The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has re-opened a call for proposals to select an implementing partner or consortium for the initiative “Leveraging IFAD’s Rural Sector Performance Assessment for Policy and Investment.” The initiative aims to strengthen policy assessment and improve the policy and investment environment for rural development.
The selected organisation or consortium will receive IFAD grant financing of up to US$1.2 million to implement the initiative. The call is focused on generating evidence and strengthening policy and investment decision-making for rural development.
About the Organization
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a United Nations specialized agency and international financial institution focused on investing in rural people and reducing poverty and hunger in rural areas.
IFAD works with governments, development partners, rural communities, farmers and other stakeholders to improve rural livelihoods, food systems, agricultural development and resilience.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to eligible:
- Non-profit organisations
- Private-sector companies
- Universities
- Think tanks
- Research institutes
- Consortia of eligible organisations
The selected recipient must demonstrate relevant institutional experience in the priority area and specific theme outlined in IFAD’s Grant Concept Note, as well as experience in the country or region where the grant will be implemented.
This is not an individual grant. Individuals cannot apply independently.
Funding
The total IFAD grant financing available is up to US$1.2 million.
Applicants are required to provide a counterpart contribution:
- Non-profit organisations, universities, think tanks and research institutes: at least 20% of the IFAD grant amount
- Private-sector institutions: at least 25% of the IFAD grant amount
In-kind contributions may be considered.
Example
If an organisation receives the full US$1.2 million IFAD grant:
- A non-profit or research institution would need a counterpart contribution of at least US$240,000.
- A private-sector institution would need at least US$300,000.
What will the Grant Support?
The initiative focuses on using Rural Sector Performance Assessment (RSPA) to strengthen policy assessment and investment decisions related to rural development.
The selected implementing partner will be expected to work according to the objectives, scope of work and deliverables outlined in IFAD’s Grant Identification Note and Grant Concept Note.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Project proposal using IFAD’s Grant Concept Note Template.
- Indicative activity-based budget.
- Self-certification of eligibility for IFAD grant financing.
- Brief institutional profile demonstrating relevant experience in the priority area, specific theme and implementation region/country.
The proposal must clearly address the objectives, scope of work, expected deliverables and indicative financial envelope.
How to Apply
Proposals should be submitted by email to grantapplication@ifad.org with the subject line:
“CFP RSPA Grant application”
Applicants should use the templates and guidance documents provided by IFAD before preparing their submission.
Eligible Countries
Global opportunity, subject to the specific country/region and eligibility requirements set out in the Grant Identification Note.
Organisations should therefore check the official grant documentation to confirm whether their country or proposed implementation area falls within the scope of the initiative.
Resources for applying
- Item 1. The Grant Identification Note
- Item 2. Grant Concept Note – Template
- Item 3.1 Self certification of eligibility for IFAD grant financing non-UN entities
- Item 3.2 Self certification of eligibility for IFAD grant financing UN entities
- Item 4. General Provisions Applicable to IFAD Grant Agreements
- Item 5. Evaluation methodology and criteria for the review of the submissions
- Item 6. Detailed Activity-based Budget – Template
- Item 7. Financial Management Guide for grant recipients
- Item 8. Guidance on eligible expenditure and budget preparation for grant-financed projects
- Item 9. IFAD13 priority replenishment commitments to be addressed through financing from the regular grants programme
- Item 10. Grant Design Document – Template
Additional Resources
Deadline
7 October 2026
Proposals must be received no later than 23:59 CEST (UTC+2), Rome time, on 7 October 2026. IFAD has confirmed that previously submitted proposals remain valid, while existing applicants may also submit an updated or replacement proposal before the new deadline.
