Call for Proposals Common Fund for Commodities (maximum of USD 2 million)

Their mission is to alleviate poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in commodity-dependent communities, with a strong emphasis on supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in the global value chains, including in areas of production, processing, financing, marketing, and R&D. Successful applications should demonstrate tangible, sustainable impacts on the lives of low-income populations who depend on commodities, with particular focus on female smallholders and women-led enterprises.

The CFC is particularly interested in proposals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to maximize poverty alleviation in the developing world. In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, they are committed to advancing gender equality, promoting climate action, and supporting resilient economies by closing the economic opportunity gap for women and ensuring that agricultural growth benefits both people and the planet.

To enable a technology-enabled transformation, they also invite innovative ideas that can drive impactful change within commodity value chains. This may include partnerships in agritech, agroforestry, agro-ecology, regenerative practices, renewable energy solutions, digital agriculture, climate-friendly practices, and advanced traceability (e.g., blockchain) to ensure equitable and transparent value chains.

Financing can be provided in the form of loans for capital expenditures, working capital or trade finance to invest in productivity and value chain upgrading involving smallholders and/or SMEs. Applications should clearly show operational and financial viability, and be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

Women entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply, as their success is essential to achieving inclusive, sustainable growth across the commodity sector. The CFC is committed to ensuring that our resources are available for both the digital and green transitions, ultimately supporting resilient, equitable commodity systems for both the consumers and producers.

Objectives

To align your proposal with VACS objectives:

• Support Diverse, Climate-Resilient Crops: Emphasize how your project promotes the cultivation of crops that are both diverse and adapted to climate change, contributing to resilient food systems.
• Promote Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Detail how your agribusiness integrates sustainable land use and farming practices, improving soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
• Address Food Security: Highlight your commitment to enhancing food security in regions most affected by climate change, particularly in Africa and Central America.
• Build Resilient Food Systems: Explain how your project will increase both the supply and demand for climate-resilient crops, helping to establish a more sustainable and equitable food system.
• Demonstrate Measurable Outcomes: Include specific, measurable outcomes that align with VACS objectives, such as improved crop yields, enhanced soil fertility, or increased income for smallholder farmers.
• Align with VACS Priorities: Ensure that your proposal clearly shows how it meets the VACS selection criteria, emphasizing its potential to build climate resilience and support sustainable development.

Funding

The CFC provides funding to agribusinesses through loans and debt instruments, with a standard maximum of USD 2 million for regular projects and up to USD 300,000 under the Fast-Track procedure. Flexibility is applied for projects demonstrating high impact and strong financial viability.

Application Process

Please note that Application form and Balance Sheet/Income Statement may be submitted in ENGLISH ONLY.

For full details, please download the call for proposals application form and the Balance Sheet/Income statement:

• Application form (PDF and Word)
• General: Balance Sheet and Income Statement (Excel)
• Financial Institutions only: Balance Sheet and Income Statement (Excel)