Call for
Global Development Awards Competition Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) 2025 Edition
Application Deadline:
24 May 2025
About Organisation
The Global Development Network (GDN) is an esteemed international organization that supports high-quality, policy-oriented research in the field of development. Established in 1999, GDN operates with the mission of promoting social and economic progress in developing and transition countries. By connecting researchers and institutions across the globe, GDN works to strengthen research capacities and create knowledge that directly informs policymaking. The network offers opportunities for capacity-building, collaborative research, knowledge-sharing, and funding support to researchers, practitioners, and organizations. It aims to nurture fresh ideas and innovative solutions that address critical development challenges. Through various programs, competitions, and partnerships, GDN actively fosters inclusive development by encouraging original research that can lead to sustainable and impactful change. Over the years, GDN has built a strong reputation for its commitment to fostering research excellence and advancing effective development practices.
About the Grant
The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project (MIDP) is a prestigious component of the Global Development Awards Competition 2025 Edition, organized by GDN. This award seeks to identify and support innovative, small-scale, and early-stage projects that have a significant impact on development. The MIDP is designed to recognize initiatives that employ creative approaches to address pressing development challenges in their communities. Winning projects must demonstrate originality, potential for broader application, and a strong focus on improving lives in developing and transition countries. Through this grant, GDN aims to provide financial support and visibility to grassroots organizations and initiatives that otherwise might not receive mainstream attention. The award empowers local actors to further develop and scale their initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact. Projects that demonstrate tangible results, clear objectives, and a strong community engagement component are particularly encouraged to apply.
Who can Apply?
The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project is open to non-profit organizations, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups, that operate in developing or transition countries. Applicants must be legally registered entities with a proven track record of working at the community level to address development challenges. Projects should be in their early stages or represent a new and innovative direction within an existing initiative. Applications from academic institutions, universities, or purely research-driven organizations are not eligible unless the project has a direct implementation component that benefits local communities. Priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate strong community involvement, sustainability, replicability, and clear outcomes. Organizations applying must also ensure that their projects are not-for-profit and focused on creating a meaningful development impact. Each applicant must have the capacity to manage grant funds responsibly and meet the reporting requirements.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations must complete the official application form, providing detailed information about their project, its objectives, innovation, and expected impact. Applicants should also submit required supporting documents and adhere to the specified guidelines.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by May 24, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
Last Date To Apply
Ensure that your complete application package is submitted no later than May 24, 2025, to be eligible for evaluation.
Grant Amount
Winning projects under the Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project will receive a grant of up to US$ 50,000 to support and scale their initiatives.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
