Apply Now: IFAD Opens US$1.2 Million Grant to Advance Rural Policy and Investment

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a new call for proposals, inviting qualified organisations from around the world to apply for a grant of up to US$1.2 million to implement an initiative aimed at strengthening rural development policies and investment.

The initiative, titled “Leveraging IFAD’s Rural Sector Performance Assessment (RSPA) for Policy and Investment,” seeks to improve the use of evidence-based assessments in shaping rural development strategies, enhancing public investment, and supporting sustainable agricultural transformation.

Through this grant, IFAD aims to work with an experienced implementing partner that can help expand the application of the Rural Sector Performance Assessment framework, enabling governments and development partners to make better-informed decisions that improve the lives and livelihoods of rural communities.

Grant Value

Successful applicants may receive up to US$1.2 million in grant funding to implement the project in line with IFAD’s objectives.

Who Can Apply?

The call for proposals is open to legally registered organisations with the technical capacity and experience to deliver the project. Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Non-profit organisations
• Universities and academic institutions
• Research institutes and think tanks
• Private sector organisations
• Other legally registered entities with relevant expertise

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong experience in rural development, agricultural policy, research, data analysis, institutional capacity building, and investment planning.

Project Focus

The selected organisation will support the implementation and wider adoption of IFAD’s Rural Sector Performance Assessment framework by:

• Strengthening evidence-based rural policy development
• Supporting governments in improving rural sector performance assessments
• Promoting informed public and private investment decisions
• Enhancing knowledge sharing and capacity development
• Contributing to sustainable rural transformation and agricultural development

The initiative is expected to generate practical insights that can guide policymakers and development stakeholders in designing more effective rural development interventions.

Funding Requirements

Applicants should note that counterpart financing is required:

• 20% counterpart contribution for most eligible organisations.
• 25% counterpart contribution for private sector applicants.

Application Timeline

Interested organisations should take note of the following deadlines:

• Optional Expression of Interest (EOI): 31 July 2026
• Full Proposal Submission Deadline: 4 September 2026 at 12:00 CET

Late submissions will not be considered.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations are encouraged to carefully review the call for proposals, application requirements, evaluation criteria, and supporting documentation before submitting their proposals, you can submit HERE.

This funding opportunity presents a significant opportunity for organisations working in rural development, agriculture, research, and public policy to contribute to strengthening evidence-based decision-making and improving investment outcomes for rural communities worldwide.

For complete eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and submission details, applicants should visit IFAD’s official call for proposals page.