🌍 Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) 2026: Grants for Innovative Development Projects Worth Up to €4 Million

🌍 Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) 2026: Grants for Innovative Development Projects Worth Up to €4 Million. The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) provides grant funding to support innovative solutions that can improve people’s lives, generate reliable evidence of impact and expand to reach more communities.

The FID funding programme supports projects at different stages of development, from testing promising ideas in real-world conditions to evaluating proven interventions and scaling effective solutions. It also supports public entities seeking to integrate innovation and impact evidence into public policy.

For eligible organisations working in low- and middle-income countries, the programme offers an opportunity to secure substantial financial support for evidence-based development projects.

Unlike traditional scholarship programmes, FID is intended for organisations and project teams rather than individuals applying independently. Funding is awarded according to the maturity of the innovation, the potential impact on poverty and inequality, cost-effectiveness and the project’s ability to scale sustainably.

Applications can be submitted throughout the year through the official online platform, subject to the availability and conditions of the relevant funding stage.

📌 FID Grants 2026 — Overview

Detail	Information
Programme	Fund for Innovation in Development (FID)
Funding type	Grants for innovative development projects
Main objective	Reduce poverty and inequality through effective, evidence-based innovation
Target applicants	Legally constituted organisations and eligible project teams
Eligible applicant types	NGOs, associations, universities, research institutions, foundations, companies, social enterprises, cooperatives and public entities, subject to stage-specific rules
Project locations	Eligible official development assistance (ODA) countries, subject to exclusions and the official call
Maximum pilot grant	Up to €200,000
Maximum impact evaluation grant	Up to €1,500,000
Maximum scale-up grant	Up to €4,000,000
Public policy grants	Up to €500,000 for each applicable funding stage
Preparation grants	Up to €50,000; the next application window is expected in 2027
Application deadline	Open year-round; individual funding-stage availability may vary
Application language	English or French
Application method	Online application platform

🌟 About the Fund for Innovation in Development

The Fund for Innovation in Development supports promising ideas that have the potential to tackle poverty and inequality. Its approach combines grant funding with the development and assessment of evidence to determine whether innovative solutions work, how cost-effective they are and whether they can be deployed on a larger scale.

Rather than supporting every project in the same way, FID uses a staged funding model. This allows an organisation to seek funding appropriate to the maturity of its innovation.

For example, an organisation with a solution that has already undergone initial prototyping may seek support to test it in real-world conditions. A project with promising pilot results may apply for a rigorous impact evaluation. An intervention with demonstrated impact may seek support to expand its reach.

FID also supports public entities that want to integrate effective innovations or impact evidence into their policies and decision-making processes.

The programme is open to innovative projects across sectors. What matters is not simply whether an idea is new, but whether it has a credible pathway to improve development outcomes, use resources effectively and reach a larger population sustainably.

💶 FID Funding Stages and Maximum Grant Amounts

FID has several funding entry points, allowing organisations to apply at the stage that matches their project’s development.

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1. Pilot Stage — Up to €200,000

The Pilot Stage supports innovations that have completed an initial prototyping phase and are ready to be tested in real-world conditions.

This funding is suitable for organisations that have developed a promising solution and need to determine whether it can work in practice.

Examples of projects that could potentially fit this stage include:

• Innovative educational approaches designed to improve learning outcomes.
• Agricultural solutions intended to improve smallholder productivity.
• Digital tools that improve access to essential services.
• New approaches to delivering healthcare or social protection.
• Interventions designed to improve livelihoods in underserved communities.

These are illustrative examples, not a list of projects guaranteed to qualify.

What applicants should demonstrate: a clear development challenge, a credible theory of change, an appropriately designed pilot and a plan for monitoring results and generating evidence.

2. Impact Evaluation Stage — Up to €1,500,000

The Impact Evaluation Stage supports rigorous evaluation of an innovation that has already been tested in real-world conditions.

The purpose is to establish whether the intervention produces the intended results and to measure the effects attributable to it.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the innovation has reached an appropriate level of maturity and has been tested through a pilot or equivalent real-world implementation.

