Applications are open for the Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) 2026 Call for Proposals, a global funding opportunity supporting innovative solutions that address poverty, inequality, and sustainable development challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
Established in 2021 and chaired by Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo, FID supports innovators, researchers, NGOs, governments, social enterprises, and private sector organizations to test, evaluate, and scale high-impact solutions capable of improving lives at scale.
Unlike many grant programmes, FID funds projects at multiple stages of development, from early-stage concepts to large-scale implementation. The fund uses a rigorous evidence-based approach to identify innovations that can deliver measurable and cost-effective results for vulnerable populations.
Funding Categories
1. Preparation for a Pilot
💰 Up to €50,000
Supports organizations developing proposals for pilot-stage projects. Priority is given to organizations based in ODA-eligible countries.
2. Preparation for an Impact Evaluation
💰 Up to €50,000
Supports the design and preparation of rigorous impact evaluations.
3. Pilot Stage
💰 Up to €200,000
Supports innovations that have already been prototyped and are ready for testing under real-world conditions.
4. Impact Evaluation
💰 Up to €1.5 Million
Funds rigorous evaluations that measure whether an innovation creates meaningful impact using scientifically robust methods.
5. Scale-Up Stage
💰 Up to €4 Million
Supports proven innovations with demonstrated impact that are ready to expand and reach larger populations.
6. Innovation and Public Policy
💰 Up to €500,000
Supports public institutions seeking to integrate innovative solutions into public policy systems.
7. Evidence and Public Policy
💰 Up to €500,000
Supports public entities aiming to strengthen the use of evidence and impact data in policymaking.
Eligible Applicants
FID accepts applications from:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community and civil society organizations
- Research institutes and universities
- Government agencies and public institutions
- Social enterprises
- Private companies
- Partnerships and consortiums
Not Eligible
- Individuals applying independently
- Public international and multilateral institutions (including UN agencies and international financial institutions)
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on three key criteria:
Evidence of Impact
Applicants must demonstrate a credible theory of change and provide evidence that the innovation can improve outcomes for target populations.
Cost-Effectiveness
Projects should show potential to achieve better results at lower cost or with greater efficiency than existing alternatives.
Scale and Sustainability
Applicants must demonstrate how the innovation can expand and continue operating beyond FID support.
Application Process
- Submit an online application through the FID portal.
- Applications undergo an initial review.
- Shortlisted applicants enter a collaborative review process and provide additional information.
- Applications are assessed by an independent review committee.
- Successful projects proceed to due diligence before funding approval.
Application Deadline
📅 No Deadline – Applications Accepted Year-Round
FID operates an open call system and reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
