Applications are open on a rolling basis. The DIV Fund supports evidence-driven innovations that could cost-effectively improve the lives of large numbers of people in low- and middle-income countries. Nonprofits, social enterprises, universities, researchers, technical-assistance providers and businesses may qualify, but applications must propose an innovation already beyond the prototype stage—not a general request for operating expenses.
DIV Fund financing at a glance
- Stage 1: Piloting — up to US$200,000 for real-world testing of promising post-prototype approaches.
- Stage 2: Testing — normally up to US$500,000 to build stronger evidence and prepare for scale; exceptional awards may go higher under the RFP.
- Stage 3: Scaling — up to US$1.5 million for solutions with demonstrated results and scale potential.
- Deadline: Rolling, with online applications accepted throughout the year.
- Geographic impact: Low- and middle-income countries.
What makes a proposal competitive?
The fund emphasizes three linked tests: evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness relative to alternatives, and a credible pathway to durable scale. Its ambition is to back solutions with the potential to affect at least a million people over time. Evidence expectations rise by funding stage: a sound theory of change can support a Stage 1 application, while later stages require stronger real-world results or commercial viability.
Who can apply—and who should not?
The official DIV application page describes an open competition across organizational types. The published request for proposals lists nonprofits, social enterprises, universities, research institutions, technical-assistance providers supporting government innovation, businesses and combinations of organizations. Individuals are not eligible. Innovations that remain at idea or lab-only prototype stage are also not ready for this fund.
Application process
First read the current DIV Fund Request for Proposals and applicant FAQs. Choose the stage that fits your evidence and implementation maturity: there is no requirement to receive Stage 1 support before applying for Stage 2 or 3. Submit the initial application using DIV’s online portal; shortlisted proposals undergo closer diligence on research design, budget, team, risks and scalability. The fund warns against incomplete, duplicative or primarily AI-generated proposals that lack applicant ownership and real context.
How organizations can prepare
Document the problem, intervention, pilot history, plausible beneficiaries, unit economics and alternatives. Include a realistic plan for collecting evidence, and explain who would finance or adopt the intervention at scale. For an evidence inventory and proposal-risk review, use the Africads Grant Funding Toolkit. Treat AI as a drafting aid, not a substitute for genuinely owned evidence and judgment.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed deadline?
No. DIV currently describes its application process as rolling throughout the year.
Can an NGO apply?
Yes, nonprofits are among eligible institution types, provided the innovation meets the fund’s criteria.
Must applicants start at Stage 1?
No. Apply for the stage matching your innovation’s current maturity and existing evidence.
Does the fund support idea-stage proposals?
No. The innovation must already have real-world implementation beyond a laboratory-only concept.
Can a commercial venture qualify?
Yes. DIV considers public, commercial and hybrid pathways to sustainable scale, with evidence requirements tailored to the pathway.
Conclusion
DIV is a strong option for organizations that can explain not only why their solution matters, but why it can achieve measurable results more cost-effectively at scale. Review the official application portal and current RFP before submitting. To discover other calls, subscribe to Africads Grant News.
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026. Rolling availability may change; check the donor portal before applying.
