Accelerating Development of Innovative, Exceptionally Low-Cost Maternal and Child Nutrient Ingredients and Products - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility and Applicant Requirements

Is my organization eligible to apply? 
This initiative is open globally to nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. We invite innovators from nutrition, biotechnology, food technology, pharmaceuticals, and beyond to apply. Only individuals who are applying through a legally recognized corporate entity are eligible.

Upon registration, applicants must provide information about the tax status of their organization as different terms and conditions may apply. You should confirm your organization's tax status with the appropriate advisor or entity within your organization such as your grants or contracts department, finance, or office of sponsored research. The foundation may request additional information regarding your tax status. For information about tax statuses, you may check with your own advisors and review information provided on the Internal Revenue Service web site at: www.irs.gov.

Can an organization submit proposals for both Grand Challenges? 
Yes, applicants can submit applications for both open RFPs. For the "Accelerating Development of Innovative, Exceptionally Low-Cost Maternal and Child Nutrient Ingredients and Products," applicants are welcome to submit one application for each option (A, B, and C). However, for the "Accelerating Innovation in Vaginal Formulations in Support of Women's Health" RFP, applicants are only able to submit one application per unique email.

Can I apply without an external or internal partnership? 
Yes. We encourage applicants to identify and build collaborations with organizations that bring complementary expertise. Where appropriate, the Foundation may facilitate connections among applicants working on related challenges following the review and selection process. We are not able to match organizations with one another during the application process.

Are collaborations welcomed and how does this work? 
We welcome and encourage collaboration. When creating an application, there is an option in the system for applicants to add collaborators to work on a joint proposal and submit. In this case, one organization would be the primary recipient of an award, and that awardee could potentially sub-grant to others, or collaborate informally, as it makes sense.

Do you accept proposals from Iran and Iraq? 
The Gates Foundation is able to make grants in Iraq. However, as a U.S.-based private foundation, we must comply with all U.S. laws and regulations, including the Internal Revenue Code and anti-terrorism and sanctions laws. We cannot provide funding or reimburse expenses to individuals or organizations that appear on the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list, or that are based in, or citizens/residents of, countries under comprehensive U.S. sanctions - such as Iran - where we are not permitted to operate.

Is there a limit to how many applicants and co-applicants can be involved? 
There is no strict limit. However, each proposal must designate one lead organization responsible for the award. Collaborations are encouraged if they enhance technical feasibility or local capacity.

Will there be any preference given to consortiums based entirely in LMICs? Can LMIC-based agencies partner with foreign or US-based entities to overcome FCRA restrictions on fund transfers? 
Yes. Collaborations are welcomed and strongly encouraged, especially partnerships that bring LMIC-based capacity together with global expertise. FCRA restrictions can be managed at contracting stage if the proposal is selected.

Can agencies based in LMICs partner with a foreign say US-based entity to overcome FCRA restrictions on funds transfer to another entity? 
Yes. Applicants may propose such collaborations. The Foundation will review partnership and fund flow structures during award negotiations.

International organization: Does it include UN? 
Yes. UN agencies and other international organizations are eligible to apply, provided proposals align with RFP scope and the entity applies under its recognized legal structure.

Are UN agencies, for example UNICEF, allowed to apply for the RFP in collaboration with for instance Research Institutions? 
Yes. UN agencies can collaborate with academic or research institutions, provided there is a clear primary applicant and defined roles for all partners.

What level of commitment is required from co-collaborators prior to submission? 
Letters of intent or collaboration agreements are not required at submission but may be requested later if the proposal is shortlisted.

May I include commercial company as the partner? If yes, their involvement in generating potential IP will be equitable and treat as public good as well? 
Yes, commercial partners are welcome. Any resulting IP must align with the Foundation’s Global Access principles to ensure outputs are accessible as a public good.

Application Process

What must my application include?
Please refer to the Application Instructions document.

Am I able to edit my proposal once submitted?
Yes, you may edit your proposal up until the specified deadline.

What amount of indirect cost is available?
Details of the foundation indirect cost policy guidelines can be found here: Gates Foundation's indirect cost policy.

Funding, Support, and Process

What is the funding amount for each award? 
The funding amount differs for each option within this RFP. For Option A, Exceptionally low-cost nutrient ingredients (Calcium, Choline, DHA), the potential award is up to $500K per ingredient; for Option B, Low-cost prenatal supplement (MMS + 500 mg Calcium), the potential award is up to $200K; and for Option C, Advanced prenatal supplement (MMSplus), the potential award is up to $400K.

What is the timeline for grant disbursement? 
The Foundation is targeting September 2026 for grant start dates.

