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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
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
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
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.
Our application window will open later in 2026. When it does, organizations may apply at any time through an application on our website.
To receive updates, please contact us.
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.
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.
Learn more about us.
We fund according to three main criteria:
1. Evidence of impact: we look for measurable impact and rely on rigorous evaluations to understand what really works to improve people’s lives
2. Cost-effectiveness: we invest in solutions that can deliver more impact per dollar spent to maximize the value of philanthropic capital
3. Sustainability and scale: we support innovations with potential to improve the lives of at least one million people, and with a viable path to financial sustainability
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.
We will share details about how to apply to the DIV Fund later in 2026.