$100,000 Grant for New NGO Startups for providing Solutions to disrupt hunger worldwide (Cohort II)

Deadline (Cohort II): 13 March 2020

The World Food Programme is seeking applications for its Innovation Accelerator Programme.

The WFP Innovation Accelerator sources, supports and scales high-potential solutions to hunger worldwide. They provide WFP staff, entrepreneurs, start-ups, companies and non-governmental organizations with access to funding, mentorship, hands-on support and WFP operations.

The Accelerator believes the way forward in the fight against hunger is not necessarily in building grand plans, but identifying and testing solutions in an agile way. The Innovation Accelerator is a space where the world can find out what works and what doesn’t in addressing hunger—a place where we can be bold, and fail as well as succeed.

Funding Information

Applicants will receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, with further funding dependent upon progress and measurable achievement of key targets.

Benefits

• Successful teams will work with WFP units on the ground to further develop and refine their solutions.
• You’ll have the chance to work with technical and industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress.
• Teams will be able to tap into and leverage strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation.

Eligibility Criteria

If you are a start-up…

• Your start-up must be incorporated at the time of application. It can be for profit or not-for-profit.
• Your innovation must at least be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. Proof-of-concept and initial traction is preferred.
• Your solution should be financially viable.
• Your proposal must show how working with WFP will serve your long-term strategy.

If you are a WFP employee…

• Your team must have evidence of Country Office support and management buy-in.
• You are encouraged to apply, regardless of your contract type or function.
• WFP accepts project applications from WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, government or private sectors.

Selection Criteria

Applications submitted to the WFP Innovation Accelerator are assessed according to a standard set of criteria, and are reviewed by both WFP and external experts.

They are looking for innovations that meet the following expectations:

• Impact for the people we serve and potential to reach Zero Hunger;
• Feasibility, including time to deliver impact, technology maturity, and user traction;
• Level of innovation;
• Financial sustainability with a clear business case that does not rely on WFP funding;
• Team strength, experience, and commitment.

For more information, visit https://innovation.wfp.org/apply