E-Cubed Frequently Asked Questions

Research outputs should be "usable'' by actors and beneficiaries in the program or activity on which the research is based; by the policy-makers within the country/ies where the research is conducted; and by the global community of EiE practice. Research outputs should be disseminated throughout the research process and should be shared in formats accessible to varied audiences. To ensure usability of research we encourage applicants to engage end users throughout all phases of the research. 

Examples of this are partnerships to include national research entities or policy makers in co-design of research, implementation, and dissemination (all phases of research project), or mentorship of junior research team members. 

As noted in the E-Cubed Criteria, research proposals should support the production of "Global Public Goods.” All products of E-Cubed research are open source and will be shared through the INEE website. In its simplest form a Global Public Good is a resource that is freely available with no restriction in access.

Identifying information includes institutional or personal names that would identify the organization or partners applying to conduct the research. We ask that you remove this information from all sections of the application (including the budget) except for the qualifications section and where asked for this information. We do this to ensure that all proposals are evaluated on their merit and not be the reputation of the institution or researchers.

Please include the references in the text and works cited without framing them as your own. I.e. include the full title or reference name but do not say “previous research conducted by the applicant.” If you have questions please reach [email protected].

Priority is not given to earlier applications. Applications are not processed until the application deadline. 

There are no regional priority areas.

There are no thematic priority areas. 

E-Cubed does not prioritize specific research methodologies. Quantitative, Qualitative, and mixed methods studies etc. are eligible for funding. Funding is NOT limited to robust RCTs or restricted to questions of “what works.” Rather, Dubai Cares seeks proposals that include rigorous methodologies relevant to the research proposed which could include research and questions of how an intervention works, why, and/or for whom. 

E-Cubed only funds research costs. Program implementation costs are not eligible for E-Cubed funding. Dubai Cares encourages seeking co-funding opportunities with other donors to cover these costs. 

E-Cubed does not fund scholarships, family needs, or individuals.

Graduate or PhD students may be included as researchers or assistants in institutional proposals but E-Cubed cannot fund proposals from individual students.

E-Cubed will not fund long-term operational capacity building without a research component, but encourages applicants to integrate capacity building opportunities into inclusive research process design and partnerships.

There is no ideal project size.

At the end of the online application form there is a prompt to upload your works cited. All works cited should be noted even if they include reference to previous research conducted by the institution or organization applying for funding.

Yes, organizations can submit multiple proposals. All proposals are assessed in a double blind review process against the same criteria and eligibility requirements therefore organizations submitting multiple proposals will be equally considered.

This fund aims to support quality research and evidence. It therefore requires applicants or research teams to have extensive demonstrated experience in the research and analysis methodologies proposed.

Principal investigators may be a part of the applying organization or may be independent contractors/consultants, both are acceptable.

No, partnerships are not required.

Dubai Cares encourages proposals that build on or create equitable research partnerships with researchers and institutions within crisis-affected contexts relevant to the research proposed. Partners should be engaged throughout all stages of the research design, implementation, and dissemination processes. Proposals that include development of local research capacity as an additional outcome of the research project are particularly encouraged. However, proposals to simply conduct capacity development exclusive of any research, are not eligible.

Yes, in your application please upload or attach legal documentation of each partner organization.

There is no preferred financial breakdown for partnerships.

Ideally, Dubai Cares disperses funds to one anchor organization who then manages partners and disburses funds within the partnership. Dubai Cares will discuss disbursing funds directly to each partner only in extenuating circumstances.

The minimum grant per proposal is roughly US$ 100K and the maximum is US$ 1M, however proposal budgets are considered on a case by case basis. The total envelope budget per year is roughly US$ 2M. 

No, the grant can be dispersed as needed over the course of the proposed project. Grantees will coordinate with Dubai Cares to agree on multi-year fund allocation.

Budgets should be submitted in the currency that will be used for the majority of research. In the budget template, there will be a tab where you can convert these costs to USD. If research is taking place in multiple contexts use either the majority currency in which most payments will be made or convert all to USD. We encourage using xe.com for currency conversion.

Please see Dubai Cares’ budget template and guidelines.

Dubai Cares transfers the E-Cubed awards.

