Creating Hope in Conflict: A Humanitarian Grand Challenge (CHIC)

Overview of the Creating Hope in Conflict: A Humanitarian Grand Challenge (CHIC) program:

CHIC is a partnership supported by USAID, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Government of the Netherlands, Global Affairs Canada, and Grand Challenges Canada. It aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable people affected by conflict by supporting innovations that address barriers to essential services. To date, the program has provided CAD $29 million in funding across 73 innovations in over 20 conflict-affected countries. Current opportunities focus on Transition to Scale (TTS) funding for projects that demonstrate proof of concept, are locally owned or led, and have the potential for significant impact. The program prioritizes innovations for non-displaced individuals, internally displaced persons, and refugees, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, gender sensitivity, and sustainability.

Benefits of the Creating Hope in Conflict: A Humanitarian Grand Challenge (CHIC) program:

• Financial support for innovative solutions addressing key barriers in conflict-affected settings.
• Focus on strengthening local institutions and supporting marginalized communities.
• Prioritization of projects that address energy access, healthcare, reliable communication, and water and sanitation needs.
• Encouragement of gender-sensitive and culturally relevant approaches.
• Opportunity to scale projects with significant impact potential.

Eligibility criteria of the Creating Hope in Conflict: A Humanitarian Grand Challenge (CHIC) program:

• Be innovators from conflict-affected countries or serving populations such as refugees or internally displaced persons.
• Present a proven concept with evidence of feasibility and effectiveness.
• Align with CHICs focus areas, including energy, health, communication, or sanitation.
• Demonstrate plans for scale-up and sustainability.
• Consider ethical, social, environmental, and gender equality aspects.