About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The DIV Fund is an open innovation fund designed to identify, test, and scale solutions that can significantly improve development outcomes. Its core mission is to act as a discovery engine for global development, supporting innovations that demonstrate measurable impact and long-term scalability.
The fund operates across sectors and welcomes a wide range of ideas—from new technologies to policy innovations and service delivery models—provided they show strong potential to create meaningful change.
What the DIV Fund Supports
The DIV Fund provides financial support to:
RFP database access
Pilot new development solutions
Rigorously test innovations using evidence-based methods
Scale proven interventions to reach millions
The fund is open to innovations in any sector, including health, education, climate, governance, and economic development, as long as they aim to improve the lives of people living in poverty.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Non-profit organizations
Social enterprises
Universities and research institutions
Private sector companies
Technical assistance providers
Multi-organization partnerships
Applicants must propose solutions targeting low- and middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank.
Social innovation platforms
DIV Fund’s Core Principles
All applications are evaluated based on three key criteria:
1. Evidence of Impact
Applicants must demonstrate a strong theory of change supported by credible evidence. The fund prioritizes innovations that show measurable improvements in outcomes such as health, income, or education.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
The DIV Fund supports solutions that deliver greater impact per dollar compared to existing alternatives. Applicants must clearly outline cost structures and expected benefits at scale.
Global poverty insights
3. Potential for Scale
Projects should demonstrate the ability to reach at least one million people within ten years, with a clear pathway to sustainable growth through public, private, or hybrid funding models.
Funding Tiers and Grant Amounts
The DIV Fund offers three funding stages, each aligned with the maturity of the innovation:
Stage 1: Piloting (Up to $200,000)
Supports early-stage innovations ready for real-world testing
Focus on feasibility, user demand, and initial outcomes
Ideal for solutions transitioning from prototype to pilot
Stage 2: Testing and Positioning for Scale (Up to $500,000)
Supports rigorous evaluation of impact and cost-effectiveness
Includes randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental methods
Helps refine models and prepare for scaling
Stage 3: Scaling (Up to $1.5 million)
Supports expansion of proven innovations
Requires strong evidence of impact and cost-effectiveness
Focus on achieving sustainable, large-scale implementation
Grant durations can extend up to five years, depending on project scope.
Development innovation ventures
Pathways to Scale
The DIV Fund recognizes different models for scaling innovations:
Public Pathway: Scaling through government or donor funding
Commercial Pathway: Scaling through market-based revenue models
Hybrid Pathway: Combining public funding and private revenue
Applicants must clearly define their pathway and demonstrate how their innovation will sustain impact over time.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Successful proposals typically include:
Funding opportunities guide
A clear and evidence-backed theory of change
Defined target population and expected impact
Realistic cost projections and funding needs
A credible plan for scaling and sustainability
Strong partnerships or pathways to adoption
The DIV Fund also prioritizes projects that generate high social returns, meaning significant long-term benefits relative to the size of the investment.
Why Apply?
The DIV Fund provides more than just funding—it offers a pathway to scale impactful solutions globally. Selected applicants benefit from:
Financial support across different innovation stages
Opportunities to generate rigorous evidence
Visibility among global development stakeholders
Potential to influence large-scale policy and investment decisions
Call for Proposals
The DIV Fund 2026 Request for Proposals presents a major opportunity for organizations and innovators committed to solving global poverty challenges. With its tiered funding model and strong emphasis on evidence and scalability, the fund is uniquely positioned to support ideas that can deliver lasting, large-scale impact.
International development news
Applicants are encouraged to carefully align their proposals with the fund’s core principles and clearly demonstrate how their innovation can improve lives at scale.
How to apply