Fund for Innovation in Development (FID-Innovative Project Funding)

The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) is designed for startups, social enterprises, NGOs, research institutions, public bodies, and other organizations developing evidence-based solutions that can reduce poverty and inequality in low- and middle-income countries. The program is global in scope and supports innovations that demonstrate measurable impact rather than unproven concepts.

FID finances innovations across multiple stages of development, from early concept validation and preparation to pilot implementation, impact evaluation, and large-scale deployment. The funding model is structured to help organizations progressively generate evidence, validate outcomes, and scale interventions that can create meaningful social and economic change.

A distinguishing feature of FID is its emphasis on rigorous evidence generation. Projects are assessed not only on innovation but also on their ability to demonstrate impact through robust methodologies and measurable results. The fund supports a broad range of organizational structures, allowing both nonprofit and for-profit entities to compete for funding if they can demonstrate a credible pathway toward reducing poverty and inequality.

Funding is provided in stages, enabling organizations to move from preparation and pilot testing to impact evaluations and eventual scale-up. In addition to financial support, FID offers technical assistance and access to experts focused on evidence-based development.

From a founder’s perspective, this program is most relevant for organizations already working on development challenges and capable of measuring real-world outcomes. Teams with a strong theory of change, credible implementation plans, and a commitment to evidence generation are likely to find the greatest value in this opportunity.