Calling on African and Asian Health CSOs to Apply for our Budget Advocacy Accelerator (deadline: July 7, 2025) 

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) invites civil society organizations (CSOs) from low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia to apply for the second cohort of its health budget capacity strengthening series, now called the “CSO Budget Advocacy Accelerator.” 

Following the successful 2025 CSO Budget Advocacy Academy, the Accelerator focuses on strengthening CSO capacity to advocate for domestic financing for noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention, injury prevention and health security. 

Every year, 41 million lives are claimed by NCDs like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions—often in countries least equipped to respond. Injuries, especially from road crashes and drowning, further compound this health crisis. Despite this overwhelming burden, only 2 percent of global health funding is directed toward NCDs. It’s a mismatch that costs lives. And it’s time to change that. 

The CSO Budget Advocacy Accelerator is a comprehensive 12-month program combining hands-on learning, peer exchange and mentorship. Participants will take part in 9–10 webinars, 1–2 in-person workshops in areas such as domestic health financing, health systems strengthening, public financial management and strategic communications for tackling NCDs. It also includes technical focus areas such as mental health, nutrition, tobacco control, road safety and epidemic preparedness and response. 

This Accelerator is more than a training program—it’s a launchpad for action. Participants will join a global network of policy influencers and budget advocates committed to making public health a priority. Through a capstone project, each CSO will develop and pitch a concrete budget advocacy campaign to strengthen financing for NCDs or epidemic preparedness. GHAI will support the implementation of these projects with seed funding and mentorship. 

Who Should Apply 

Eligible applicants include CSOs based in Africa or Asia that are legally registered, can receive foreign funding and have experience in policy advocacy, health financing or public health. Applicants must have two committed staff members able to participate in all sessions and activities. A full list of criteria can be found in the Request for Proposal (RFP).  

How to Apply 

Applications are due by July 7, 2025 (5pm EST / 10pm UTC). Interested CSOs should complete the application form HERE. Shortlisted organizations will be invited for an interview in July. For more information, please contact cyoung@advocacyincubator.org.