Community Based Organization ENGAGEMENT

Community based organizations (CBOs) play a vital role in the fight against sickle cell disease (SCD), especially at the grassroots level. The Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa (CONSA) is committed to partnering with local CBOs to strengthen newborn screening, care, education, and advocacy in communities that shoulder the highest burden of disease.

OUR VISION WITH CBO COLLABORATION

• Local engagement & ownership: CBOs bring trusted relationships, context-sensitive approaches, and sustained presence in their communities.

• Capacity strengthening: Through grants, training, and technical support, CONSA seeks to help partner CBOs build stronger infrastructure, governance, and impact.

• Sustainable programs: We aim for projects that are not just short-term but can be embedded into community systems, with ongoing funding, monitoring, and adaptation.

• Equity & inclusion: We prioritize support for CBOs led by or working with historically marginalized populations, ensuring that voices from all sectors are part of planning and implementation.

WHO CAN APPLY

We welcome applications from CBOs that:

• Operate in proximity to existing CONSA clinical sites (located on the map on this page)

• Have demonstrated experience in health, community mobilization, advocacy, or related fields

• Show governance structure, accountability, and capacity to manage grants

If you are unsure whether your organization qualifies, please reach out — we're happy to explore possibilities together.

TYPES OF SUPPORTED PROJECTS

Funding may be available for projects including (but not limited to):

Applicants are encouraged to propose creative, context-driven interventions that complement the work of CONSA’s clinical network.

Capacity building will also be a key aspect of these grants, and funding will be available to support the long term sustainability of CBOs working in SCD.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Application Process

Organizations to complete the below application survey via Google Forms.

2. Budget Note

Organizations should download and complete the budget forms and submit to azapfel@hematology.org.

3. Review & selection

A committee will evaluate proposals based on feasibility, relevance, sustainability, and alignment with CONSA goals.

4. Grant award & implementation

After agreement on terms, funds will be disbursed in phases tied to reporting milestones. Capacity assessments will also be conducted to develop strategic plans for capacity building activities.

5. Monitoring, evaluation & reporting

Grantees will submit periodic progress and financial reports. We also encourage learning exchanges and peer-to-peer sharing.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

• Application Form—Start your submission here

• Budget Form—Template to plan your project costs

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CONTACT & SUPPORT

If you have any questions or need help preparing your proposal, please reach out to:

Email: azapfel@hematology.org

We welcome draft reviews, clarifying questions, or conversation about aligning ideas with CONSA’s strategy.