MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: International Labor Organization (ILO) Microinsurance Innovation Facility Accepting Applications for Research Grants

The International Labor Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, a humanitarian organization promoting peace and better living standards, and the European Development Research Network (EUDN), an academic network of economic development researchers, recently announced that they are accepting grant applications for research funding from the Microinsurance Innovation Facility. The research grants are intended to increase the supply of microinsurance experts and promote microinsurance in academic circles. In addition to the research grants, the facility also periodically awards innovation grants and offers a technical assistance program which aims to increase the capacity of insurance companies. The facility was launched in 2008 with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a US-based nonprofit supporting global health and development which reported total assets of USD 34 billion as of September 2009.

Ten grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, and applicants will be judged based on how well they address the facility’s agenda. To apply for a grant, you may complete the application form at: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/download/research/form-en.xls, ensuring that the research proposal follows the grant application guidelines and research agenda documented at: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/download/research/rfp_en.pdf. Applications can be sent to microinsurance@fundp.ac.be by September 30, 2010, 12:00 Central European Time.

For additional information, you may visit the ILO website at: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/activities/research/grants.htm.

By Jennifer Shevock, Research Associate

About the International Labor Organization:
The International Labor Organization is an agency of the United Nations, a humanitarian organization promoting peace and better living standards, whose objective is to advance opportunities for men and women to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. Its founding mission is that labor peace is critical to prosperity.

About Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides grants to organizations in approximately 100 countries with the aim of enhancing health care, reducing poverty and expanding educational opportunities and access to information technology. As of September 2009, its endowment totaled USD 34.17 billion.

Sources and Additional Resources:
International Labor Organization Microinsurance Innovation Facility: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/activities/research/grants.htm

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Rural Bankers Research and Development Foundation Inc. of Philippines Receives $100,000 Grant from International Labor Organization (ILO) Under Microinsurance Innovation Facility” August 18, 2010. https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-rural-bankers-research-and-development-foundation-inc-of-philippines-receives-100000-grant-from-international-labor-organization-ilo-under-microinsurance-innovation-facility/

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