Call for applications to support transformative projects that empower smallholder farmers and strengthen their local communities.

About this grant

Call for applications to support transformative projects that empower smallholder farmers and strengthen their local communities. This initiative targets Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and NGOs operating within any of the 101 CFC member countries. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial viability and possess at least three years of operational history. The Call prioritizes several key areas, including: Market Integration: Connecting smallholders to global trade and providing digital tools for transparent value chains; Sustainability: Promoting regenerative agriculture, biodiversity protection, and low-impact local value addition; and Social Impact: Supporting women’s entrepreneurship and improving financial access for rural workers. Special priority is given to proposals originating from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and those focused on the sustainable conservation of forest resources in the Congo Basin region. Ultimately, the CFC seeks to fund enterprises that bridge the gap between technological innovation and equitable prosperity for those who cultivate the land.

How to apply

1. 1Verify eligibility criteria, including applicant type (e.g., SMEs, consortia), geographic requirements, and funding rates (often 40-100% co-financing).
2. 2Form a consortium if required (e.g., minimum partners from multiple countries for collaborative projects).
3. 3Register as a user and your organization on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal to obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC).
4. 4Download templates, prepare Part A (administrative data) and Part B (technical description, budget, impact), and run validation checks.
5. 5Submit online before the deadline; track via confirmation email and code, with evaluation taking 3-6 months.
6. 6Visit https://eufundingportal.eu for application details

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