The Period Equality Network (TPEN), coordinated by Irise Institute East Africa (IIEA), has officially opened applications for the TPEN Small Grants Call 2026. The initiative will provide financial support ranging from £1,000 to £3,500 to eligible member organizations implementing projects that promote menstrual health, hygiene management, and period equality across East Africa. The funding opportunity seeks to strengthen grassroots organizations that are leading community-driven initiatives while advancing advocacy, research, capacity building, and collective action on menstrual justice. Applications will close on 10 July 2026 at 5:59 PM East Africa Time, with successful applicants expected to be notified by the end of July. Supporting Grassroots Leadership in Menstrual Health The Period Equality Network is a regional alliance comprising more than 270 member organizations working to improve menstrual health outcomes throughout East Africa. Coordinated by Irise Institute East Africa, TPEN aims to amplify grassroots voices, encourage collaboration among organizations, and influence policies that advance menstrual equity. The 2026 Small Grants Call marks the network’s fourth funding round and reflects its continued commitment to investing directly in community-based organizations that are best positioned to address local menstrual health challenges. Objectives of the 2026 Small Grants According to TPEN, the grants are designed to: Expand funding opportunities for grassroots member organizations. Strengthen advocacy efforts that influence menstrual health policies and practices. Support research and evidence generation to improve menstrual health programming. Build organizational capacity for sustainable community impact. Promote collaboration across the regional network to accelerate menstrual equity. Priority Funding Areas Applicants are required to align their proposed projects with at least one of four thematic priorities. These include: Voice for Advocacy and Influencing – Supporting initiatives that strengthen grassroots participation in policy dialogue and advocacy. Knowledge and Evidence Generation – Funding research, data collection, and documentation of best practices. Resourcing and Capacity Building – Enhancing the operational and technical capacity of local organizations. Power of Collective Action – Encouraging partnerships and coordinated efforts that strengthen the regional movement for period equality. Projects should clearly demonstrate how they contribute to one or more of these strategic priorities. Who Can Apply? The funding opportunity is exclusively available to registered TPEN member organizations operating within East Africa. Eligible applicants must: Be registered TPEN members at the time of application. Be legally registered within their country of operation. Have operated for at least one year. Maintain an organizational bank account. Be based and actively operating in East Africa. Projects must also: Align with one or more thematic focus areas. Be implemented within six to twelve months. Target beneficiaries in the applicant’s country. Deliver measurable outcomes related to menstrual health and period equality. Previous TPEN Small Grant recipients are also encouraged to apply if they intend to scale up successful initiatives. Organizations Not Eligible TPEN has clarified that the following entities cannot apply: Organizations that are not registered TPEN members. Commercial or for-profit companies. Government ministries and departments. Organizations with unresolved financial accountability or audit issues involving TPEN or Irise Institute East Africa. Grant Size and Implementation Requirements Between 10 and 12 grants will be awarded during this funding round. Successful organizations will receive grants ranging from £1,000 to £3,500, with implementation expected to run for six to twelve months. Grant recipients will also be required to: Submit a mid-term report after six months. Submit a final narrative and financial report after project completion. Use grant funds solely for approved project activities. Cover organizational overheads through alternative funding sources, as indirect costs are not eligible. Funding will be released in two installments: 70% upon signing the Grant Agreement. 30% following satisfactory submission of the mid-term report and financial accountability documentation. Application Requirements Organizations interested in applying must submit a complete application package through the designated application portal. Required documents include: Completed Application Form. Budget Spreadsheet Template. Certificate of Registration. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Most recent audited financial statements or management accounts. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Transparent Selection Process Applications will undergo a multi-stage assessment process comprising: Eligibility screening. Technical review by an independent grants panel. Final approval by the Irise Institute East Africa Secretariat. Due diligence verification. Notification of successful and unsuccessful applicants. Applicants can expect to receive official notification by 31 July 2026. Safeguarding and Accountability Requirements Successful organizations will be expected to maintain high safeguarding and ethical standards throughout project implementation. Grantees must: Maintain or develop safeguarding and child protection policies. Ensure all activities comply with ethical standards. Report safeguarding concerns immediately. Obtain written approval before making significant project modifications. IIEA also reserves the right to terminate grants in cases involving misuse of funds, failure to meet reporting obligations, safeguarding violations, or submission of false information. Conclusion The TPEN Small Grants Call 2026 represents a significant opportunity for grassroots organizations working to advance menstrual health and period equality across East Africa. By providing direct financial support and strengthening collaboration across the region, the initiative aims to expand community-led solutions while generating evidence and influencing policy on menstrual justice. Eligible TPEN member organizations are encouraged to prepare their applications before the 10 July 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. 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