Beacon of Hope Capacity Building Fund Application

Purpose

The Novartis US Foundation’s Beacon of Hope Capacity Building Fund provides additional, targeted resources that Centers of Excellence (CoEs) can apply for to strengthen their ability to conduct clinical research. Funding is managed by FHI 360 in partnership with the Novartis US Foundation and is allocated across two components: Specialized Training and Infrastructure & Technology.

Funding Overview

• Anticipated start of fund disbursement: Q4 2026.
• Funds are administered in accordance with FHI 360 financial and grant management policies, including subrecipient monitoring, audits, budget reconciliation, and full documentation for audit compliance.

Application Cycles & Deadlines

Application cycle & rolling review. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; however, each CoE may submit only two applications per calendar year across both components. To be considered for funding in the subsequent year, complete applications must be received by July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST).

• Decision timeline: Rolling awards made following review and due diligence; applications received after July 31 will be considered on an as needed basis.
• Disbursement: For approved requests, invoices are billed directly to FHI 360/the Fund and paid on behalf of the CoE OR reimbursed. This applies to both Training and Infrastructure & Technology requests.

Applicant Eligibility & Compliance Requirements

• Standing: CoE must be in good standing within the Beacon of Hope initiative which includes:
• All grants are subject to FHI 360’s subrecipient monitoring toolkit and audit requirements (financial reporting, periodic reviews, and documentation).
• No more than one late quarterly report within the applicable 12-month period prior to application.
• Participation: Attendance at ≥ 80% of required Beacon of Hope meetings and trainings in the 12 months prior to application.
• Non-duplication: The CoE may not request items/services previously requested and received from another Beacon of Hope industry coalition member (no double-funding for the same item or training for the same individual).
• Scope: No funding for projects requiring construction (e.g., building expansion, structural renovation).

Application Requirements (All Requests)

• Completed application form.
• Budget and budget justification (itemized costs, unit assumptions, and period of performance).
• Implementation plan with milestones and expected outcomes (how the request will strengthen clinical research capacity).
• Risk and sustainability considerations (operational readiness, maintenance, staffing, and ongoing costs).

Eligibility Criteria

• Direct link to clinical research capacity (i.e., study start-up readiness, community engagement, data quality, participant safety, regulatory compliance).
• Alignment with Beacon of Hope mission and the CoE’s strategic framework.
• Three (3) competitive bids/quotes for each technology or infrastructure purchase, when applicable. If a sole-source is necessary, provide written justification.
• Feasible within existing facilities without construction or structural renovation.
• Vendor readiness to invoice FHI 360/the Fund directly upon approval.

Examples of Appropriate Requests

• Equipment enhancing GCP-compliant conduct (e.g., temperature-monitored storage, freezers, centrifuges, calibrated scales, ECG machines, procedure chairs).
• IT and data systems (e.g., secure laptops/desktops for study staff, encrypted storage, software licenses, clinical trial management systems).
• Quality and safety infrastructure (e.g., backup power solutions for critical study equipment, continuous temperature monitoring).
• Minor clinic/lab outfitting not involving construction (e.g. movable casework, lockable storage, small appliances for sample handling consistent with SOPs).
• Validation/calibration services bundled with new equipment purchases when required by SOPs/regulations.

Additional Conditions (Infrastructure & Technology)

• Ownership and title of purchased assets will follow CBF policies and grant agreements; assets must be used for clinical research activities.
• Include installation, validation, warranties, maintenance plans, and training costs in the budget where applicable.
• Provide site readiness evidence (e.g., available space, power requirements, SOP updates).

Eligible Training Scope

• Targeted training for current CoE employees to address documented gaps (e.g., GCP refreshers, regulatory start-up, data management, pharmacovigilance, informed consent, diversity in recruitment, community engagement in research).
• Short courses, certificates, simulations/workshops, or mentoring delivered by qualified providers (including FHI 360/FHI Clinical SMEs or vetted external vendors).
• Training linked to near-term research activities and measurable performance outcomes.

Additional Conditions (Training)

• Beneficiaries must be current employees of the CoE at the time of application and during training delivery.
• If approved, the training provider will invoice FHI 360/the Fund directly; reimbursements may only be made in special cases.
• Avoid duplication: Requests cannot duplicate training already provided or funded by another Beacon of Hope industry coalition member.
• Where available, include course outlines, credentials, learning objectives, and assessment methods with the application.

Review & Selection Criteria

• Relevance and strategic fit with Beacon of Hope objectives and the CoE’s strategic framework.
• Strength of justification: clear linkage between requested support and expected improvements in research capacity, quality, or participant experience.
• Cost reasonableness and value for money (market rates, competitive bids, total cost of ownership, if applicable).

Compliance, Disbursement & Monitoring

• All grants are subject to FHI 360’s subrecipient monitoring toolkit and audit requirements (financial reporting, periodic reviews, and documentation).
• Invoices for approved purchases/training must be issued to FHI 360/the Fund; payment will be made directly to vendors/providers.
• CoEs must maintain asset and training records, attendance logs, and certificates, as applicable.
• Performance monitoring: CoEs will report on funded outputs and outcomes in quarterly reports; repeated late reporting may affect eligibility in future cycles.

For questions about eligibility, allowable costs, or the application process, contact the Beacon of Hope Coordinating Center (BOHCC@fhi360.org) cc’ing  Director, Kendra Driver, PhD (KDriver@fhi360.org) , and Program Manager, Cherine Smith (CSmith@fhi360.org)