Most grants have a closing date that sneaks up on you. This one does not. The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) accepts applications throughout the year, with grants running from €200,000 up to €4 million.
It is aimed at organisations with a real solution to poverty and inequality, and Nigerian organisations can apply if the project meets FID’s rules.
About the Programme
FID funds organisations to develop, test and scale innovations that improve life for people in low- and middle-income countries. It covers agriculture, education, healthcare, climate, digital technology and livelihoods.
It does not fund a project just because it uses new technology. You must show the development problem, how your solution works and why it beats what already exists.
Benefits
The money is matched to the stage your project has reached. These are ceilings, not guaranteed awards, and your request must be justified by your budget and activities.
- Pilot stage: up to €200,000 to test a prototyped innovation in real conditions.
- Impact evaluation stage: up to €1.5 million to rigorously measure the impact of a piloted solution.
- Scale-up stage: up to €4 million for solutions with proven impact that are ready to reach more people.
- Innovation and public policy stage: up to €500,000 for public entities embedding an innovation into policy.
- Evidence and public policy stage: up to €500,000 for public entities strengthening evidence-based policymaking.
Eligibility Criteria
- Legally constituted organisations: NGOs, social enterprises, private companies, universities, research institutions, foundations, cooperatives and public institutions.
- Consortia of eligible organisations can apply together.
- The project must be implemented in a country eligible for official development assistance.
- Individuals applying in a personal capacity are not accepted.
- United Nations bodies and international financial institutions are not eligible.
- Emergency humanitarian aid and pure infrastructure projects are not funded.
Reviewers score three things: potential impact, cost-effectiveness and potential to scale. Applications can be submitted in English or French.
Documents Needed to Apply
- A project proposal explaining the problem, innovation and planned activities.
- A theory of change showing how you will reach your outcomes.
- A budget in FID’s required template.
- Details of your organisation and project team.
- Evidence supporting the innovation, plus monitoring, evaluation or research plans where the stage requires them.
Funders read budgets closely. If yours needs structure, our business plan service can help you build the financials and cost-effectiveness case. You also need a registered entity, so confirm your status with the Corporate Affairs Commission first.
Key Details at a Glance
Programme: Fund for Innovation in Development Grants 2026
Organizer: Fund for Innovation in Development (FID)
Eligible location: Registered organisations with projects in ODA-eligible countries, including Nigeria
Funding available: €200,000 to €4 million depending on stage
Application deadline: Rolling, no fixed deadline
How to Apply
- Open the FID online application platform.
- Read the call-for-proposals guide and FAQs.
- Use FID’s decision tool to find the funding stage that matches your project.
- Download the application form and budget template.
- Prepare your proposal, budget and evidence, then submit through the platform.
Preparation grants of up to €50,000 are being redesigned, with the next window expected in 2027.
Final Thoughts
Rolling applications mean you can take time to get it right. A weak application sent fast loses to a strong one sent next month.
For more programmes with deadlines coming up, check our full list of latest opportunities.