A credible impact evaluation generally requires a suitable research design, a clear outcome framework and an appropriate comparison or counterfactual approach.

This stage may be relevant to organisations that have implemented a programme and now need stronger evidence to guide decisions about its future.

3. Scale-Up Stage — Up to €4,000,000

The Scale-Up Stage is designed for innovations whose impact has already been rigorously demonstrated.

It supports the expansion of effective solutions so they can benefit a wider population.

Potentially relevant projects could include proven interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, public services or economic inclusion that are ready for wider deployment.

Applicants need to demonstrate more than promising early results. They should provide evidence of impact and cost-effectiveness, alongside a credible plan for expanding operations.

A strong proposal should explain how the intervention will reach more people, which partnerships are required, how implementation will be financed and how quality and results will be maintained as the project grows.

Important: Receiving funding at one stage does not automatically guarantee funding at a later stage. Each application is assessed independently.

4. Innovation and Public Policy Stage — Up to €500,000

This funding stage supports public entities seeking to integrate a specific innovation into public policy and generate evidence to inform its potential scale-up.

The objective is to help eligible public-sector applicants adapt and incorporate an innovation into policy or public service delivery.

Applications should explain the policy challenge, the innovation being considered, the role of the public entity and how evidence will inform implementation and future expansion.

5. Evidence and Public Policy Stage — Up to €500,000

This stage supports public entities that want to strengthen the use of impact evidence in decision-making.

Projects may focus on developing or improving the systems, skills, resources and processes needed to use reliable evidence when designing and implementing public policies.

This may be relevant to government bodies seeking to improve evidence-informed planning, evaluation and public resource allocation.

The exact eligibility conditions and required institutional commitments should be checked in the official call documents.

6. Preparation for a Pilot — Up to €50,000

This preparation grant is intended to support the development of a proposal for a future pilot project.

However, FID indicates that its preparation grants are being redesigned. The next application window is expected to open in 2027.

Applicants interested in this stage should monitor the official website for updated requirements and reopening announcements.

7. Preparation for an Impact Evaluation — Up to €50,000

This preparation grant is intended to support the development of a proposal for a future impact evaluation.

Like the preparation-for-a-pilot grant, this category is being redesigned, with the next application window expected in 2027.

Do not assume that these two preparation categories are currently accepting applications simply because they appear in descriptions of FID’s overall funding model.

🎯 Who Can Apply for FID Grants?

FID welcomes applications from different types of legally constituted organisations, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicant categories can include:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs): Organisations working on poverty reduction, education, health, livelihoods and other development priorities.
• Associations and foundations: Organisations developing or supporting innovative social programmes.
• Universities and research institutions: Teams testing development interventions or evaluating their impact.
• Social enterprises: Organisations delivering innovative solutions to social or economic challenges.
• Private companies: Eligible businesses proposing innovations with a credible development impact.
• Cooperatives: Organised groups developing solutions that benefit communities or their members.
• Public entities: Eligible government or public-sector institutions applying to the relevant public policy funding stages.
• Consortia and partnerships: Eligible organisations collaborating to design, test, evaluate or scale a solution.

Who Is Not Eligible?

According to FID’s published eligibility information:

• Individuals applying independently are not eligible.
• International and multilateral public institutions are not eligible, including organisations such as United Nations bodies and international financial institutions.
• Organisations proposing projects outside the programme’s geographic eligibility rules are not eligible.
• Applicants who cannot demonstrate that their project meets the requirements of the selected funding stage may be rejected.

Being an NGO or social enterprise does not automatically make a proposal eligible. The organisation, project location, development objective and evidence must satisfy the relevant criteria.

🌍 Eligible Countries and International Applicants

FID’s geographic rules focus on projects implemented in countries eligible for official development assistance (ODA), using the relevant OECD list and the exclusions specified in FID’s current call.

FID’s published eligibility page excludes projects in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Applicants should verify the current country rules and any updates in the official call documents before submitting.

An organisation does not necessarily have to be registered in the country where its project will be implemented. FID’s FAQ states that applications may be submitted regardless of where the applicant is registered, subject to the programme’s geographic rules and any specific requirements for the selected stage.

