Call for Grant Applications –

Agroecology Program Fund (GAP) Fund

Organisation Name:

ACCESS Development Services

Application Deadline:

17 March 2025

About Organisation

Established in March 2006, ACCESS Development Services is a unique organization dedicated to fostering economic growth among smallholder farmers and rural communities. By working collaboratively with civil society organizations, governments, private sector entities, donors, and international agencies, ACCESS aims to enhance farmer incomes and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The organization plays a crucial role in strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by integrating value-added commodities into their marketing strategies and introducing climate-resilient farming techniques.

Headquartered in Delhi, ACCESS operates across 34 project locations in 11 states, including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, it has positively impacted the lives of 4,10,000 households, focusing on marginalized communities such as tribal groups, women, small and marginal farmers, and artisans. ACCESS is committed to creating model FPOs that serve as learning hubs and capacity-building references for other organizations, government agencies, and funders.

About the Grant

The Grant for Agroecology Program (GAP) Fund is an initiative managed by ACCESS on behalf of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Investments in Agroecology Value Chain Projects (IAVCP). This initiative supports agroecology-based enterprises by providing financial assistance, technical guidance, and ecosystem support to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Producer Organization Enterprises (POEs). The objective is to improve their business viability, enhance agroecological outcomes, and generate sustainable benefits for smallholder producers.

Through the GAP Challenge, ACCESS invites Concept Notes from eligible enterprises seeking grant investments between INR 1 crore to INR 2 crores. These funds will support enterprises in setting up or expanding high-impact agroecology-based business projects. The GAP Fund aims to empower enterprises by scaling agroecological innovations, addressing challenges in value chains, and fostering sustainable food systems. Grant recipients will also gain opportunities to pitch their solutions to investors and unlock additional funding.

Who can Apply?

The GAP Challenge welcomes applications from registered enterprises working in agroecology, including:

Producer Organization Enterprises (POEs): This category includes Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Producer Organizations (POs), Producer Cooperatives, Producer Groups (PGs), Federations of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and other collective producer enterprises. Women’s groups, vulnerable groups, and youth groups that have been formalized into collective enterprises are also eligible.
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs): Registered for-profit enterprises, including startups and individual entrepreneurs involved in agroecology value chains, can apply.
Non-Profit Organizations/NGOs: While NGOs cannot apply independently, they can assist POEs in preparing their applications.

The program is open to organizations across India that align with the principles of agroecology and sustainable farming.

How to Apply?

Interested enterprises must submit their Concept Notes for grant consideration. Applications must be completed by the specified deadline to be eligible for evaluation.