We are seeking projects with the potential to transition from traditional grant funding towards investment-readiness through innovative approaches to partnering and financing — projects exploring new ways to attract public and private capital, scale solutions, and sustain long-term impact.
What we’re looking for
We invite organisations to nominate projects and participants operating in humanitarian, conflict-affected, and/or low-income contexts that:
- Are at a stage where innovative approaches to partnering and financing can unlock additionality in terms of impact, resources, and efficiencies — for example, proof-of-concept initiatives seeking to scale, early-stage ventures structuring revenue models or hybrid capital, social enterprises or NGOs in humanitarian value chains, projects with strong impact metrics but unclear pathways to financial sustainability, or projects requiring partnerships across humanitarian, development, and private sectors.
- Present a theory of change, a measurable impact framework, and a track record.
- Have a nominated project lead or team who is values-driven and motivated to work in a collaborative, learning environment.
What DIFI offers
Selected projects receive:
- A scholarship for the project lead (contact IMD for details)
- Strategic mentorship from experienced humanitarian finance professionals on investable value propositions, financial models, and investor pitch material
- Support in articulating the investment thesis and risk-sharing strategy
- Access to a curated network of humanitarian and development finance institutions, governments, philanthropic capital, and impact investors
- Visibility through DIFI’s global ecosystem of partners, mentors, and previous cohorts
How to apply
Read more about the programme on the DIFI website and apply via this link.
Submission deadline: 30 June 2026