Preparation grants have additional rules concerning the applicant organisation’s country of registration or nationality. Because these categories are being redesigned, applicants should review the latest guidance when the application window reopens.

Can Organisations in Zimbabwe Apply?

Organisations based in Zimbabwe can explore the programme, provided that the proposed project and applicant satisfy FID’s current eligibility requirements.

Before preparing an application, a Zimbabwe-based organisation should:

1. Check the current OECD ODA country list and FID’s country exclusions.
2. Confirm that the proposed project will be implemented in an eligible country.
3. Review any additional requirements for its chosen funding stage.
4. Confirm that the organisation is legally constituted and able to meet FID’s application requirements.
5. Make sure the project has a credible theory of change and a plan to demonstrate impact.

Eligibility should be confirmed against the current official call rather than assumed solely on the basis of an organisation’s location.

🧪 What Types of Projects Does FID Support?

FID considers projects across sectors rather than restricting funding to a single development theme. However, the proposal must demonstrate a credible contribution to reducing poverty or inequality.

Potential areas of innovation include:

Education and Skills Development

Projects designed to improve access to education, learning outcomes, teacher support or skills development may be relevant if they offer a credible improvement over existing approaches.

Agriculture and Food Security

Innovations that help smallholder farmers, improve productivity, reduce losses or strengthen access to agricultural services may be worth exploring.

Healthcare and Public Health

Projects addressing barriers to healthcare access, improving service delivery or testing more effective approaches to health challenges may be relevant.

Digital Inclusion and Technology

Technology-based interventions may be considered where they have a credible development objective, can be evaluated and offer the potential to reach underserved populations.

Poverty Reduction and Livelihoods

Solutions that improve employment opportunities, household incomes, financial inclusion or access to essential services may align with FID’s mission.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Innovations addressing barriers faced by underserved or vulnerable populations may be considered when the proposal demonstrates a credible pathway to measurable outcomes.

Public Policy and Governance

Eligible public entities may seek support to incorporate innovations or strengthen the use of impact evidence in policy decisions.

These examples describe possible areas of alignment. FID does not guarantee funding to any project merely because it operates in one of these sectors.

Important exclusion: FID states that it does not fund emergency humanitarian aid or infrastructure projects as such. A proposal must fit the programme’s innovation and evidence-based development mandate.

📊 How FID Evaluates Applications

FID assesses applications using three central criteria. The evidence expected from applicants depends on the stage of funding being requested.

1. Potential Impact

Applicants must explain how the innovation is expected to improve the lives of people living in poverty or vulnerable situations.

A strong proposal should identify the problem, explain why the current response is insufficient and show how the proposed activities are expected to produce better outcomes.

A clear theory of change is important. It should explain the connection between activities, outputs, outcomes and the intended longer-term impact.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

FID wants to understand whether an innovation can deliver better results, more efficiently or at a lower cost than existing alternatives.

Applicants should explain the project’s main costs, the expected results relative to those costs and, where relevant, how costs may change as the innovation expands.

A proposal should not simply claim that an intervention is affordable. It should provide a credible explanation of why the approach represents good value compared with the alternatives.

3. Scaling Potential and Sustainability

FID assesses whether an innovation can benefit more people over time and remain viable beyond the initial funding period.

Applicants should explain how the intervention could expand, what operational resources and partnerships will be needed, which risks could affect implementation and how the project might be financed sustainably.

The level of evidence required varies by stage. A pilot proposal is not expected to have the same proof of impact as a project applying for scale-up funding.

📑 Documents and Information to Prepare

The precise documentation required depends on the funding stage and the official application form. Applicants should review the current call guide and download the relevant templates before starting.

Preparation may include:

• Organisational information: Legal registration details, governance information and relevant organisational experience.
• Project description: The problem being addressed, target population, proposed solution and implementation approach.
• Theory of change: An explanation of how project activities are expected to produce the intended results.
• Evidence of innovation: Existing research, prototype results, pilot findings or other evidence appropriate to the funding stage.
• Monitoring and evaluation plan: The indicators and methods that will be used to measure progress and outcomes.
• Budget: A detailed, activity-based budget using FID’s official template.
• Implementation plan: Activities, milestones, responsibilities and the expected project timeline.
• Scaling and sustainability strategy: An explanation of how the project could expand and sustain its impact.
• Research protocol: Where required, particularly for relevant impact evaluation or scale-up applications.
• Partnership information: Details of collaborators and their respective roles, where applicable.

