Call for
PFAN Grant
Application Deadline:
30 June 2025
About Organisation
The Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) is a global platform of climate and clean energy finance professionals committed to supporting clean energy markets and fostering private investment to combat climate change. PFAN connects entrepreneurs with experienced local advisors who offer tailored guidance, helping them navigate the complexities of developing sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging deep regional insights and financial expertise, PFAN ensures that each project receives support tailored to the specific dynamics of its market.
PFAN’s overarching mission aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to reduce global carbon emissions and promote inclusive energy access. The network works closely with entrepreneurs to tackle key challenges in clean energy project development, particularly barriers to investment. PFAN understands that launching climate-resilient businesses can be challenging, especially for those in low- and middle-income countries. By mentoring and connecting these ventures with potential investors, PFAN plays a critical role in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and scalable impact.
Ultimately, PFAN’s goal is not only to address climate change but also to empower entrepreneurs by helping them turn their climate-smart innovations into viable, fundable businesses that contribute to environmental sustainability and economic development.
About the Grant
PFAN offers support to climate and clean energy projects operating in low- and middle-income countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. The grant targets projects that contribute to climate change adaptation or mitigation and offer clean energy products, technologies, or services.
PFAN operates with a technology-neutral approach, supporting a wide range of clean energy sectors. This includes projects using solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, and energy efficiency technologies. Selected applicants receive hands-on mentoring and investment facilitation services to strengthen their business plans, financial models, and investment readiness.
The focus is on initiatives that are commercially viable and technically sound, requiring minimal or no grant funding. Existing projects currently receiving or that have received grants in the past remain eligible. Emphasis is placed on scalability, sustainability, and the potential for private investment mobilization.
Whether it’s rural electrification, solar mini-grids, clean cookstove initiatives, or new business ventures developing innovative clean technologies, PFAN aims to foster impactful and financially sustainable solutions. The program encourages entrepreneurs to apply for investment support, helping them secure funding ranging from $1 million to $50 million (or $500,000 for energy access projects), disbursed in tranches based on project needs.
Who can Apply?
Entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses operating in clean energy and climate change adaptation sectors are eligible to apply for PFAN support. Projects must be based in low- and middle-income countries located in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central, South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, Central America, or the Caribbean Islands.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their project contributes to climate change adaptation or provides clean energy solutions. This includes, but is not limited to, renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, greenfield and brownfield power generation, mini-grid systems, thermal energy, clean cooking solutions, or clean energy technology ventures.
PFAN is open to new, scaling, or expanding ventures and even to mergers or acquisitions in the clean energy space. However, all proposals must show commercial and technical viability and require minimal or no grant funding. Past or ongoing grant funding does not disqualify applicants.
Ineligible sectors include nuclear energy, carbon capture and storage, fossil fuel combustion, waste incineration, gas venting/flaring, and projects that may harm the environment, cultural heritage, or human rights. Projects involving forced or child labour, harmful chemicals, or displacing communities are strictly excluded.
Only projects with a minimum investment ask of $1 million (or $500,000 for rural electrification) are considered.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can submit their proposals through the PFAN application portal. Once submitted, projects are evaluated for technical and commercial viability. If selected, entrepreneurs are paired with expert PFAN advisors who guide them through investment preparation and matchmaking. The application process is ongoing, and selected projects benefit from free mentorship, investor connections, and potential access to funding between $500,000 and $50 million based on their business scale.
Application Deadline
PFAN accepts applications on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline, allowing entrepreneurs to apply when their projects are investment-ready. Early submissions are encouraged for timely support.
Last Date to Apply
There is no final closing date for PFAN applications. Submissions are open year-round, and projects can apply at any time when they meet the eligibility and readiness criteria.
Grant Amount
Eligible projects can request investment between US$1 million and US$50 million. For rural electrification and energy access initiatives, the minimum investment ask is US$500,000, with disbursement possible in tranches.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
