Catalyst Fund - Call for Expression of Interest (EOI)

Background

CATALYSTS is a dynamic consortium that emerged organically, driven by a shared vision to strengthen abortion rights across Africa. Initially propelled by five Africa-focused organizations—International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Regional Office (IPPF-ARO), Ipas Africa Alliance (AA), the Centre for Reproductive Rights (CRR), Population Council-Kenya, and FIGO—the consortium was born out of a collective commitment to safeguarding hard-won gains while steadfastly advocating for the advancement of progressive abortion policies in Africa, with an initial focus in East Africa.

Recognizing the need for broader representation and inclusivity, CATALYSTS has expanded its core group to include locally-led civil society organizations deeply rooted in the region and its realities. This expansion brings valuable grassroots perspectives and expertise from Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights-Tanzania (WGNRR), Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), and the Women Pro Bono Initiative (WPI). Together, we represent a diverse consortium united in its mission to mobilize collective action, cultivate technical excellence, and amplify positive narratives in support of abortion rights across East Africa.

As the consortium advances its mission to strengthen the abortion rights field, it recognizes that shifting negative social norms and promoting positive narratives are critical to ensuring access to safe abortion care and advancing reproductive justice. Harmful stereotypes and misinformation perpetuate stigma and restrict access, making it essential to embrace innovative and impactful approaches that challenge these barriers and inspire societal change. To this end, we are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from civil society organizations (CSOs) and groups engaged in emerging and innovative initiatives that effectively shift negative norms and amplify positive narratives in support of abortion care and reproductive justice.

Sub-grants will range between $10,000 and $15,000.

What we are looking for:

We are particularly interested in catalyzing existing innovative initiatives that demonstrate:

1. Effectiveness: A clear track record or potential to achieve measurable outcomes in shifting social norms and promoting positive narratives around abortion care.

2. Innovation: Novel approaches that creatively address harmful stereotypes and anti-rights narratives. Examples include:

• Leveraging digital platforms or social media for storytelling and advocacy.
• Culturally sensitive approaches that resonate with specific communities.
• Engaging underrepresented groups such as youth, religious leaders, or marginalized communities in dialogue and advocacy.
• Artistic or performative interventions, such as theatre, film, storytelling, or visual arts- should creatively communicate critical themes such as bodily autonomy and reproductive justice while sparking meaningful dialogues around abortion care.

3. Community engagement: Initiatives rooted in the lived experiences of communities, emphasizing participatory approaches that empower individuals to lead change on abortion rights.

4. Scalability and replicability: Projects that offer models or lessons that can be adapted or scaled to other contexts.

5. Intersectionality: A focus on how abortion care intersects with broader issues of gender equality, health equity, and social justice.

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