Our application window will open later in 2026. When it does, organizations may apply at any time through an application on our website.

What kinds of ideas do you fund?

We fund solutions that can cost-effectively deliver critical development outcomes at scale. We define innovation broadly, supporting technologies, business models, behavioral interventions, service delivery models, and other approaches that can scale through either the public or private sector.

What are your selection criteria?

We fund according to three main criteria: 1. Evidence of impact, 2. Cost-effectiveness, 3. Sustainability and scale.

When can I apply for funding?

Applications will open in Q2 2026. Sign up to be notified - we'll only use your email to let you know when the application opens and send the occasional exciting update.

How to Apply
for funding

The DIV Fund supports innovative solutions with the potential to cost-effectively improve millions of lives.

Our application will open later in 2026

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We fund innovation at every stage

The DIV Fund is an R&D engine for development - combining risk-tolerant capital with evidence-driven decision-making, we back bold ideas, learn what works, and scale the most cost-effective innovations.

Our portfolio approach balances experimentation with evidence, while our tiered funding model right-sizes risk:

Stage One

Pilot ambitious ideas

Stage 1 grants support real-world pilots of promising innovations. These grants can be used to conduct testing to understand user demand, feasibility, impact potential, and financial viability. By the end of Stage 1, we want to know whether the innovation works in practice, if people will use it, and if it shows enough promise to warrant deeper investment.

Stage Two

Understand Impact and Scale Potential

Stage 2 grants are used to determine if an innovation is measurably impactful and has a viable path to scale.

Stage Three

Transition Proven Innovations to Scale

Stage 3 grants accelerate the scale-up of validated, transformative innovations. To receive this funding, grantees need to demonstrate strong evidence of impact and cost-effectiveness, or commercial viability, and leverage external partnerships to drive widespread adoption. By the end of Stage 3, we want to know that the innovation can achieve sustained impact at scale without ongoing grant dependence.

FAQ

If you're considering applying for funding, here you'll find the most frequently asked questions regarding the DIV Fund and our procedures.

Who can apply?

All organization types are eligible to apply, including businesses and social enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions. Individuals must apply through a legally incorporated entity.

How does the DIV Fund determine which low- and middle-income countries are eligible for support?

We support innovations addressing challenges in low- and middle-income countries in line with the World Bank’s income classification. See the full country list here. The DIV Fund will also consider proposals in certain upper-middle-income countries, e.g., Indonesia or Malaysia.

Do you need to receive a Stage 1 award to be eligible for a Stage 2 award?

No, you may apply at any stage. Winning an award at one stage does not automatically make you eligible to receive funding at subsequent stages. Winners may also apply for a new award at any stage.

When does the application window open?

We will share details about how to apply to the DIV Fund later in 2026.