Year-round grant competition accepting proposals for innovative international development solutions to improve the lives of those in poverty.
Development Innovation Ventures funding intends to support new technologies, new ways of delivering or financing goods and services, new business models, policy innovations and other early-stage innovations with the aim to, “transition the best innovations with proven impact to scale to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.”
Per an amendment posted November 1st, the grant opportunity provides tiered funding at four stages, with awards typically for 3 years:
- Stage 1: Pilot < $200,000
- Stage 2: Testing & Positioning for Scale < $1,500,000
- Stage 3: Transitioning to Scale < $15,000,000
- Stage 4: Evidence Generation , $1,500,000
Eligibility to apply is broad, with businesses, social entrepreneurs, individuals, researchers and non-profits from countries where USAID operates all able to apply. Sector eligibility is just as broad, with education, environment, energy, democracy and economic development projects all of interest to grantmakers.
USAID cautions that pre-prototype innovations, projects with limited potential to scale, basic scientific research and innovations that target high-income customers are unlikely to be funded.
Ready to pilot? To scale? Unsure of the USAID application process, or not clear on the SAM requirements? Leverage our expertise in grant writing, editing and the federal application process by getting in touch below.
Read the full opportunity, including selection criteria and the evaluation matrix, at grants.gov.