Five steps to submit your proposal
All applications are submitted through the NRIF digital portal. The portal opens on 15 June 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
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Check your eligibility
All applicants must be legally registered and operational in The Gambia, have no outstanding NRIF compliance issues, and submit a complete application. Review the general eligibility requirements on the Funding Windows page and confirm your institution meets the window-specific requirements for your chosen window.
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Select your funding window
Review all 10 funding windows and identify the one that matches your institution type and proposed activities. You may apply to only one window per proposal. Each window has distinct eligible activities, beneficiary types, and evaluation criteria.
- Windows I–III & VII–X: Government, research, MEL and partnership-focused
- Window IV: Innovation lifecycle and market readiness
- Windows V–VI: Student research and TVET skills innovation
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Prepare your application documents
Gather all required documents before opening the portal. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Institutional registration certificate (proof of legal registration)
- Project proposal: objectives, methodology, work plan, and team CVs
- Detailed budget with full line-item justification
- NAQAA accreditation evidence (required for Windows III, V and VI)
- Signed conflict-of-interest declaration for all named team members
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Submit via the NRIF digital portal
Complete and submit your application at app.nrif.gm/portal/. Applications must be received by the published deadline; the portal closes automatically at the deadline time.
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Await Technical Advisory Committee evaluation
Eligible proposals are scored by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) using the Merit of Proposal (MP) system. The minimum passing score is 7.0 / 10. All applicants receive written feedback regardless of outcome, as set out in the Grants Manual §6.6.
Documents to prepare before you start
Have these ready before you open the portal. You cannot save a partial submission.
Ready to submit?
The Application Portal is open for Cycle 1. Access all documents, guidelines, and frequently asked questions to submit a competitive proposal.
Common questions
Can't find your answer? Contact the Secretariat at info@nrif.gm.
Can I apply to more than one funding window?
Each proposal may only be submitted to one window. However, an institution may submit separate proposals to different windows provided each describes distinct activities and teams.
What is the Merit of Proposal (MP) system?
The MP is the weighted sum of scores awarded by the Technical Advisory Committee across the evaluation criteria for each window. The minimum passing score is 7.0 out of 10. A proposal scoring zero on any single criterion is ineligible regardless of its total MP score.
Can diaspora-based Gambians apply?
Yes. Window X (Diaspora & International Collaboration) is specifically designed for Gambian diaspora professionals and international institutions. A Gambian co-applicant institution registered in The Gambia is required.
How are funds disbursed?
All grants are disbursed in tranches against a milestone schedule. No tranche is released without Secretariat verification of the preceding milestone. Full details are in the Grants Manual Part 4.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
All applicants receive written evaluator feedback regardless of outcome. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in a future cycle provided all eligibility requirements are met.
Who can I contact for application support?
The NRIF Secretariat provides application guidance. Email info@nrif.gm or visit the Contact page for full details. The Secretariat cannot review draft proposals, but can clarify eligibility requirements and portal procedures.