Apply Now: Fund for Innovation in Development Offers Up to €4 Million in Grants

The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) is inviting applications from organisations, businesses, research institutions and development-focused groups seeking funding to develop, test and scale innovative solutions to poverty, inequality and other development challenges in low- and middle-income countries.

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The funding programme supports innovative projects across different sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, climate change, digital technology, financial inclusion, environmental sustainability and livelihoods.

Hosted by the French Development Agency (AFD), FID provides financial support to projects at different stages of development, helping innovators test new ideas, measure their effectiveness and expand solutions that have demonstrated significant development impact.

Unlike conventional grant programmes that support only early-stage ideas, FID provides funding for both emerging innovations and established solutions with evidence of measurable results.

How Much Funding Is Available?

FID offers different grant categories depending on the maturity of the proposed innovation and the evidence available to support it.

The available funding opportunities include:

• Pilot Grants – Up to €200,000: Supports organisations seeking to test an innovative solution under real-world conditions after completing the initial development and prototyping stages.
• Impact Evaluation Grants – Up to €1.5 Million: Provides funding for organisations that have already piloted their innovations and want to conduct rigorous evaluations to establish their effectiveness and development impact.
• Scale-Up Grants – Up to €4 Million: Supports proven innovations that are ready for expansion and wider implementation to reach more beneficiaries.
• Innovation and Public Policy Grants – Up to €500,000: Supports public institutions seeking to integrate innovative solutions into public policies and generate evidence to inform wider adoption.
• Evidence and Public Policy Grants – Up to €500,000: Helps public institutions strengthen their ability to use impact evidence in policymaking and improve evidence-based decision-making.

The grant amounts represent maximum funding limits rather than guaranteed awards. Applicants must justify their funding requests based on their proposed activities, project requirements and implementation plans.

FID also provides preparation grants of up to €50,000. However, these funding categories are currently being redesigned, with the next application window expected to reopen in 2027.

What Projects Are Eligible?

FID welcomes innovative proposals across different sectors, provided they demonstrate the potential to improve the lives of people experiencing poverty and inequality.

Eligible project areas include:

• Agriculture and food security initiatives.
• Education and skills development solutions.
• Healthcare delivery and access to essential services.
• Climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.
• Digital technology and innovation.
• Financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
• Employment creation and livelihood development.
• Governance and public service delivery.

Projects must demonstrate how their proposed solutions address identifiable development challenges and offer measurable improvements over existing approaches.

The fund does not support emergency humanitarian assistance or infrastructure projects as standalone activities.

Who Can Apply?

The funding opportunity is open to legally registered organisations and institutions from different countries, provided they satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and nonprofit organisations.
• Social enterprises and private companies.
• Universities and research institutions.
• Foundations and cooperatives.
• Government agencies and public institutions.
• Other legally constituted organisations and eligible partnerships.

Organisations may submit applications independently or collaborate with other eligible institutions through a consortium.

Projects must be implemented in countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the OECD framework. This makes the opportunity relevant to eligible organisations implementing development-focused projects in Nigeria and other qualifying African countries.

Individuals applying in their personal capacity are not eligible. International and multilateral public institutions, including United Nations organisations and international financial institutions, are also excluded.

What Are the Selection Criteria?

FID evaluates applications based on three major considerations:

1. Potential Development Impact

Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed innovation will improve the lives of people affected by poverty, inequality or other development challenges. Proposals should clearly explain the problem being addressed and the expected outcomes.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

The proposed solution must demonstrate the potential to deliver better development outcomes at a reasonable cost compared with existing alternatives.

3. Potential for Scale and Sustainability

Applicants must explain how their innovations can reach more beneficiaries and remain financially and operationally sustainable beyond the initial funding period.

The level of evidence required depends on the funding category. For instance, organisations seeking scale-up funding must demonstrate that their innovations have already been rigorously tested and have produced measurable results.

Required Application Documents

Interested organisations should prepare the relevant information and supporting documents for their chosen funding category.

These may include:

• A completed FID application form.
• A detailed project proposal explaining the innovation and development challenge.
• A comprehensive project budget using the programme’s official template.
• A theory of change outlining how the project will achieve its intended outcomes.
• Available research findings and evidence supporting the proposed innovation.
• Information about the applicant organisation and project team.
• Relevant monitoring, evaluation and research plans, where applicable.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the official Call for Proposals Guide to understand the documentation and evidence requirements for their preferred funding stage.

How to Apply

Interested organisations should visit the official Fund for Innovation in Development application portal and follow these steps:

1. Visit the FID application platform through the link below.
2. Review the official Call for Proposals Guide and eligibility requirements.
3. Use the programme’s decision-making tool to identify the appropriate funding category for the project.
4. Download and complete the relevant application form and budget template.
5. Prepare the project proposal and supporting documents.
6. Submit the completed application through the online application platform.

Applications are accepted in English or French.

Application Deadline: There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted throughout the year, allowing eligible organisations to submit proposals whenever they are ready.

Application Portal: https://fundinnovation.wiin.io/en/applications/application

Official Programme Website: https://fundinnovation.dev/en/launch-project