In order to promote integration and synergy in research, most applicants submitting proposals for funding by EDCTP, are also required to apply for cofunding for their proposed projects from other parties in addition to EDCTP.  EDCTP recognises three different sources of cofunding:

• EDCTP EEIG Member States
• African institutions
• Third parties 

Persons applying for calls for proposals are required to secure cofunding from at least two European Member States. In addition EDCTP encourages applicants to raise funds from third parties and to identify and quantify possible funding from African institutes.

Cofunding from EDCTP-EEIG member states
The EDCTP-EEIG Member States (MS) have committed to contribute at least € 200 million in cofunding to the EDCTP programme from 2003-2010. Each proposal submitted requires the funding participation of at least two different EDCTP-EEIG Member States. All European collaborators in a proposal, including those working in sub-Saharan African countries, must each apply for European cofunding. Keep in mind that each Member State has different rules relating to the type and amount of funding available and who is eligible to apply. In the majority of cases, Member State cofunding is only available to researchers working at, or with a formalised association with public institutions, such as universities or institutes in the Member State concerned. However, there are some Member States that provide cofunding specifically for African researchers and others that provide unconditional cofunding directly to an EDCTP ‘common pot’. Please contact the relevant European Networking Officer or the EDCTP Networking team to discuss the possibilities for receiving cofunding (info[at]edctp.org).

Role of the European Networking Officer
Each EDCTP-EEIG Member State has appointed a European Networking Officer (ENO) to EDCTP. Each ENO understands their national research programme and funding procedures and is aware of the cofunding opportunities in his or her country. They serve as the main point for advice on how to obtain cofunding from their country. ENO’s can be contacted through the contact ENO form on the EDCTP website. Applicants should contact the relevant ENOs as early as possible, when developing their proposals.

Cofunding from African partners
Cofunding from African institutions is strongly encouraged but not compulsory. EDCTP would, however, like where possible to be able to recognise any direct or indirect financial contribution to the partnership by African institutions. Applicants are therefore asked to indicate any African cofunding contributions, whether in cash or in kind or from third parties.

Cofunding from third parties
EDCTP actively encourages third-party contributions to EDCTP projects. These may be from any non-public funding source including commercial companies, private institutions, foundations or  public funds of countries other than the EDCTP-EEIG Member States. Please note that contributions from public-private partnerships (PPP) or other international and non-public organisations that themselves receive public funding from governments of EDCTP-EEIG Member States, normally count as third-party funding. Only if these public funds are specifically earmarked by the donating MS for EDCTP activities can they be counted as MS cofunding. There is no limit to the level of third party contributions and whatever the amount involved it will not in any way affect the level of funding provided by EDCTP.

Cofunding checklist for applicants

1. During the development of a proposal, EDCTP encourages to contact the EDCTP Networking team at an early stage. The Networking team will be able to explain the possibilities of cofunding by EDCTP-EEIG Member States and the conditions under which cofunding may be available and provide you with the contact details of the European Networking Officers of the relevant Member States. This contact information can also be obtained from the EDCTP website.
2. A key requirement of a proposal submitted to an EDCTP call is funding from at least two EEIG-EDCTP Member States. The more member state one can find to participate in projects the higher the chance one has to secure a sufficient level of cofunding.
3. Before contacting a MS to request cofunding, applicants should first make a realistic calculation of the amount of cofunding required. The Networking team or the relevant ENO can help with this.
4. Before submitting a final proposal to EDCTP, applicants should check that all the EDCTP-EEIG Member State collaborators in the proposal have applied  to their respective Member States for cofunding.
5. Applicants should make sure before submiting applications, that they have the supporting cofunding letters of the relevant ENOs confirming that an appropriate application for cofunding has been received. If a cofunding letter is provided by someone other than the EDCTP European Networking Officer (ENO), the application needs to include a statement from the ENO concerned confirming his or her awareness of this. (Please refer to annex III of the Guidelines for applicants)
6. If secured or applied for cofunding from African partners or third parties, applicants must  also include in the application the relevant letters confirming this third-party contribution. EDCTP would like to stress that this will not in any way affect or reduce the EDCTP contribution to the project
7. The budget submitted for the project should include all the costs of carrying out the clinical trial including all work packages and take into account all Member State, third-party and other cofunding additional to the funds requested from EDCTP.
8. For more information on cofunding procedures please refer to the Guidelines for Applicants.

For further questions on cofunding please refer to the FAQ section on the website or contact the EDCTP networking team (info[at]edctp.org).