Organisation Name:
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Application Deadline:
31 August 2026
About Organisation
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is a United Nations development finance institution that provides catalytic capital and financial solutions to support inclusive and sustainable economic development. UNCDF works with governments, financial institutions, businesses and development partners to expand access to finance, particularly for underserved communities and businesses. Its financial instruments include grants, loans and guarantees designed to unlock additional investment and strengthen local financial ecosystems. UNCDF’s current strategy includes working-capital grants that support daily operations and enhance business capabilities for growth. Through its programmes, UNCDF aims to mobilize public and private finance and contribute to resilient, inclusive economic development in developing markets.
About the Grant
The UNCDF Working Capital Grant supports eligible financial service providers in selected Pacific countries to strengthen their institutional capacity and improve financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The programme focuses particularly on MSMEs operating in blue, green and climate-resilient sectors. Funding of up to USD 150,000 can support institutional improvements such as digitalisation, financial systems, risk-management frameworks, climate-resilient financial products, market research and staff capacity building. The objective is not simply to provide short-term support to financial institutions, but to strengthen their ability to sustainably expand financing to underserved MSMEs and contribute to climate-resilient and sustainable economic development.
Who can Apply?
The opportunity is intended for formally registered, licensed and regulated financial service providers operating in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands or Vanuatu. Eligible institutions may include banks, microfinance institutions and other qualifying regulated financial service providers. Applicants should have at least three years of experience financing MSMEs or SMEs and demonstrate sufficient institutional and operational capacity to implement the proposed activities. Applicants should also demonstrate a strategic commitment to financing businesses operating in blue, green and climate-resilient sectors. Organisations must comply with applicable regulatory requirements, UN restrictions and programme conditions, including applicable sanctions requirements.
How to Apply?
Eligible financial service providers should first confirm their country, licensing, regulatory and MSME-financing eligibility. Identify institutional weaknesses affecting the organisation’s ability to finance blue, green and climate-resilient MSMEs. Develop an institutional improvement plan covering areas such as digitalisation, risk management, product development or staff capacity. Prepare the required Expression of Interest and supporting documents, demonstrate expected MSME financing outcomes, and submit the complete application through the official UNCDF application channel.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 31 August 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
