The Global Innovation Fund invests in evidence-based concepts with the potential to change the lives of millions of the worlds poorest people. Through their grants they give entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop and improve their ideas.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis for three stages of funding – Pilot, Test & Transition, and Scale. Available funding varies by stage.
Eligibility
Applicant
Any type of organization working in developing countries may apply for this grant. This includes:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Social enterprises
- Government agencies
- International organizations
- Research institutions
- For-profit businesses
Idea
GIF will fund innovative concepts that:
- Focus on the poor
- Are novel approaches
- Are evidence-based
- Can be widely applied in many different settings
- Have the potential to expand to reach millions of people
- Are led by strong, dynamic teams
- Are ready for investment
- Will produce new insight
- Have a clear role for GIF
- Take gender impacts into account
- Factor in climate risk and opportunity
Funding Stages
Pilot
Ideas in the Pilot Stage may apply for up to $230,000. Although these concepts are in the beginning stages, they must have a well thought out plan for developing and testing the idea. Funds at this stage may be spent on:
- Research and development
- Determining user demand
- Assessing outcomes and costs
- Conducting test studies
Test & Transition
Ideas in the Test & Transition Stage may apply for up to $2.3 million. These ideas have been tried at a smaller scale and shown promise for greater impact. Funds at this stage may be used for further growth and to produce additional evidence of the concept’s social impact.
Scale
Ideas in the Scale Stage may apply for up to $15 million. At this stage, concepts should have been rigorously tested and have a feasible plan to grow to impact millions of people. Evidence should support the financial, political, and logistical viability of the plan.
Funds may be used to adapt the idea to different locations and conditions, assess the most cost-effective methods for scaling up, and meet with partners.
Application Process
Every application must go through a multi-step process before being approved for funding.
- Initial application – Submit the online application.
- Follow- up call – A GIF team member will schedule a phone call to gather more information.
- Full application and due diligence – Applicants will be invited to submit a full application with more detailed information. Team members will also contact stakeholders, references, and experts in the field.
- Decision panel – A panel of senior GIF leadership and subject experts will convene to assess the full proposal and evidence gathered during due diligence.
- Funding agreement – If approved by the panel, GIF and the applicant will enter a funding agreement.
