The Due Diligence Fund (DDF) 5th Call for Proposals 2026 is now open, offering significant funding opportunities for innovative partnerships working to strengthen human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) in global agricultural supply chains. Implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and managed by GIZ, this fund supports transformative, scalable, and practical solutions that go beyond compliance to create sustainable and ethical supply chains.
With grants of up to €250,000 available, this initiative aims to support impactful projects that improve working conditions, protect the environment, and promote inclusive development—particularly in agricultural sectors across developing countries.
About the Due Diligence Fund (DDF)
The Due Diligence Fund is a strategic funding mechanism designed to promote responsible business practices in global agricultural supply chains. It focuses on enabling companies and organizations to implement effective due diligence systems that address environmental risks and human rights concerns.
Core Objectives of the DDF
- Promote innovative and practical HREDD approaches
- Strengthen sustainable agricultural supply chains
- Improve living and working conditions of primary producers
- Encourage partnerships between private sector and non-profits
- Generate scalable and transferable solutions
What is New in the 5th Call (DDF5)
The fifth funding round builds on lessons learned from previous cycles and introduces an enhanced funding structure.
Key Highlights:
- Two funding windows available
- Grants of up to €250,000 per project
- Focus on larger, more comprehensive initiatives
- Strengthened emphasis on scalability and innovation
- Alignment with global and EU due diligence regulations
What the Fund Offers
Selected projects will receive a comprehensive support package beyond financial assistance.
1. Financial Support
- Grants of up to €250,000
- Co-financing required from EU-based companies (depending on size)
2. Technical Assistance
- Guidance throughout project development and implementation
- Support from experts in HREDD and supply chain sustainability
3. Global Network Access
- Connection to international partners and stakeholders
- Access to industry expertise and knowledge-sharing platforms
4. Visibility and Knowledge Sharing
- Public dissemination of project findings
- Contribution to industry-wide learning and best practices
Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities
The DDF supports projects addressing critical issues in agricultural supply chains, including:
- Deforestation-free supply chains
- Climate change and biodiversity protection
- Digital inclusion in agriculture
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Living incomes and fair wages
Special emphasis is placed on projects supporting gender equality, in recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Why Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) Matters
Global agricultural supply chains are increasingly required to address environmental and human rights risks. International frameworks and regulations such as:
- UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct
- German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)
- EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD)
- EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR)
have made due diligence a critical component of responsible business operations.
Benefits of Effective HREDD
- Improved transparency across supply chains
- Stronger relationships with suppliers
- Enhanced access to global markets
- Increased resilience and competitiveness
- Sustainable production practices
Types of Projects Supported
The DDF seeks projects that are:
- Innovative and practical
- Scalable and transferable
- Focused on primary production
- Designed to address real-world risks
Key Project Requirements:
- Demonstrate potential to reduce negative impacts
- Use a risk-based approach
- Follow a process-oriented methodology
- Go beyond minimum legal requirements
- Promote gender equality and inclusion
Programme Structure and Selection Process
The DDF application process consists of multiple stages:
1. Submission of Short Proposal
- Outline project concept and partnership structure
2. Shortlisting
- Selected applicants invited to submit a detailed proposal
3. Long Proposal Submission
- Comprehensive project plan with implementation strategy
4. Final Selection
- Projects evaluated and selected by GIZ and BMZ
- Successful applicants receive funding and technical support
Eligibility Criteria
Applications must be submitted by partnerships that include:
Required Partners:
- At least one company based in:
- European Union (EU)
- European Economic Area (EEA)
- Switzerland or the United Kingdom
AND
- At least one of the following:
- Company in a DAC-listed country
- Non-profit organization with relevant expertise
Additional Requirements:
- Private companies must be active in agricultural supply chains
- Co-financing required from European companies
- Strong collaboration between partners
How to Apply
The application process is structured into three steps:
Step 1: Review Application Documents
Applicants must carefully review:
- Terms and Conditions
- Application Templates:
- Template A (Applicant Information)
- Template B (Concept Note)
Step 2: Prepare Application
- Use supporting materials:
- Attend optional Q&A sessions
Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit all documents via email to: ddf@giz.de
- Details on submission can be found in the Application Templates
Application Deadline:
June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM CEST)
Q&A Sessions (Optional Support)
Applicants can join live Q&A sessions on:
- April 16
- April 22
- April 30
- May 6
These sessions provide guidance on improving application quality. Click here to register.
Programme Impact
The DDF has already supported:
- 30 projects across 4 funding rounds
- Innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture
- Practical solutions benefiting supply chain actors
Click HERE to learn more about the Due Diligence Fund (DDF) 5th Call for Proposals 2026.
For more global Grant opportunities, visit OFY HERE.