This is a preparation checklist, not a definitive list of mandatory attachments for every stage. Follow the current form and guidance for the selected grant.

📝 How to Apply for FID Grants in 2026

Applications are submitted through FID’s official online platform. The programme’s call is open throughout the year, although some funding categories may not currently be accepting applications.

Step 1: Visit the Official FID Website

Start by reading the programme overview and eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Read the Call for Proposals Guide

Review the official application guide carefully. It explains the programme’s requirements, funding stages and assessment criteria.

Do not rely only on summaries published by third-party websites.

Step 3: Select the Correct Funding Stage

Choose the funding stage that corresponds to the maturity of your innovation.

For example, a project ready for real-world testing may be more appropriate for the Pilot Stage, while a proven intervention seeking wider deployment may fit the Scale-Up Stage.

You can apply directly to an appropriate stage without necessarily having received previous funding from FID, provided you demonstrate that your project meets that stage’s requirements.

Step 4: Check Eligibility

Confirm that:

• Your organisation is legally constituted.
• Your project will be implemented in an eligible country.
• Your proposed activities align with FID’s mandate.
• Your innovation is sufficiently developed for the chosen stage.
• Your proposal meets the relevant evidence and operational requirements.

Step 5: Download the Application and Budget Templates

Review the application form and prepare your answers before completing the online application.

Use FID’s official budget template and any additional research protocol or supporting templates required for the relevant stage.

Step 6: Prepare a Strong Project Proposal

Clearly explain the development problem, proposed innovation, target population, expected results, implementation approach and evidence supporting the project.

Your proposal should also explain the costs, the plan for measuring impact and the potential for wider adoption.

Step 7: Submit the Application Online

Access the official application platform.

Create an account or sign in, select the relevant funding stage and complete the required sections.

Applications may be submitted in English or French.

Step 8: Monitor Your Application

FID reviews applications through a multi-stage assessment process. The team may request clarifications, additional information or supporting documents.

The official FAQ indicates that FID aims to notify applicants of a decision within approximately three months of receiving an application, although timing can vary. The FAQ also advises applicants to expect approximately twelve months between submission and the first funding disbursement.

These are indicative timeframes, not guarantees. Plan accordingly if your project depends on a particular start date.

🔍 What Happens After You Apply?

FID’s selection process includes several stages:

1. Initial review: The team checks eligibility, completeness and alignment with the selected funding stage.
2. Application assessment: Eligible proposals are assessed against impact potential, cost-effectiveness and scaling potential.
3. Collaborative review: Shortlisted teams may be asked for further information, clarification or supporting documents. External experts may also contribute.
4. Review Committee and due diligence: Selected applications are considered by a committee of qualified experts. A favourable recommendation is followed by compliance checks before the final funding decision.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. The organisation must satisfy the programme’s assessment and due diligence requirements.

💡 Tips for Developing a Competitive FID Proposal

🌍 Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) 2026: Grants for Innovative Development Projects Worth Up to €4 Million

Demonstrate a Clearly Defined Problem

Explain who is affected, how serious the problem is and why existing approaches are insufficient.

Explain What Is Innovative

Describe how your solution differs from current alternatives and why it has the potential to produce better results.

Use Credible Evidence

Support your proposal with relevant research, implementation experience, pilot findings or other evidence appropriate to the funding stage.

Make the Budget Transparent

Show how each major cost supports project activities and expected results. Explain the assumptions behind your estimates.

Choose the Right Funding Stage

Do not request scale-up funding for a solution that has not yet demonstrated its impact. Likewise, avoid applying to a preparation stage without checking whether it is currently open and whether you meet its specific conditions.

Plan for Sustainability

Explain what will happen after the grant ends, including potential financing, partnerships, institutional support or other arrangements needed to continue the work.

