Organizations, researchers, governments, NGOs, social enterprises, and private-sector innovators working to solve some of the world’s most pressing development challenges now have an exceptional opportunity to secure funding through the Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) Call for Proposals 2026.
The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) is a global initiative dedicated to identifying, testing, evaluating, and scaling innovative solutions that have the potential to reduce poverty and inequality around the world. Through a unique funding model built around evidence generation and impact measurement, FID supports promising projects from their earliest stages through large-scale deployment.
Unlike many traditional funding programs that focus only on mature projects, FID finances innovations throughout their entire lifecycle. This allows organizations to develop ideas, test solutions in real-world environments, rigorously evaluate impact, and expand successful interventions to reach millions of people.
Importantly, the FID Call for Proposals is open year-round, meaning eligible organizations can submit applications at any time.
What Is the Fund for Innovation in Development (FID)?
The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) is an international initiative designed to contribute to the reduction of global poverty and inequality by supporting innovative development solutions.
FID enables innovators and researchers to:
- Develop and test new ideas.
- Build rigorous evidence of impact.
- Evaluate what works through scientific methods.
- Scale successful solutions.
- Improve cost-effectiveness in development interventions.
- Strengthen public policies using evidence-based approaches.
The initiative supports a broad range of sectors, including:
- Health
- Education
- Climate action
- Agriculture
- Governance
- Employment
- Social protection
- Technology and innovation
- Economic inclusion
By financing evidence-driven innovations, FID aims to identify solutions capable of creating lasting and measurable change for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Why FID Matters
Many promising innovations never reach scale because organizations lack the resources needed to test, evaluate, and expand their ideas.
FID addresses this challenge through a staged funding model that provides support at every step of the innovation journey.
The fund focuses on three fundamental questions:
- Does the innovation create meaningful impact?
- Is it cost-effective compared to alternative approaches?
- Can it be sustainably scaled to reach larger populations?
Projects that successfully answer these questions may progress through multiple funding stages, receiving increasing levels of support as evidence of impact grows.
Funding Opportunities Available Through FID
FID offers seven distinct funding stages designed to match the maturity level of each innovation.
1. Preparation for a Pilot Grant
Funding Available: Up to €50,000
This funding stage supports organizations preparing innovative concepts for pilot implementation.
Funding may be used to:
- Strengthen project design.
- Develop implementation plans.
- Build monitoring systems.
- Prepare pilot proposals.
For this stage, FID gives special attention to organizations from countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA).
2. Preparation for an Impact Evaluation Grant
Funding Available: Up to €50,000
This grant helps organizations prepare for rigorous impact evaluations.
Funding may support:
- Evaluation design.
- Data collection planning.
- Research partnerships.
- Measurement frameworks.
Special consideration is also given to organizations from ODA-eligible countries.
3. Pilot Grant
Funding Available: Up to €200,000
This stage supports innovations that have completed initial prototyping and are ready to be tested under real-world conditions.
The objective is to:
- Validate the innovation.
- Test operational feasibility.
- Generate early evidence.
- Refine implementation models.
4. Impact Evaluation Grant
Funding Available: Up to €1.5 Million
This stage funds rigorous evaluations designed to determine whether an innovation produces measurable outcomes.
FID specifically supports evaluations using counterfactual methodologies.
To qualify, projects must already have been tested under real-world conditions through a pilot phase.
5. Scale-Up Grant
Funding Available: Up to €4 Million
This is the largest funding stage offered by FID.
The Scale-Up Grant supports proven innovations that have demonstrated strong evidence of impact and are ready for broader deployment.
Funding may support:
- Geographic expansion.
- Institutional partnerships.
- Systems strengthening.
- Large-scale implementation.
6. Innovation and Public Policy Grant
Funding Available: Up to €500,000
This funding stream is specifically designed for public entities seeking to integrate innovative solutions into public policy and government programs.
Recipients must commit to using impact evidence to inform future scaling efforts.
7. Evidence and Public Policy Grant
Funding Available: Up to €500,000
This grant helps public institutions strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
Funding may support:
- Data systems.
- Evidence generation.
- Institutional capacity-building.
- Policy evaluation frameworks.
- Decision-making processes.
Who Can Apply?
FID welcomes applications from a wide range of organizations and institutions.
Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by:
- Research institutes.
- Universities and higher education institutions.
- Government agencies.
- Public-sector organizations.
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Nonprofit organizations.
- Private companies.
- Social enterprises.
- Partnerships and consortiums.
Organizations may apply independently or collaborate with other partners.
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Individuals applying independently.
- Public international institutions.
- Multilateral institutions.
Geographic Eligibility
FID accepts applications from innovators and researchers of all nationalities and regions.
The fund particularly encourages applications from organizations based in low- and middle-income countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) according to OECD criteria.
However, organizations based in the following countries are currently excluded:
- Burkina Faso
- Mali
- Niger
Languages Accepted
Applications can be submitted in:
- English
- French
How FID Evaluates Applications
FID uses a rigorous selection framework built around three primary evaluation criteria.
1. Evidence of Impact
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A strong theory of change.
- Existing supporting evidence.
- Appropriate evaluation methodologies.
- Potential for measurable development outcomes.
2. Cost and Potential Cost-Effectiveness
Applicants should show:
- Efficient use of resources.
- Comparative advantages over alternative solutions.
- Potential for lower-cost delivery.
- Long-term financial efficiency.
3. Scale and Financial Sustainability
Projects are assessed on:
- Scalability.
- Sustainability.
- Long-term viability.
- Potential to continue beyond FID support.
Requirements may vary depending on the funding stage selected.
FID Application Process
FID reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Step 1: Create an Account
Applicants must create an account or log in through the official FID application platform.
Step 2: Review Resources
Before applying, organizations are encouraged to:
- Read the FAQ section.
- Review funding stage requirements.
- Examine eligibility criteria.
- Download and review the application form template.
Step 3: Submit an Online Application
Applications must be submitted exclusively through FID’s online portal.
No applications submitted outside the online system will be accepted.
Step 4: Initial Screening
The FID team reviews applications to determine:
- Eligibility.
- Alignment with FID’s mission.
- Completeness of application.
- Fit with the requested funding stage.
Step 5: Collaborative Review
Shortlisted applicants enter the Collaborative Review stage.
During this phase:
- Additional documentation may be requested.
- Stakeholders may be consulted.
- External experts may provide input.
Step 6: Review Committee Assessment
Applications that advance are evaluated by an independent Review Committee composed of qualified experts.
The committee provides recommendations regarding funding decisions.
Step 7: Due Diligence and Final Approval
Projects approved by the Review Committee undergo compliance checks and due diligence reviews before funding is awarded.
Application Deadline
There is currently no fixed application deadline.
The FID Call for Proposals remains open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed as they are received.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals as soon as they are ready.
Why You Should Apply
FID provides much more than financial support.
Successful applicants gain access to:
- Flexible funding tailored to project maturity.
- Evidence-generation support.
- Opportunities to scale successful innovations.
- Increased visibility and credibility.
- Access to development and research networks.
- Potential influence on public policy and development practice.
For organizations committed to creating sustainable solutions to poverty and inequality, FID represents one of the most significant global funding opportunities available today.
How to Apply
To apply:
- Create an account on the FID application platform.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Read the FAQs and funding guidelines.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all required information and supporting documents.
For additional information about funded projects, events, and the FID methodology, visit the official FID website and application portal.
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