Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) Grants

About this opportunity

FID grants €50,000 to €4 million for innovations tackling poverty and inequality across Africa. Apply year-round to NGOs, social enterprises, companies, research bodies and consortia—but not as an individual or from Burkina Faso, Mali or Niger.

Who can apply

• NGOs
• Social enterprises
• Private companies
• Research institutes
• Universities
• Public bodies
• Consortia of eligible organisations
• Organisations of any nationality

Not eligible

• Individuals applying alone
• Multilateral institutions
• Organisations based in Burkina Faso, Mali or Niger

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Full eligibility wording from the listing

Open to NGOs, social enterprises, private companies, research institutes, universities, public bodies and consortia of any nationality; projects in low- and middle-income countries are encouraged. Individuals applying alone and multilateral institutions are not eligible. Organisations based in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are currently excluded. Applications in English or French.

Documents you will need

• Project proposal describing the innovation and its link to poverty or inequality reduction
• Budget and financial projections
• Curriculum vitae or profiles of key team members
• Proof of organisational registration or legal status
• Evidence of previous relevant work or track record (if applicable)
• Letters of support from partners or beneficiary communities (typically required for later stages)

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How to apply, step by step

1. Go to the FID online application platform and log in or create a candidate account
2. Review the eligibility criteria and available funding stages (Preparation, Pilot, Impact Evaluation, Scale-up, and Policy stages)
3. Select the stage that matches your current needs and project maturity
4. Complete the online application form, providing project details, budget, team information and supporting documents
5. Submit your application through the platform—you can do this at any time of year

How applications are selected

What reviewers look for

• Link your innovation explicitly to poverty reduction or inequality—FID's core mandate is fighting poverty, not just any development goal
• Match your funding request to the right stage: preparation grants suit early-stage work needing research, pilots test proof of concept, scale-up grants are for proven models moving to larger impact
• Show evidence of team capability and previous delivery; FID funds organisations with track records, not ideas alone
• If your organisation is based in a low- or middle-income country, make this clear—FID encourages such applications
• Propose projects in FID's priority sectors: health, education, agriculture, energy, finance or NGO strengthening

Frequently asked questions

Guide written from the official programme page on 31 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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