Grant Cycle 8 Update

16 March 2026

Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) are now receiving Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) Allocation Letters. Considering the overall constrained funding environment and the important movement towards country self-reliance for health outcomes, the letters place a stronger emphasis on: a) rigorous program prioritization of Global Fund investments; b) supporting effective, predictable transitions from Global Fund financing, c) optimizing the use of domestic resources and effective co-financing, d) prioritizing program service delivery and systems integration, and e) investing in community health systems including sustainable financing.

Transition and the path to self-reliance. As a result of these shifts, a sub-set of portfolios/components will transition away from Global Fund support at the end of GC8 or GC9, assuming greater responsibility for financing and managing their health programs. This shift reflects the organization’s efforts to improve transparency and predictability in transition processes, support self-reliance, and allocate limited resources more strategically while encouraging long-term sustainability in national systems for health.

Next steps to accessing funding. The Allocation Letter outlines the application approach available to each country. Please use this link for more information [ download in English ] on time-sensitive next steps, including selecting a submission pathway, early nomination of Principal Recipients (PRs) and updating Grant Entity Data.

A reminder to CCMs to confirm their submission pathway and early PR nomination (as applicable) through this form [ download in English ] to the Global Fund as soon as possible. This will enable applicants to receive application materials through the Partner Portal, including application forms, annexes and portfolio-specific forms like the Budget, Performance Framework, PAAR and HPMT, where applicable.

CCMs will also be required to submit their applications through the Partner Portal. The Technical Review Panel submission windows and meeting dates can be found here.

Information sessions. During March and April, the Global Fund will host information sessions to support countries in preparing funding applications, the list can be found on the Global Fund website. Please note upcoming sessions:

• Thursday, 19 March 2026, 14:00-15:30 CET: Global Fund Strategic Shifts
• Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 14:00-15:30 CET: Allocation and Catalytic Investments
• Friday, 27 March 2026, 14:00-15:30 CET: Applying as Focused Portfolios