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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impact. The Outcomes Accelerator works with stakeholders across the outcomes-based financing ecosystem – including governments, development agencies, investors, services providers, intermediaries, and knowledge partners – to address the key barriers facing the market and unlock funding for high-quality outcomes-based financing projects.
The Outcomes Accelerator offers flexible funding, targeted expertise, and networking to support OBF initiatives with testing, launching, and scaling.
Founding members of the Accelerator 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.
See information on the winners and finalists the first and second Cohorts of the Outcomes Accelerator.
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
Key parameters for the scope and priorities for the Third Cohort of Outcomes-based Finance Projects include:
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 the OECD-DAC List of ODA Recipients.
For its third cohort, the Outcomes Accelerator is launching an open call for proposals, inviting innovative projects that align with one or more SDGs. The third cohort is open to all SDGs. Applicants will specify their project’s primary SDG areas of focus by selecting one of five specialized tracks outlined below:
Track 1: Sustainability, Biodiversity, and Climate
This track targets initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate action. Projects may address issues such as combating climate change, ensuring access to clean water and renewable energy, protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable land use and marine and coastal areas, nature-based solutions, and climate resilience. Using outcomes-based financing approaches in these areas, this track aims to support the development of resilient ecosystems and sustainable communities.
- Relevant SDGs:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Track 2: Education, Skills and Human Capital Development
This track supports projects that enhance access to quality education and build the skills and capabilities of marginalized communities. Marginalized communities include groups that are systematically disadvantaged due to factors such as ethnicity, gender, disability, and socio-economic status. Initiatives may focus on enhancing learning outcomes, fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments, boosting employment opportunities, and advancing livelihoods by increasing worker skills, capacity, and productivity, while also promoting gender equality into outcomes.
- Relevant SDGs:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Track 3: Inclusive and Sustainable Private Sector Growth
This track focuses on promoting private sector growth that benefits all segments of society and in a way that preserves resources for the future. Projects may include initiatives to enhance access to finance for small and growing businesses, foster innovation, and promote sustainable consumption and production by the private sector. By supporting private sector development, this track aims to create economic opportunities and drive sustainable growth.
- Relevant SDGs:
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Track 4: Health and Well-being
This track aims to improve public health and promote well-being. Projects may include initiatives to enhance healthcare services, support food security and nutrition, improve water quality, sanitation, and promote healthy lifestyles. By addressing these critical areas with innovative financial mechanisms, this track seeks to support the development of healthy and thriving communities.
- Relevant SDGs:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Track 5: Livelihoods, Gender and Inequality
This track focuses on promoting gender equality and reducing social disparities. Projects may aim to empower women and girls, support vulnerable populations, and address systemic inequalities. Initiatives could include increased economic opportunities, improved access to critical services, and policy changes ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all. Additionally, projects may explore opportunities such as small-scale financial services to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods, particularly for marginalized communities.
- Relevant SDGs:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The Outcomes Accelerator is instrument-agnostic as long as projects support the design, implementation or capacity building for an Outcomes-Based Finance approach, including but not limited to, outcome funds, outcome bonds, outcomes-based contracts, impact bonds, social impact incentives (SIINCs), Social Success Notes (SSN), Social Impact Guarantees, or a partner government that aims to apply outcomes-based financing into their existing or new programs. 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.
Technical Criteria to Guide Expression of Interest (EOI) and Full Proposal 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 scores 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 proposals. 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
Applicants are required to submit proposals that align with one of five specialized tracks as the main focus of the project (see detailed track descriptions above). Proposals do not need to address all relevant SDGs within a track; instead, applicants should focus on the most relevant SDG(s) for their project. Additionally, applicants have the option to include secondary SDGs that do not fall within their chosen track if they are relevant to their project.
Competitive proposals will clearly articulate the development challenge(s) and any market failures to be addressed, as well as how the project contributes to the primary SDG(s) it targets.
Proposals should also demonstrate why an OBF approach makes sense for the problem it seeks to solve, and how it will improve the effectiveness and/or efficiency of public service delivery and development programming.
Proposals should also explain the key pain points that are preventing the project from moving forward and how the Outcomes Accelerator will help address them.
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.
Stakeholder Support and Likelihood to Launch:
Proposals must demonstrate their readiness to launch. For the third Cohort, the Outcomes Accelerator will prioritize projects that can demonstrate outcome funder interest, commitment, and leadership. Proposals that do not include a partner government as an outcome funder should specify the project’s alignment with national policy goals and a pathway to sustainable funder beyond donor funding.
Proposals should also 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 proposals that are innovative, data-driven, and offer a potential pathway to scale and sustainable funding, including mobilization of partner government or commercial 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 at the Full Proposal stage with consideration for realism and price reasonableness. 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 Foundation 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 partner governments, 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.
Application Guidance
What types of activities are eligible for Accelerator support?
Outcomes Accelerator cohorts may have different priorities and eligibility requirements, including preferences for late-stage or early-stage concepts and funding instrument type. The table below provides some indicative guidance on potential uses for Pipeline Acceleration funding. The table below is only for guidance purposes.
Product
Description
Indicative Amount
Country-focused, looks at one or more topics. This should be done in partnership with an interested outcome funder.
Early-Stage Design
Late-Stage Design
Project Scale Up
Up to US$200K
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, which will require greater detail about the project, including buy-in from relevant stakeholders, project risks, activities, staffing and a full budget breakdown.
Funding Application Process
Anticipated Application Timeline
- EOI Stage: June – August 2024
- Full Proposal Stage: September – November 2024
- Due Diligence & Contracting Stage: December 2024 – Q1 2025
