DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations
Non-dilutive grants up to ₹13.5 Cr for innovations improving lives in low- and middle-income countries.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.8Cr – ₹13.5Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- DIV Fund (Foundation)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The DIV Fund, the independent successor to USAID's Development Innovation Ventures, is now run by CEO Sasha Gallant, Jeff Brown, and Nobel laureate Michael Kremer. It functions as an R&D engine for global development, backing innovations that can cost-effectively improve lives at scale in low- and middle-income countries, including India.
Funding is structured in three milestone-based grant stages. Stage 1 Pilot grants up to USD 200,000 (₹1.8 Cr) support real-world pilots. Stage 2 Test & Position for Scale grants up to USD 500,000 (occasionally USD 750,000) fund rigorous evaluations or market validation. Stage 3 Scale grants up to USD 1.5 million (₹13.5 Cr) accelerate validated innovations.
Beyond capital, grantees receive rigorous evaluation expertise and access to a global network of researchers and scaling partners. Grants are non-dilutive and can be used flexibly across implementation, data collection, evaluation, and personnel. Applications are rolling, with no fixed deadline. Indian startups, social enterprises, nonprofits, and research organizations working on solutions in health, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, energy, and climate adaptation are eligible.
Highlights
- Non-dilutive grants up to ₹13.5 Cr for global development innovations
- Three milestone-based stages: Pilot, Test & Position, Scale
- Open to Indian startups, nonprofits, and research organizations
- Applicants can apply directly to the stage matching their innovation's maturity
- Grantees receive evaluation expertise and global network access
Who can apply
Open to nonprofits, social enterprises, for-profit startups, universities, and research organizations legally incorporated. Indian organizations qualify as India is a lower-middle-income country. The innovation must be at least at prototype stage (TRL 3+). Projects must demonstrably improve lives in low- or middle-income countries, with a credible theory of change and a pathway to reaching over 1 million people. Government agencies and intermediaries like incubators and accelerators are not eligible. Projects targeting only high-income beneficiaries are not eligible.
DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in edtech social impact. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership.
- Eligible stage
- Product · Revenue
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Entity type
- Private Limited, Llp, Partnership, Proprietorship, Section 8, Trust, Society, Academic
Deadline & timing
DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Non-dilutive tiered grants: Stage 1 up to USD 200,000 (₹1.8 Cr) for pilots; Stage 2 up to USD 500,000–750,000 for evaluations and market validation; Stage 3 up to USD 1.5 million (₹13.5 Cr) for scale-up. No equity is taken. Grantees also receive rigorous evaluation expertise and access to a global network of researchers, evaluators, and scaling partners.
About the provider
DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations is offered by DIV Fund, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by DIV Fund as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted on a rolling basis and assessed against three core criteria: evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and potential for durable scale reaching over 1 million people. Promising applications advance to a detailed diligence phase with external reviewers. Funding decisions are made by expert panels convened several times per year. Applicants can apply directly to the stage matching their innovation's maturity — Pilot (Stage 1), Test & Position (Stage 2), or Scale (Stage 3). The total process typically takes several months.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:
- Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations is best suited for product and revenue-stage edtech social impact startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.8Cr – ₹13.5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Funding ranges from up to USD 200,000 (approx. ₹1.8 Cr) for Stage 1 pilots, up to USD 500,000–750,000 for Stage 2 evaluations, and up to USD 1.5 million (approx. ₹13.5 Cr) for Stage 3 scale-up.
What is the application deadline?
The DIV Fund accepts applications on a rolling basis year-round with no fixed deadline.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include legally incorporated nonprofits, social enterprises, for-profit startups, universities, and research organizations. Indian entities are welcome. The innovation must be at least at prototype stage and aim to improve lives in low- or middle-income countries with a pathway to reach over 1 million people.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, DPIIT registration is not required, and MSME registration is not specified as a requirement.
Does the fund take equity?
No, the DIV Fund provides non-dilutive grants and does not take any equity.
What documents are typically needed?
The application process involves submitting through the online portal after reviewing the Request for Proposals. Applicants should be prepared to provide details on their innovation, evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and scale potential. Successful applicants undergo a pre-award stage with financial diligence and a milestone-based grant agreement.
Can I apply directly to Stage 3?
Yes, applicants can apply directly to the stage that matches their innovation's maturity—Pilot (Stage 1), Test & Position (Stage 2), or Scale (Stage 3).
What sectors are funded?
The fund supports innovations in health, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, energy, climate adaptation, and other areas that benefit people in poverty.
Are individuals without an entity eligible?
No, applicants must be legally incorporated entities. Individuals without an entity are not eligible.
How long does the selection process take?
The total process from initial submission to final decision typically takes several months, including initial review, diligence, and expert panel decisions.
Who offers DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations?
DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations is offered by DIV Fund, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations
Not sure DIV Fund Grant for Global Development Innovations is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.