Call for Grant Applications -Bridging Narratives Grant Program

Organisation Name:

DIV Fund

Grant Amount: up to $200,000 (Stage 1) to $1.5 million (Stage 3)

Application Deadline:

17 May 2026

About Organisation

The DIV Fund is an open innovation fund dedicated to supporting solutions that improve the lives of people living in poverty worldwide. It operates as a discovery engine for global development by identifying, testing, and scaling evidence-based innovations. Through a tiered funding approach, the organization invests in ideas at different stages of maturity, balancing risk with measurable impact. DIV Fund emphasizes cost-effectiveness, strong evidence, and scalability, ensuring that supported solutions deliver maximum social return. By working with innovators, researchers, and organizations globally, the fund aims to build a pipeline of transformative initiatives capable of reaching millions and creating long-term, sustainable impact.

About the Grant

The DIV Fund Grant supports innovative solutions designed to improve lives at scale through evidence-based and cost-effective approaches. It functions as a research and development platform for global development, combining flexible funding with rigorous evaluation. The grant is structured into three stages—Pilot, Test and Position for Scale, and Scale—each supporting different levels of innovation maturity. From early testing to large-scale expansion, the program enables applicants to validate their ideas, refine impact models, and achieve widespread adoption. The initiative focuses on maximizing social returns by supporting projects that demonstrate measurable impact and strong potential for long-term sustainability.

Who can Apply?

The DIV Fund Grant is open to innovators, researchers, organizations, and startups worldwide working on solutions that address poverty and development challenges. Applicants must demonstrate a strong theory of change supported by evidence, particularly at advanced stages. Projects should show potential for high cost-effectiveness by delivering greater impact per dollar compared to existing solutions. Additionally, applicants must present a clear pathway to scale, with the potential to benefit over one million people. The fund supports diverse scaling models, including government partnerships, private sector approaches, and blended financing. Requirements vary across stages, from early potential validation to proven impact and scalability.

How to Apply?

Applicants must review the Request for Proposals to understand funding criteria and expectations for each stage. Applications are submitted through the official online portal on a rolling basis. Initial submissions focus on outlining the innovation, impact potential, and scalability. Shortlisted applicants may be required to provide additional materials such as detailed project plans, budgets, and supporting documentation during the evaluation process.