Introduction:The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched a call for proposals for a grant to implement the initiative “Leveraging IFAD’s Rural Sector Performance Assessment for Policy and Investment.” The programme aims to strengthen policy assessment and improve the country-level policy and investment environment for rural development.
The selected recipient or consortium can receive up to US$1.2 million to implement the initiative. Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations, universities, think tanks and research institutes, among other eligible entities.
About the IFAD Rural Sector Performance Assessment Grant
The grant is designed to support enhanced policy assessment for rural development. IFAD identifies stronger policy and investment environments as an important priority for improving rural development outcomes.
The initiative is particularly relevant to organisations with experience in rural development policy, research, evidence generation, institutional analysis and related areas.
Grant Amount
The selected recipient or consortium may receive funding of up to US$1.2 million.
Applicants should carefully review the official grant documentation to understand the financial envelope, eligible expenditure and requirements for the proposed work.
Who Can Apply?
The call may be relevant to:
Eligible Applicants: Non-profit organisations, private-sector companies, universities, think tanks and research institutes, subject to the call’s eligibility requirements.
Eligible Countries/Regions:
Countries/regions specified in the IFAD Grant Identification Note; applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in the region/country or countries where the proposed grant will be implemented.
And under eligibility:
The selected recipient must provide a counterpart contribution of at least 20% of the IFAD grant amount. For private-sector institutions, the counterpart contribution must be at least 25%. In-kind contributions may be considered.
Indian organisations may consider the opportunity if the proposed work and organisation meet the geographic and other eligibility requirements
Areas of Focus
The initiative focuses on rural sector policy and investment, with emphasis on improving policy assessment and strengthening the environment for rural development.
Organisations with relevant experience in rural development, policy research, agricultural development, rural livelihoods and evidence-based policy work may find the opportunity particularly relevant.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the required proposal documents to IFAD. The application package includes:
Project proposal using the Grant Concept Note Template
Indicative activity-based budget
Self-certification of eligibility
Institutional profile demonstrating relevant experience
The proposal should be aligned with the Grant Identification Note and explain the proposed objectives, scope of work, deliverables and indicative financial requirements.
For more details visit IFAD Official website
Important Deadline
Application deadline: 4 September 2026 at 12:00 hours CET
IFAD had also invited non-mandatory, non-binding expressions of interest by 31 July 2026. The formal proposal deadline remains 4 September 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the required documents and submit them by email with the subject line:
CFP RSPA Grant application
Applicants should consult the official IFAD call and accompanying templates before submitting their proposal.
Why This Grant Matters for NGOs and Research Organisations
The IFAD grant represents a substantial funding opportunity for organisations working at the intersection of rural development, policy research and investment planning.
For eligible Indian nonprofits, universities and research institutions, the opportunity may be particularly relevant where they have demonstrated experience in rural-sector policy assessment and can meet the required counterpart contribution.
NGOs and organisations looking for additional funding opportunities can also explore our Funds for Indian NGOs resource.
Official Information and Application
For the full call, templates, eligibility requirements and application instructions, applicants should consult the official IFAD call for proposals.
Official application: Send the required documents to [email protected].
Related NGOportal Resources
Funds for Indian NGOs
Government Funding
Proposal Writing Resources
NGO Database India
Rural Development Funding
International Grant Opportunities
Disclaimer: NGOportal only disseminates information about funding opportunities. Publication of an opportunity does not guarantee eligibility, funding, partnership or selection. Applicants should verify the latest requirements, deadline and application process with the respective funding organisation.