How many organizations will be funded in this call? 
The number of organizations funded will depend on the quality and diversity of proposals received across the three options (A - C). The Foundation anticipates supporting multiple awards across all options, with final selections based on innovation potential, technical rigor, and feasibility.

Would the timing of the awards allow strengthening logistical capacity and marketing in time for project expansion? 
Potentially. The expected grant start date is September 2026, allowing time for applicants to finalize planning, partnerships, and early logistical preparations before implementation. However, funding is intended primarily for R&D, formulation, and proof-of-concept activities, not large-scale marketing or distribution.

Should the budget submitted include the overall project costs (e.g., US$750K including our match) or should it be capped to the fundable amount? 
The submitted budget should align with the fundable amount per option. Applicants may indicate matching contributions, but the total budget requested from the Foundation should not exceed the specified cap.

Option A specifies "Up to US$500,000 per ingredient." Does this mean the budget can exceed US$500K depending on the number of ingredients? 
Yes, if the proposal covers more than one ingredient, the Foundation may consider proportionate funding. However, synergies are expected if multiple ingredients share development pathways.

Are staff costs eligible for the award? 
Yes, you can include staff time in the budget.

Can we include R&D in the budget? 
Yes. This call specifically supports R&D and product innovation activities.

Can you please explain the budget for Option A, especially the interpretation of "per ingredient"? 
The "per ingredient" budget applies individually to calcium, choline, and DHA. Applicants may propose one or more, but each ingredient’s development funding should not exceed $500K and consideration should be made to ensure there are efficiencies across multiple nutrients if the development path allows.

Scope of the Call / Project Focus

Is the request specific to manufacturing an algal DHA powder or would algal DHA oil also be acceptable? 
Both algal DHA oil and powder are acceptable. Please justify your choice (e.g., stability, handling, cost) and ensure it meets pharmaceutical-quality and GMP requirements. For finished products under Options B/C, include stability data (3-month real-time and 6-month accelerated).

Are products for neurologically challenged children included? 
No. This call focuses on maternal nutrient ingredients and prenatal supplements. Disease-specific pediatric products are out of scope.

Is it possible to apply with a project that provides nutrient-rich foods for vulnerable people in communities to reduce malnutrition? 
While this is important work, general food provision or community feeding programs are out of scope. This RFP funds product/ingredient innovation that delivers transformative cost reductions in target nutrients and prenatal supplements.

Can effective distribution solutions in underserved low-income areas be a valid response? 
Distribution-only solutions are not in scope. The focus is on innovations in ingredients and formulations that reduce cost.

Can manufacturing hubs be established locally to minimize production and shipment costs? 
Yes. Localized production and LMIC-based manufacturing are encouraged if they meet GMP and quality standards.

Does the grant cover only formulation and production, or also implementation, research on acceptability, scalability, and health outcomes? 
The focus is R&D and ingredient/product innovation. Limited acceptability testing is acceptable, but large-scale implementation or outcome studies are out of scope.

Is our already-operational project that wants to integrate nutritional innovation eligible? 
Yes, if it directly addresses this RFP’s objectives - particularly ≥50% cost-reduction strategies and the nutrient scope.

Are there any specific focal countries targeted for this action? 
No. The call is open globally, but LMIC relevance and applicability are strongly encouraged.

Does it only focus on pregnant women? 
Yes, the focus is on antenatal supplementation, though products could potentially extend to lactating women.

Is this solely for prenatal/antenatal use or is lactation (postpartum) also considered? 
Yes, the focus is on antenatal supplementation, though products could potentially extend to lactating women.

Does formulation of food products align with this particular call? 
No, this call is focused on supplement and ingredient innovation, not food product formulation.

Will this call promote development of nutrient-rich, low-cost complementary food? 
No, complementary foods are not within the defined RFP scope.

Does the call focus only on supplements, or also high-nutrient food for malnourished children? 
This call focuses on supplements for maternal use only.

Can it be another ingredient, for example vitamin D or polyphenols for prevention of malnutrition? 
Vitamin D and polyphenols are not part of the current RFP scope.

Can we use food derived from biodiversity that can improve nutrition quality and diet? 
Yes, if it is used to develop eligible nutrient ingredients (Calcium, Choline, DHA) aligned with RFP goals.

Are fortified food forms acceptable? 
The format of the maternal supplements in Options B and C are not predetermined: multiple dosage forms or units acceptable (not limited to a single tablet)

What about food fortification? 
The format of the maternal supplements in Options B and C are not predetermined: multiple dosage forms or units acceptable (not limited to a single tablet).

Can we use locally available (fortified or biodiverse) ingredients? 
Yes, as long as they contribute to nutrient cost reduction and meet GMP and stability standards.