Be Accurate and Verifiable

Ensure that all data, results and references in the application are genuine and can be supported. FID permits the use of AI tools to help draft or structure an application, but applicants remain responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the information submitted.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an individual instead of through an eligible organisation.
• Failing to check the country eligibility rules.
• Selecting a funding stage that does not match the project’s maturity.
• Presenting an idea without explaining how its impact will be measured.
• Making unsupported claims about expected results.
• Submitting an incomplete or poorly justified budget.
• Treating the maximum grant amount as guaranteed funding.
• Assuming that a successful award at one stage guarantees a later grant.
• Applying to a preparation-grant category without checking its current status.
• Waiting for a fixed annual deadline when the call is open year-round, or assuming every funding stage is continuously available.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🌍 Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) 2026: Grants for Innovative Development Projects Worth Up to €4 Million

1. What is the Fund for Innovation in Development?

FID is a grant-making initiative that supports innovative solutions with the potential to reduce poverty and inequality. It funds projects at different stages, from real-world testing to impact evaluation, scale-up and public policy applications.

2. How much funding can an organisation receive?

The maximum grant depends on the stage. Pilot grants can reach €200,000, Impact Evaluation grants €1.5 million, Scale-Up grants €4 million, and the relevant public policy grants €500,000. Preparation grants have a ceiling of €50,000 but are expected to reopen in 2027.

3. Is the FID call open in 2026?

FID’s call for proposals is open throughout the year. However, the two preparation-grant categories are being redesigned, with the next application window expected in 2027. Check the live platform for the status of each stage.

4. Can an individual apply?

No. Individuals applying independently are not eligible. Applications must be submitted by eligible legally constituted organisations, independently or in partnership with other organisations.

5. Can NGOs apply?

Yes. NGOs and associations are among the applicant types FID welcomes, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

6. Can universities and research institutions apply?

Yes. Universities and research institutions can apply if the organisation and proposed project satisfy FID’s eligibility and funding-stage requirements.

7. Can a private company or social enterprise apply?

Yes. Eligible private companies and social enterprises can apply. The proposal must demonstrate a credible development impact and satisfy the programme’s assessment criteria.

8. Can organisations based in Zimbabwe apply?

Organisations in Zimbabwe can explore the opportunity, but they must confirm the current geographic eligibility rules, the project’s implementation location and the requirements of the selected funding stage.

9. Must a project already have proven results?

Not necessarily. The evidence requirement depends on the stage. Pilot projects need an appropriate plan for testing and generating evidence, while scale-up proposals must demonstrate that the innovation’s impact has already been established.

10. Is FID funding limited to a particular sector?

No. FID considers innovative projects across sectors, provided they align with its mission and assessment criteria. It does not fund emergency humanitarian aid or infrastructure projects as such.

11. Is there an application fee?

The official application information describes an online grant application process. Review the official website and platform for the current terms, and be cautious of unofficial requests for payment.

12. How long does the selection process take?

FID’s FAQ indicates that it aims to notify applicants within approximately three months of receiving an application. The actual timeline may vary, and the first disbursement may take considerably longer.

13. Can an organisation apply directly for the Scale-Up Stage?

Yes. Applicants may apply directly to the stage that matches their project, without having previously received FID funding. They must still demonstrate that they meet the evidence, maturity and operational requirements for that stage.

14. Where can I submit an application?

Use the official FID online application platform.

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🎯 Final Thoughts

🌍 Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) 2026: Grants for Innovative Development Projects Worth Up to €4 Million

🌍 Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) 2026: Grants for Innovative Development Projects Worth Up to €4 Million. The Fund for Innovation in Development offers a potential source of funding for organisations developing solutions to poverty and inequality. Its staged approach makes it possible to seek support for testing an innovation, measuring its impact, scaling a proven solution or strengthening the use of evidence in public policy.

For prospective applicants, the most important steps are to confirm eligibility, select the appropriate funding stage, prepare a credible evidence-based proposal and develop a transparent budget.

If your organisation has an innovative development project, review the official guidance and check the live application platform to identify the funding stage currently available for your work.

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