Type of Funding

We believe innovative solutions can come from many different types of organisations – whether private sector or public sector, for-profit or non-profit. To that end, GIF provides a range of financing types, including grants, loans (including convertible debt), and equity investments. We expect applicants to present a clear rationale for the type of financing for which they are applying.

If you are a non-profit and your innovation does not involve generating revenues from users or customers, a grant is likely to be most appropriate. However, we have the flexibility to provide blended finance solutions depending on your funding needs.

GIF is prohibited from providing grant finance for purely commercial or profit-making activities. If your funding is for setting up or growing a commercial business, it is recommended that you apply for debt or equity. However, for-profit entities may apply for grant finance where the output will benefit the public in general. This may be when creating a new market, working in partnership with government, or when producing resources that are intended to be of general public benefit (‘public goods’). For-profit entities can also apply for grant finance to undertake evaluation activities to understand and share the impact of their innovation on people living in poverty or that is expected to benefit the development sector as a whole.