Are food fortification products eligible? 
The format of the maternal supplements in Options B and C are not predetermined: multiple dosage forms or units acceptable (not limited to a single tablet).

Can we combine more than 3 food items based on the required nutrients? 
The format of the maternal supplements in Options B and C are not predetermined: multiple dosage forms or units acceptable (not limited to a single tablet).

Are we eligible to include the mentioned ingredient in staple products like rice? 
This is not a staple food fortification project as it is targeted to pregnancy, that said, the format of the maternal supplements in Options B and C are not predetermined: multiple dosage forms or units acceptable (not limited to a single tablet).

Do you already have a preferred formulation in mind i.e. regular supplement oral formulations or sachets that could eventually be sprinkled over food? 
No. Applicants may propose any suitable delivery form, provided it ensures quality, stability, and affordability.

Technical and Scientific Clarifications

In this particular RFP (Ca, Choline, DHA), is pre-clinical and/or clinical trials peremptory? 
No. Clinical trials are not required or funded under this RFP. The focus is on R&D and product development to identify affordable, high-quality ingredients.

For Scope A, do we have to develop the nutrient ingredient calcium and choline and DHA or can we make only calcium or choline or DHA? 
Applicants may focus on one or more of these nutrients.

For Scope A, how would you define a "source"? 
A source refers to the origin or production pathway of the nutrient ingredient - such as biological, plant, algal, or synthetic sources.

For Scope A, is a food formulation intervention relevant? 
The focus is on ingredient development for supplement formulation, not food formulation.

Regarding Option Please can we have up to two exceptionally low cost ingredients in one innovative solution such as Calcium & choline? 
Yes.

Please explain "pharmacopeial standards and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q7 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements." 
Products and processes must comply with pharmacopeial and ICH Q7 GMP standards.

Apart from the MMS can a prebiotic be added? we have developed a prebiotic that shows great promise in a clinical trial. 
No, prebiotics are outside the current RFP scope.

Do we need to do R&D for the nutrient ingredient? 
This RFP is focused on R&D and innovation to reduce cost and improve accessibility of key nutrients.

For Option A, does it need to be an innovation, or can it be a raw ingredient implementation? 
It must demonstrate innovation in production, process, or cost reduction, not just routine manufacture.

Can we focus on existing manufacturing methods from sustainable sources, or must we identify new and previously unidentified sources and methods? 
You may optimize existing methods or propose new ones if they achieve the required cost and quality outcomes.

For the nutrient ingredient, is the current standard price as mentioned in the RFP? 
The RFP uses current market estimates; applicants should reference their own validated cost models.

How can we identify and connect with potential collaborators, especially in the manufacturing space? 
Collaboration is encouraged. While the Foundation will not match applicants pre-submission, partnerships may be facilitated after proposal review.

What actual % of DHA is in the recommended dosage of DHA powder? Is it 10%, 17%, 40%, or different? 
There is no fixed percentage. DHA powders typically range from 15 - 30% purity; higher purity increases cost. Applicants may determine the optimal balance.

Can a prebiotic be added to the formulation? 
No. Prebiotics are not part of this call’s nutrient focus.

For Scope B, do we have to include all MMS ingredients, or only Choline, Calcium, and DHA? 
Scope B focuses on all MMS ingredients plus calcium.

We understand that this is only for pharmaceutical development, … if changes are required after initial clinical data set is received, how would that be treated? 
Post-award modifications must be justified scientifically and approved by the Foundation program team.

What is the extent of scientific rigor that you expect? 
Proposals should include credible technical rationale, stability data, and cost modeling sufficient to demonstrate feasibility within 12 - 18 months.

For Option A, should the formulation be based on extraction from natural source or be like a pharmaceutical ingredient? 
Either is acceptable if it meets GMP and achieves cost reduction goals.

Are natural or organic based ingredients acceptable for locally available in our environment? 
Yes, if they meet quality and stability standards and can be scaled affordably.

Can we focus on existing sources and methods of manufacturing these ingredients or are we looking to focus on identifying and innovating new sources and methods? that was for option A? 
You may optimize existing methods or propose new ones if they achieve the required cost and quality outcomes.

For Option B, MMS guideline includes iron… how do we do it as we know it binds with calcium? 
Formulations must address known nutrient interactions through proper formulation design or delivery separation.

For Options B and C, what are the geographic expectations regarding acceptability, palatability, and usability? 
Products should be acceptable and usable in LMIC contexts, especially South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

At which stage should the ≥50% cost-reduction target be validated? 
Validation may occur through lab-scale or pilot-scale cost modeling appropriate to the development stage.

Does Option B include community intervention? 
No. Community intervention work is out of scope; focus of this RFP is on product R&D.