E-Cubed funds up to 15% of indirect costs. Indirect costs are defined as general overhead and administrative operational costs. You will be asked to disaggregate indirect costs within your budget. If the actual indirect cost rate is lower than 15%, please do not increase the funding request to the maximum allowed.

The following would be considered indirect costs: 

1. Salaries of general leadership such as executive management (CEO, COO, CFO, etc.) and of central operational positions (Accounting, Finance, HR, IT, Legal, etc.).
2. Salaries of technical and support staff whose deliverables are not directly linked to the proposed research. 
3. Costs of rent, facilities, equipment, maintenance, telecommunications, and/or utilities that are not directly linked to proposed research activities  

For more information on budgeting, see Dubai Cares’ budget template and guidelines.

Grants are fixed-price not cost reimbursable. Dubai Cares disburses funds based on achieved milestones, which are agreed upon between Dubai Cares and the research partner(s). Dubai Cares will usually distribute funds annually or semi-annually, but this is dependent on what works best for the specific project.

For more information on budget and reporting, please see Dubai Cares’ budget template and guidelines including:

1. In what currency should I submit my budget?
2. How should wages and/or travel costs be reported?
3. Should labor be reported by month, by day, by hour?
4. How should compensation be reported?

Yes, E-Cubed funds multi-year projects. Dubai Cares and the research partner(s) will agree on a reporting schedule depending on what works best for the specific project.

Surveyors and interviewers can be included under the “consultants” line in the budget template.

Proposals are reviewed to ensure they follow eligibility requirements and criteria, they are then assessed in an anonymous process by the E-Cubed Advisory Panel coordinated by INEE. Advisory Panelists focus on the following five areas:

1. Research Relevance & Rationale: Proposal outlines “usable” research which contributes to the evidence base in EiE by identifying and responding to a gap in data or evidence. The proposed research is relevant to the particular needs and issues of the context on which it focuses.
2. Research Design & Methodology: The proposed research clearly outlines the research question and justifies forms of data that will be collected and analysed, with concern for rigour and validity/reliability (as appropriate to the methodology). The work plan appears to be feasible with proposed tasks and research objectives likely to be met in the specified timeframe.
3. Research Partnerships & Ethics: Research design, implementation, and dissemination is led by, and/or inclusive of voices of people and institutions within crisis-affected contexts. The proposed research demonstrates a clear commitment to equitable research partnerships and to elevating the voices of people and institutions within crisis-affected contexts. The proposed research addresses issues of ethics and cultural dimensions of the work.
4. Research Outcomes: The proposed research makes a clear contribution to the EiE evidence base. The proposal outlines a commitment to producing work that will be “usable” - widely disseminated and shared, not only with donors and academia but also with local stakeholders. Research outputs should be accessible to policy makers, ensuring correct interpretation of findings and evidence-based policy and planning. Evidence should function as a “Global Public Good.”Evidence should function as a “Global Public Good.”
5. Research Feasibility: The workplan appears to be feasible and relevant. The budget demonstrates a realistic and cost-effective consideration of costs and shows a commitment to local capacity development.

Promising proposals are forwarded to Dubai Cares for final funding decisions. Please see E-Cubed Assessment Criteria for more information. 

*Dubai Cares makes all funding decisions.

The proposal review process varies in length depending on the quantity of proposals received. Typically the review process takes roughly four months. Applicants will generally be notified of their proposal standing after three months at which time Dubai Cares reviews shortlisted proposals. 

All applicants will be notified of their proposal status and funding decisions through Submittable. Messages from Submittable will be directed to the primary contact listed in an applicant’s proposal. Applicants are encouraged to check their spam folders as Submittable messages may be there. Shortlisted applicants and grantees will also be notified directly by Dubai Care and INEE. Public funding announcements are made first by Dubai Cares and shared by INEE. 

Once selected, grantees will be asked to submit an extended proposal, complete with a detailed budget and timeline.

*Dubai Cares reserves the right to make final funding decisions after receiving full research frameworks. 

Once an extended research proposal has been approved, and a research agreement with the grantee has been finalized, Dubai Cares will allocate funds based on this agreement.

Dubai Cares will arrange a reporting process and schedule with the grantee. Please see Dubai Cares’ budget template and guidelines for further information.