Application Deadline:
21 September 2025
About Organisation
The World Food Programme (WFP), the food assistance branch of the United Nations, is a global leader in fighting hunger and improving food security, particularly in vulnerable regions. Partnering with the Adaptation Fund, which finances climate resilience initiatives in developing countries, the WFP works to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and socio-economic inequity. The Adaptation Fund supports innovative solutions that help communities adapt to climate impacts while safeguarding livelihoods. Through its Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA), the WFP focuses on scaling grassroots innovations that enhance climate resilience, promote gender equity, and support Sustainable Development Goals such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13). The programme offers mentorship, training, and access to field operations and innovation networks to amplify the reach and effectiveness of groundbreaking solutions. By collaborating with innovators, humanitarian organizations, and local communities, the WFP strives to build inclusive, sustainable, and scalable models for climate adaptation. Its partnerships facilitate knowledge-sharing, resource mobilization, and capacity building, ensuring that climate solutions are accessible to marginalized populations. The AFCIA programme is part of WFP’s broader commitment to fostering resilience, empowering local actors, and integrating climate solutions into food systems worldwide.
About the Grant
The Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) offers equity-free funding and support to innovative solutions that address climate adaptation challenges in food systems. The programme targets startups and ventures in Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines that aim to enhance resilience, foster gender equity, and create inclusive economic opportunities. Focus areas include localized climate information, climate-smart inputs, water management, risk protection, land restoration, digital platforms, and nature-based solutions. Projects at the seed stage can access grants up to USD 120,000, while those at the growth or expansion stage may receive up to USD 200,000. In addition to funding, selected applicants benefit from mentorship, business training, and integration with WFP’s field operations and innovation ecosystem. A nine-month acceleration programme and a four-day bootcamp in Munich support scaling efforts and building sustainable impact. AFCIA emphasizes innovations that demonstrate pathways to scale, collaboration with humanitarian stakeholders, and alignment with environmental and social safeguards. Applications must show a clear focus on long-term climate resilience, social inclusion, and gender equity. The programme seeks high-impact solutions that can be replicated and sustained while contributing to global climate adaptation efforts.
Who can Apply?
Applications are open to legal entities established in Nepal, Pakistan, or the Philippines that have innovations addressing climate adaptation challenges in food systems. Eligible applicants must operate in at least one of the target countries and be able to demonstrate a tangible presence. The programme welcomes ventures at the seed stage or higher, with clear plans for growth, scalability, and collaboration with humanitarian actors such as WFP and other local stakeholders. Proposed solutions must enhance climate resilience, promote gender equity, and integrate environmental and social sustainability principles. Ventures focusing on technology-driven solutions, localized adaptation finance, AI-powered platforms, post-harvest management, climate-resilient inputs, and other interventions across the food system are encouraged. A demonstrated pathway to scale and long-term viability is essential. Applications must also outline how their innovations will address the impacts of climate change while creating inclusive opportunities for vulnerable populations. A gender-inclusive approach and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger and Climate Action, will be considered during evaluation. Startups or ventures must be legally registered entities—not individual applicants—and should be able to show a commitment to working closely with humanitarian organizations to implement their projects effectively.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit their proposals by 21 September 2025. Eligible ventures should provide details about their innovation, impact pathways, scalability plans, and collaboration intentions. Grants range from USD 120,000 to USD 200,000 depending on the stage of the project. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a competitive evaluation and participate in a nine-month acceleration programme and a four-day innovation bootcamp in Munich starting in 2026.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 21 September 2025. All proposals must be complete and meet eligibility criteria before this date to be considered for funding and programme participation.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
