The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) is an international grant-making initiative that supports innovative solutions designed to reduce poverty and inequality.
Hosted by the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), the fund provides financial support to organisations that want to test new ideas, measure their effectiveness and expand successful development projects.
Unlike many funding programmes that operate through a single annual application window, FID accepts applications throughout the year through its online application platform.
The fund supports organisations working in different development sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, climate change, financial inclusion, technology and economic development.
Its funding model is designed to support projects at different stages, from early pilots to large-scale expansion.
What Does the Grant Cover?
FID offers several funding stages depending on the maturity and evidence behind the proposed project.
The available funding levels include:
Funding Stage
Maximum Funding
Preparation for a pilot or impact evaluation
Up to €50,000
Pilot stage
Up to €200,000
Impact evaluation stage
Up to €1,500,000
Transition to scale
Up to €4,000,000
Innovation and Public Policy
Up to €500,000
Evidence and Public Policy
Up to €500,000
The preparation grants are being redesigned, with their next application window expected in 2027. Other stages are listed on the current application platform.
Supported activities can include:
Testing innovative development solutions.
Expanding successful education programmes.
Improving access to healthcare.
Developing innovative agricultural solutions.
Improving livelihoods and economic opportunities.
Evaluating the impact of existing interventions.
Scaling projects that have already demonstrated positive results.
Supporting evidence-based public policy.
FID expects funded projects to demonstrate measurable impact, cost-effectiveness and a credible pathway towards long-term sustainability.
Who Can Apply?
FID welcomes applications from legally constituted organisations, including:
Non-governmental organisations.
Local and international nonprofit organisations.
Registered associations.
Foundations.
Universities and research institutions.
Social enterprises.
Cooperatives.
Eligible public institutions.
Partnerships between eligible organisations.
Individuals applying independently are not eligible.
Projects must be implemented in countries eligible for official development assistance.
Applicants should demonstrate:
A clearly identified development challenge.
An innovative solution.
A credible Theory of Change.
Evidence supporting the proposed intervention.
A realistic implementation and monitoring plan.
Potential for cost-effective impact.
A credible strategy for scaling and sustaining the solution.
FID does not generally fund emergency humanitarian aid or infrastructure projects as standalone activities.
How to Apply
Visit the official FID website.
Read the current Call for Proposals and eligibility requirements.
Identify the funding stage that matches your project's development.
Prepare a detailed description of the problem and proposed solution.
Develop your Theory of Change.
Prepare the project budget and supporting evidence.
Register on the official FID application platform.
Select the appropriate funding stage.
Complete and submit the application in English or French.
Applications are submitted through the official online platform throughout the year.
Important Information
Maximum funding: Up to €4 million at the transition-to-scale stage.
Application deadline: Rolling; no fixed annual deadline.
Target applicants: Legally registered organisations.
Geographic scope: ODA-eligible countries.
Sectors: Multiple development sectors.
Application language: English or French.
Funding approach: Pilot, testing, impact evaluation and scale-up.
The fund does not automatically provide additional funding to organisations that receive an earlier grant. Each funding stage requires a separate application and assessment.
FID also states that the first funding disbursement may take approximately 12 months after an application is submitted. Organisations should plan accordingly.
Official Application and Information Links
Source Attribution: Based on the official FID application platform, current Call for Proposals information and official eligibility FAQ