Research Admin Offices:

Opportunity Type:

• Grant
• Request for Proposal

Value:

awards of up to $500,000 USD for each project, with a grant term of up to 12 months

Disciplines:

• DeGroote School of Business
• Health Sciences

Sponsors:

• Gates Foundation
• Grand Challenges

Deadlines:

Additional Dates:

• HRS Due Date - August 11, 2026

Description:

Digital tools have expanded the reach of family planning programs in sub-Saharan Africa, but most existing approaches rely on one-way or rule-based messaging that cannot replicate the kind of responsive, personalized conversation that moves women from awareness to action. Recent advances in large language models have changed what is possible. AI-enabled consumer engagement tools can now hold nuanced, multi-turn conversations in local languages, respond to individual questions and concerns, and deliver personalized information at very low marginal cost across both public and private sector channels. This RFP seeks to answer a core question for the family planning field: can AI-enabled direct-to-consumer engagement improve contraceptive uptake, continuation, and informed method choice at scale – and, if so, which approach works best?

Additional Program Information:

Grand Challenge will host a dedicated webinar on August 4, 2026, 7:00-8:00 a.m. U.S. Pacific Time, to provide an overview of the RFP and answer questions. To attend, please register and submit your questions in advance. A recording will be posted on the challenge page following the session for those unable to join live.

Resources:

Additional details. 

Contact:

For more information on how to apply contact Claire Arabski, Senior Advisor, ROADS.