Application Deadline:
29 September 2025
About Organisation
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is an autonomous intergovernmental financial institution established within the framework of the United Nations. It was created through negotiations at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) between 1976 and 1980 and became effective in 1989. The fund’s mission is to support commodity-dependent developing countries by financing projects that promote sustainable development, enhance incomes, and strengthen local markets. The CFC approved its first project in 1991 and has since supported numerous initiatives aimed at aligning commercial interests with environmental and social sustainability.
CFC’s projects emphasize inclusive value chains, technology-driven solutions, and improved market access for smallholders. By investing in regenerative agriculture, biodiversity protection, trade finance, local value addition, and gender-focused entrepreneurship, the CFC seeks to ensure that smallholder farmers benefit from long-term, sustainable economic opportunities. It prioritizes projects that integrate environmental regeneration with livelihood improvements, making communities more resilient. Additionally, the fund focuses on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), offering targeted support for those most in need.
About the Grant
The 27th Call for Proposals by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) invites applications for transformative projects that support both smallholder farmers and ecosystem regeneration. This initiative aims to create financially viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive projects that increase farmers’ incomes while conserving biodiversity and natural resources. It focuses on initiatives that connect smallholders to global markets, encourage eco-friendly farming practices, enhance local value addition, and promote technology-driven solutions.
Key priority areas include trade finance, regenerative agriculture, low-impact local value addition, agtech tools, improved financial access, and women’s entrepreneurship. Special encouragement is given to projects in regions such as the Congo Basin and those addressing underserved markets in countries like Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, and others.
The CFC seeks proposals from organizations with a proven track record of at least three years of operations. Projects from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are given priority. The fund’s approach aligns commercial success with environmental and social responsibility, ensuring that smallholder farmers are active partners in development while ecosystems thrive.
Who can Apply?
The CFC’s 27th Call for Proposals is open to a wide range of organizations, including SMEs, cooperatives, social enterprises, NGOs, and public or private sector entities. Applicants must be based or have active operations in one or more of the CFC’s 101 member countries. The projects proposed should focus on enhancing smallholder livelihoods, improving local market access, and fostering environmental regeneration while maintaining financial viability.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate at least three years of operational experience, with proven capacity to implement the proposed initiative. Projects must integrate sustainable practices and align with the CFC’s priority areas such as trade finance, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity conservation, technology solutions, and gender-inclusive business models.
Priority will be given to proposals from or focused on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Additionally, special attention is given to projects addressing small ticket sizes in non-capital regions, underserved domestic markets, and regions lacking prior international investment.
Organizations working in sectors such as environmental conservation, market access, and community development that are aligned with the fund’s sustainability goals are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply?
To apply for the CFC’s 27th Call for Proposals, submit your application before 29 September 2025. Applicants must detail their organization’s background, project plan, financial viability, and sustainability strategy. Ensure that your proposal aligns with CFC’s priority areas and focus regions. All documents must demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience and include evidence of your organization’s capacity to execute the proposed initiative.
Application Deadline
Applications for the CFC’s 27th Call for Proposals must be submitted by 29 September 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted, and applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly in advance.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
