Global Innovation Fund

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Description

The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) is a nonprofit, impact-first investment fund established in 2014 that supports social innovations aimed at improving the lives of people living on less than $5 per day in developing countries. GIF funds innovations across all sectors and stages—from early-stage pilots to large-scale implementation—focusing on novel, more effective solutions that are evidence-backed, scalable, and led by strong teams.

GIF offers a range of financial instruments including grants, loans (including convertible debt), and equity investments. Funding amounts vary widely, from $50,000 for early-stage projects to up to $15 million for large-scale initiatives. Beyond funding, GIF provides access to its network and technical assistance to help innovations succeed.

The fund emphasizes evidence-based approaches and has dedicated initiatives such as the "Innovating for Climate Resilience" and "Innovating for Gender Equality" sub-funds. Since 2015, GIF has backed 75 innovations, invested $123 million, and expects to benefit 156 million people by 2033.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, though the most recent application window closed on January 15, 2025. The team is currently reviewing proposals and will announce future calls for proposals on their website.

Due Dates

• Rolling submissions accepted; last application window closed January 15, 2025
• Future application windows will be announced on the Global Innovation Fund website

Funding Amount

• Funding ranges from $50,000 to $15 million
• Financial instruments include grants, loans (including convertible debt), and equity investments
• Funding is tailored to the stage and scale of the innovation

Eligibility

• Innovations must target people living in poverty in developing countries (typically those living on less than $5 per day)
• Open to all sectors and stages of innovation, from early pilots to large-scale implementation
• Projects should demonstrate potential for scalability, effectiveness, and be led by strong teams
• Applicants should review detailed eligibility and funding criteria on the What We Fund and Funding Stages pages

Application Process

• Interested applicants should carefully review the Funding Guidance before applying
• Applications are submitted online through the Global Innovation Fund portal
• The fund uses a staged approach to investment, matching funding type and amount to the maturity of the innovation
• After the recent application window closed, proposals are under review; future calls will be posted on the website

Additional Information

• GIF supports innovations with a strong evidence base and potential for large-scale impact
• Provides additional support including access to a global network and technical assistance
• Dedicated initiatives focus on climate resilience and gender equality
• The fund operates globally, investing in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and technology
• Impact highlights include 156 million people expected to benefit by 2033 and $123 million invested since 2015

External Links

• Global Innovation Fund Home
• What We Fund
• Funding Stages
• Apply for Funding / Funding Guidance
• Investments Portfolio
• 2023 Impact Report (PDF)
• Contact Page

Contact Information