The Agency Fund is a collaborative, multi-donor initiative dedicated to enhancing human development and social mobility by focusing on the science of human agency. Agency refers to the capacity of individuals to envision and work toward the futures they desire — a principle deeply tied to human dignity and potential. The organization believes that when people are empowered through relevant insights and motivating experiences, they can unlock transformative outcomes not just for themselves but also for their communities.

Leveraging recent advances in data, behavioral science, and technology, the Fund supports scalable approaches that activate human agency, particularly in disadvantaged settings. The Agency Fund’s work spans research, technical assistance, and funding for organizations that pioneer innovative, evidence-based methods to increase people’s sense of control and direction in life. Their strategic collaborations span nonprofits, policymakers, academic researchers, and industry experts to build public goods and drive systemic change. By investing in high-impact interventions at the intersection of agency, development, and mobility, the Fund aims to unlock untapped human potential in a practical and cost-effective way.

The Agency Fund’s open call grant supports innovative, time-limited research and pilot projects that enable individuals—especially those living in challenging conditions—to exercise greater control over their lives. This grant opportunity is open to concepts that align with the Fund’s mission of activating human agency, without any specific geographic or thematic constraints.

Recent research in experimental social science has shown that individuals in even the most constrained environments can benefit significantly from approaches that affirm their dignity, provide relevant insights, and guide them toward purposeful decision-making. By combining these approaches with technological advancements, the Fund sees potential for large-scale, cost-effective impact on development indicators such as income, education, and health.

The Fund is particularly interested in projects that deliver personalized, actionable information through digital or policy channels—similar to successful initiatives like MomConnect in South Africa or Rocket Learning in India. Strong proposals will demonstrate relevance to human agency, technological synergy, data-driven design, and a well-qualified team. The goal is to support scalable innovations that turn complex research into practical tools for individual empowerment and systemic change.