Innovations for Poverty Action Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI) Call for Proposals 2026: Funding Research for Sustainable Impact

The Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI), a collaborative effort by Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), has officially launched its Fifth Call for Proposals (Round V). This funding opportunity is designed to support high-quality research and innovative solutions aimed at improving livelihoods for displaced populations and host communities worldwide.

Backed by funding from the IKEA Foundation, the initiative seeks to generate actionable insights that influence policies, strengthen programs, and create sustainable economic opportunities for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Overview of the Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI)

The DLI focuses on funding projects that provide rigorous, evidence-based insights into what works in improving livelihoods for displaced populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Types of Projects Supported

DLI supports a wide range of research and programmatic efforts, including:

• Impact Evaluations
  Rigorous studies that measure the effectiveness of interventions.
• Pilot Projects
  Early-stage initiatives testing innovative ideas before scaling.
• Exploratory Studies
  Research that helps identify new pathways or hypotheses.
• Infrastructure and Public Goods Projects
  Initiatives that build systems or tools benefiting broader communities.

New Additions in Round V

Round V introduces two new funding categories aimed at expanding participation and knowledge dissemination:

1. Evidence Use Grants
   Designed to help policymakers and practitioners apply research findings effectively.
2. Conference Travel Grants
   Supporting researchers—especially those with lived experience of displacement—to present findings and engage with global audiences.

Additionally, a portion of funding is specifically reserved for:

• Researchers with lived experience of displacement
• Projects partnering with refugee-led organizations

This ensures that research is not only inclusive but also grounded in real-world experiences.

Key Research Priority Areas

DLI encourages proposals that address critical issues affecting displaced populations and host communities. Priority themes include:

• Resilience
  Strengthening the ability of individuals and communities to adapt and recover.
• Entrepreneurship
  Supporting small businesses and self-employment opportunities.
• Wage Employment
  Improving access to stable and fair employment.
• Social Cohesion, Inclusion, and Norms
  Promoting harmonious coexistence between displaced and host communities.
• Rights and Regulations
  Understanding and improving legal and policy frameworks affecting livelihoods.

Application Process Explained

Unlike previous rounds, submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) is mandatory for all applicants.

Step-by-Step Application Flow

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
   • Required to proceed to full proposal stage
   • Provides early feedback from DLI reviewers
2. EOI Review and Feedback
   • Selected applicants receive detailed feedback
   • Only shortlisted teams are invited to submit full proposals
3. Full Proposal Submission
   • Comprehensive project plan submitted via IPA
4. Final Selection and Award Announcement

Important Dates (Round V)

• Mid-April 2026: Call for Proposals Announced
• May 15, 2026: Mandatory Expression of Interest Deadline
• Week of June 8, 2026: EOI Decisions Released
• July 24, 2026: Full Proposal Submission Deadline
• September 2026: Award Winners Announced

Note: EOIs submitted after the deadline may still be accepted, but will not receive detailed feedback, reducing chances of success.

Why Apply for the DLI Grant?

Participating in the DLI Call for Proposals offers several benefits:

• Access to Funding for impactful and scalable research
• Global Recognition through collaboration with IPA and J-PAL
• Policy Influence by contributing to evidence-based decision-making
• Networking Opportunities with global researchers and practitioners
• Capacity Building through exposure to rigorous research methodologiesAPPLY HERE

Additional Resources for Applicants

Applicants are encouraged to explore the following before applying:

• Application Instructions
• Eligibility Quiz
• Proposal Tips
• Round V Changes Overview
• Previously Funded Projects

Information sessions (recorded) are also available for both researchers and policymakers to better understand the application process.

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

Discover more Global Grant Opportunities on OFY here.