Product development in lab? 
Yes. Laboratory and pilot-scale development are appropriate activities.

Can we combine crops with qualified products within the manufacturing process? 
Yes, if it contributes to cost reduction and maintains nutrient integrity.

Are A and C interlinked? Can we procure materials in commercial supplies of MMS-Plus from companies developing low-cost raw materials? 
They are distinct but related scopes. Using commercially available low-cost raw materials is acceptable if aligned with RFP goals.

For Option C, are we looking at all the ingredients for the MMS and additional new ones? 
Yes. Option C uses MMS as the base plus calcium, choline, and DHA.

Option A and B are clear on expected costs, but C is silent. Are we supposed to apply the costing model for Option C as well? 
Yes. Option C should include realistic cost modeling. We have not set a pre-determined level for cost on this option.

For Option C, what’s the expectation of cost/dose? 
The Foundation is open to proposed formulations and cost estimates; no pre-determined cot has been set for this option.

If we are applying for Options B and C, is there a way to synergize across both as one application, given the overlap with MMS + Calcium and consumer insights? 
Applicants must submit separate proposals for each option but may note synergies.

Some countries are still trying to source local ingredients for MMS. Will you be open to studies that look at cost and formulation for MMS and MMS Plus? This could help with comparison. 
While MMS cost work continues elsewhere, this call focuses specifically on the new nutrients (Ca, Choline, DHA) and MMS Plus innovation.

Are applicants expected to generate purity, stability, and sensory acceptability data within the project period itself, or can some of these be demonstrated during the later scale-up phase? 
Core data should be generated within the project, but later-stage scale-up studies can expand on it.

Can I submit a proposal for an efficacy trial or an effectiveness trial? 
No. Clinical efficacy/effectiveness trials are out of scope.

What if an ingredient is not currently low in cost but has compelling potential for cost reduction? 
That is acceptable; proposals should demonstrate clear rationale and pathway for ≥50% cost reduction.

If our project is developed in Latin America, can our consumer insights come mainly from this population? 
Yes, region-specific consumer insights are valid if relevant to LMIC maternal populations.

Costs are attached to volumes. Do you have numbers of patients to be supported by this RFP/approach? 
We would be looking for credible cost modeling at scale e.g., 3 million regimens per year.

Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

How can applicants protect their ideas and ensure confidentiality when sharing concepts in proposals? 
When submitting materials to the Foundation please keep in mind that because we have a focus on achieving charitable outcomes, we view information that we obtain through our grantmaking as a public good. Subject to the Gates Foundation’s Privacy & Cookies Notice, the Foundation may also share information you provide to us (either orally or in writing) with third parties, including external reviewers, consultants, contingent workers, key partners and co-funders. You should assume that nothing will be kept confidential and should not include any information in the proposal, budget, supplemental materials, or reports that you consider proprietary.

Who owns Intellectual Property in funded projects?

Grantees retain ownership of intellectual property (IP) developed through foundation-funded grants. The foundation does, however, require that grant outputs be made widely available to the intended beneficiaries.

Review Process

How does the review process work?
Please refer to the Rules and Guidelines document.

Can I get a list of potential reviewers who might be assigned to my application?
No. We do not make public the roster of reviewers.

Can I request that my application not be reviewed by a specific individual?
No. However, we will ask reviewers to self-identify conflicts of interest and will not assign reviewers with conflicts.

Will I receive specific feedback on my application if it is not selected?
Due to the rapid proposal and review timelines applicable to this RFP, applicants with proposals that are not selected for award may receive a notification of decline without specific feedback.

Award Information

Are grant awards made directly to individuals?
No. All awards are made to the organization where the individual holds their primary appointment. Institutions must agree to the terms and conditions governing each grant award prior to award activation.

How much money will each grant provide?
 

Application budgets should be commensurate with the scope of work proposed. Indirect costs should be included in the budget and should not exceed 10-15% of the total award (subject to the Gates Foundation's indirect cost policy).

Technical Support

I forgot my password. How do I reset my password?
You can request to update your password within the application site. If you continue to have issues, please reach out to [email protected].

How will I know if my application was submitted?
Once an application is submitted, an email confirmation will be sent.

I'm having trouble uploading my application file. What should I do?
If you are having issues submitting your application, we would encourage you to submit from a different browser. If the issue persists, please email the specifics of your problem to [email protected].

How often do you intend to update the Frequently Asked Questions, and do you plan to provide answers to all questions submitted?
We will periodically post answers to questions as they are submitted, but do not have a specific schedule. We will provide answers on this page that are of relevance and of general interest to potential applicants. For answers to specific questions that are not covered here, please email [email protected]