Boost to scaling

GRANTS – are accessible to non-profit organisations. The selection for grants is done through calls for proposals which follow a strict and transparent procedure. Calls for proposals are launched on a regular basis. Each call for proposals has two rounds of evaluation (1st and 2nd round). You can only apply during the open period of the call for proposals. The 2nd round is only accessible to the successful applications of the 1st round.

How to apply?

If you are interested in applying for a grant, we invite you to go to the appropriate section below. There you can download the guidelines and carefully read all the information surrounding the process. These contain all the necessary information and instructions to be followed for submitting your project. 

If you feel your project is in line with the guidelines, and you wish to apply, you can click on the 'APPLY' button, which will lead you directly to the starting page of the application form. 

During this application form you will be asked to answer questions and upload the required documents (see guidelines). Templates are provided within the webform.

Applicants must ensure that their forms and annexes are complete. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

The deadline for submitting your questions has passed. Please find all the answers to your questions here.

Tips to improve your chances

The jury is not yet replaced by artificial intelligence. Its members are still working with human brains. Make their life easy by going straight to the point in your answers.

Clearly read the guiding principles section on our website and apply them in your project.

The grant is funded by public money. You’re not allowed to identify upfront in your proposal who you will work with unless it is a co-applicant, or a partner (which implies no money transfer). While implementing your project, you will have to look for service and goods providers: apply transparent and competitive selection procedures during implementation.

For efficiency and “value-for-money” purposes, we recommend you to concentrate yourself on a single country, unless you present a project where the regional aspect is an important component.

Loans are accessible to private sector companies only. This component is implemented and funded by BIO, the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries. The most important criteria to be eligible for a BIO loan are: 

• Your organisation should operate in one of BIO's 52 eligible countries 
• Your organisation should be active for at least 3 years 
• Your organisation should be profitable or on a good path to break-even soon, and have an EBTIDA of an equivalent of at least EUR 300,000 in 2017 
• The minimum amount provided by BIO is equivalent to EUR 1 million (in hard or local currency) 

Preference is given for companies with activities in: Agriculture and agribusiness, financial inclusion, Renewable energy and Basic products and services to the population. All sectors are eligible except those excluded by IFC and EDFI.  

When making contact with BIO, you will be requested to demonstrate your capacity to manage a loan as well general elements of your project, through the following elements:  

• Certificate of Incumbency 
• Anti-Money Laundering Questionnaire (Financial Institutions only) 
• Audited financial statements of 3 years 
• Financial statements year-to-date 
• Financial projections 
• Business plan 

Find further details on BIO’s website.