Accelerate high quality Outcomes-based projects
Table Of Content
Introduction
The Outcomes Accelerator is a catalytic platform to accelerate more effective testing, scaling and the eventual mainstreaming of outcomes-based financing (OBF) approaches into the delivery of SDG impact. The Outcomes Accelerator works with stakeholders across the outcomes-based financing ecosystem – including governments, development agencies, investors, services providers, intermediaries – to address the key barriers facing the market and unlock funding for high-quality outcomes-based financing projects.
The Outcomes Accelerator can offer flexible funding, targeted expertise, and networking to support OBF initiatives with testing, launching, and scaling.
Founding members are SECO, FCDO, and UBS Optimus Foundation who have engaged Levoca LLC to perform the day-to-day Secretariat activities of the Outcomes Accelerator. Further details on the role of the Secretariat can be found in the Application Guidance section below.
Information on the winners and finalists of the first Outcomes Accelerator Cohort is available here
Pipeline Acceleration Support Offered
The Outcomes Accelerator can offer flexible funding, targeted expertise, and networking to support project proponents in bringing their early- and late-stage projects to launch.
Seed Funding
To support the design and launch of strategic projects.
Expertise and Mentoring
Technical assistance to help get projects off the ground.
Match-making and Funding Coordination
Connecting projects to outcome funders and other strategic partners.
Current Funding Opportunities
The second cohort of acceleration funding has closed. Stay tuned for new opportunities!
Projects or services must be delivered in or be provided for the benefit of countries and territories eligible to receive official development assistance according to OECD-DAC List of ODA Recipients.
All projects should be aligned with contribute to one of two priority sustainable development goals (SDG) – SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) or SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The Outcomes Accelerator is instrument-agnostic as long as projects support the design, implementation or capacity building for an Outcomes-Based Finance Vehicle, including, but not limited to, impact bonds, social impact incentives (SIINCs), Social Success Notes (SSN), Social Impact Guarantees, and outcome funds or a domestic government that aims to apply outcomes-based financing into their existing or new programs.1 All projects should involve the participation of non-state actors. Private investment is not required but may be considered a bonus when it adds knowledge and rigor, and/or financial viability to the project.
The following priorities and technical criteria will be used to guide proposal and EOI assessments:
All proposals will be objectively assessed using the evaluation criteria in the table below to support decision making and shortlist the most promising applications and EOIs. The assessment rates for proposals will remain confidential within the Outcomes Accelerator. For transparency and learning purposes, applicants may ask for qualitative feedback on their proposals that are invited to submit full proposal. The Outcomes Accelerator’s Governing Committee will review shortlisted proposals and endorse final selections.
Criteria
Description
Max Points (Total=100)
Potential for SDG impact and Additionality
All proposals must have impacts related to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) or SDG 13 (Climate Action) and have clear a clear statement of the problem related to achieving SDG 8 or SDG 13.
In addition, the Outcomes Accelerator will look for projects with potential to substantially improve the lives of poor and vulnerable populations, disadvantaged groups (e.g. people with disabilities), children, women, and small businesses and/or have a positive impact on the natural environment, including climate.
The market failure(s) that will be addressed should be well articulated as well as the additionality of
Outcomes Accelerator participation, including financial and non-financial additionality.
Stakeholder Support and Likelihood to Launch:
Priority will be given to proposals that can demonstrate their readiness to launch, including clear outcome funder interest and leadership from either a domestic government2 or other outcome funder (e.g. corporate partner) with a clear pathway to sustainable funding. Proposals should specify, when relevant, considerations regarding continuity of government partners, such as remaining time left in office and involvement of senior level officials.
Capacity to deliver and Staffing
The Outcomes Accelerator will prioritize projects that are innovative, data-driven, and offer a potential pathway to scale and sustainable funding. This can include outcomes-based projects that are looking to expand into a follow-on scale up phase.
10
100
In addition to the technical criteria, proposed budgets will be assessed separately with consideration for realism and price reasonableness at the full proposal stage. Indicative budget amounts for each product category are provided in the Application Guidance below.
All applications will be required to meet the due diligence and eligibility requirements of the UBS Optimus Foundations and the donors to the Outcomes Accelerator if selected.
Who can participate?
The Outcomes Accelerator invites applications from individual organizations or consortia, including, but not limited to:
- Outcome funding organizations including multilateral and bilateral funding organizations, private philanthropy, and domestic governments3, which will be the primary end-clients of the Outcome Accelerator.
- Service delivery organizations, including non-profit and for-profit organizations that implement outcomes-focused programs.
- Market support providers including deal developers, intermediaries, advisory firms, research organizations, law firms, and evaluators; and
- Impact Investors including funds, development finance institutions, foundations, institutional and other investors, or providers of risk or working capital.
Questions and Submissions
Visit the Outcomes Accelerator website and join our mailing list to get the latest updates about future calls for proposals.
All questions should be sent to OutcomesAccelerator@levoca.org.
Application Guidance
Types of activities that could be supported with Outcomes Accelerator Funding
Outcomes Accelerator cohorts may have different priorities and eligibility requirements, including preferences for late-stage or early-stage concepts and funding instrument type. The below provides some indicative guidance on potential uses for Pipeline Acceleration Funding and indicative amounts. The table below is only for guidance purposes.
Product
Description
Indicative Amount
Country-focused, looks at one or more topics. Should be done in partnership with an interested outcome funder.
Early-Stage Design
Late-Stage Design
Project Scale Up
Up to US$300K
Proposals that are able to offer cost reimbursement in their request of Accelerator funding would be looked upon favorably.
Application Process
The application process is a two- step process: (1) Expression of Interest (EOI), and (2) a Full Proposal for shortlisted applicants by invite only. The EOI will include an initial screening for eligibility, followed by general information about the organization(s), project details and concept, and general funding requirements.
Applications that are successful at the EOI stage will be invited to submit a full proposal within approximately three weeks. The full proposal will require greater detail about the project, including buy-in from relevant stakeholders, project risks, activities, staffing and a full budget breakdown.
Project proponents with concerns on sharing highly sensitive information should reach out to the Outcomes Accelerator Secretariat to discuss possible non-disclosure arrangements or an option to redact highly sensitive information in their proposals with a short justification explaining why information was left out.
Applications for Cohort 2 are now closed. Visit our website for announcements for future calls for proposals. Questions should be submitted to the Outcomes Accelerator Secretariat at OutcomesAccelerator@levoca.org.
Funding Application Process
