The Empress Shôken Fund (ESF) is here to support the innovation process in Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies and, in particular, the exploration of new ideas through experimentation. The following framework shows you how to turn your ideas into real actions through 5 simple steps:

Innovation Framework cycle

By following these straightforward steps, you can use the Empress Shôken Fund to test new ideas and create positive change within your National Society. We’re excited to see what innovative projects you’ll develop! Also, please be sure to familiarize yourself with all the necessary documents you can find here. For any additional information, please contact esf.secretariat@ifrc.org

ESF Application Guide

* We encourage you to be cognizant of ethical considerations when testing your solution.

Category under which application is made

Primary contact's position in National Society

Primary contact's email address

Secondary conctact's position in National Society

Secondary contact's email address

A hypothesis is a way of getting very precise and structured in the framing of your assumptions to lay the foundation for effective learning.

	Testable Hypothesis: What specific hypothesis or hypotheses will you test to evaluate the reasoning behind your solution?	Probability: How likely do you think it is that your hypothesis will be proven true? Please provide a probability estimate between 0% (not at all likely) and 100% (absolutely certain).	Method: How will you test this hypothesis?	Learning: What do you expect to learn from the results or your testing? How will what you learn inform the next steps for your initiative?