The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 46 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.
Hosted by UNCDF, the i3 programme funded by Metlife Foundation, is supporting thought leadership on the subject of financial health and making this global shift towards an outcome focus agenda. Working as a convener, to bring together global, regional and local actors committed to using financial and digital solutions to improve the financial lives of low-income families—helping them climb - and stay - out of poverty in Malaysia and China.
In China, the programme has been working on different interventions addressing the problems related to women micro enterprises, elderly and small holder farmers. Based on the learnings from many of these interventions it was evidently clear that managing expenses at the household or individual level is important for positively influencing financial health.
Over the last 40 years, China has experienced rapid and remarkable economic transformation. GDP has grown by an average of nine percent annually, lifting millions out of poverty. China is now one of the largest economies in the world with a thriving middle class. This significant growth, however, has ushered in substantial demographic changes: an expanding middle class, ageing population, and shifting burden of disease. By placing mounting pressure on the healthcare system, these changes threaten China’s long term, sustainable growth because a healthy population is a critical driver of productivity and consumption.
The Chinese government has recognized this challenge. It’s Healthy China 2030 blueprint considers public health a pre-condition for future economic and social development and outlines the government’s vision to create a sustainable, multi-layered medical security system. With the aim of overcoming persistent financial barriers to healthcare access, UNCDF Financial Health programme is convening partners from the health, technology, startup and financial sectors in China to build knowledge and co-create solutions and partnerships so that people no longer have to choose between catastrophic costs and catastrophic illness.
UNCDF will provide grant combined with mix of technical assistance. Selected applicants will be signing a Performance-Based Agreement (PBA) with UNCDF.
UNCDF’s contributions can range from 50,000 to–120,000 USD based on the proposal. UNCDF’s contribution can be 100% of the proposal value, in line with the above range. However, applicants are encouraged to contribute towards the project cost.
Applicants may apply independently or in a consortium, provided that the consortium has a pre-established partnership prior to when this request for applications was issued.
Inquiries to this request for applications may be submitted by email to financial.health@uncdf.org with a cc to uncdf.rfa@uncdf.org with subject mentioning:
RFA-Financial Health and Innovations- i3 Program by 8th Aug 2022
All applications must be submitted by 16th Aug at 12.30 hrs (CST) through UNCDF e-investment platform.
