Key Features of the ICF
ELIGIBILITY
The ICF is an open invitation for innovative ideas practically from wherever they come from. Good ideas can come from the private sector, civil society or the government institutions. Individuals can also apply but they will need to partner with a registered entity to meet eligibility requirements. Further information is provided in the term sheets at the time of the launch of the new round.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The ICF is a two-stage application process. In the first stage, the applicants submit online a concept note outlining the project idea and key information about the applicant demonstrating they meet the eligibility criteria. This stage concludes with the short listing of select ideas after an evaluation committee has reviewed all concept notes and secured approval from the Provincial Steering Committee.
In the second stage, the short listed applicants are asked to submit a detailed application with the entire business case for the pilot project and its financials. At this stage the short listed applicants are briefed about the detailed application process and put in touch with the client departments to respond to any queries or clarifications the applicants may have. The detailed applications are reviewed, and after successful applications have been cleared by the Provincial Steering Committee, the successful applicants are awarded grants and the implementation contract is signed. The unsuccessful applicants are also informed of the decision at the same time.
More details will be available at the time of the launch of ICF Round 3.
PROJECT DURATION & FUNDING
The maximum project duration can be 18 months, but there is no lower limit to the project duration. Maximum funding for a single pilot can be up to £300,000; the lower limit is £50,000.
More information will be provided at the start of application process.
Eligibility
The ICF is an open invitation for innovative ideas practically from wherever they come from. Good ideas can come from the private sector, civil society or the government institutions. Individuals can also apply but they will need to partner with a registered entity to meet eligibility requirements. Further information is provided in the term sheets at the time of the launch of the new round.
Application Process
The ICF is a two-stage application process. In the first stage, the applicants submit online a concept note outlining the project idea and key information about the applicant demonstrating they meet the eligibility criteria. This stage concludes with the short listing of select ideas after an evaluation committee has reviewed all concept notes and secured approval from the Provincial Steering Committee.
In the second stage, the short listed applicants are asked to submit a detailed application with the entire business case for the pilot project and its financials. At this stage the short listed applicants are briefed about the detailed application process and put in touch with the client departments to respond to any queries or clarifications the applicants may have. The detailed applications are reviewed, and after successful applications have been cleared by the Provincial Steering Committee, the successful applicants are awarded grants and the implementation contract is signed. The unsuccessful applicants are also informed of the decision at the same time.
More details will be available at the time of the launch of ICF Round 3.
Project Duration & Funding
The maximum project duration can be 18 months, but there is no lower limit to the project duration. Maximum funding for a single pilot can be up to £300,000; the lower limit is £50,000.
More information will be provided at the start of application process.
