The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is inviting applications for financial support aimed at transforming commodity value chains and uplifting smallholder and SME-based enterprises in its member countries. The CFC offers a variety of financial and technical support options to empower SMEs, cooperatives, International Commodity Bodies (ICBs), and other institutions, with a particular focus on those led by or supporting women in agriculture.
Funding Details:
- Regular Projects: Up to $1.5 million in funding.
- Fast-Track Projects: Up to $300,000 in funding.
The CFC provides financial support through loans and other debt instruments. While the standard maximum amounts are specified, the CFC may show flexibility for projects demonstrating higher impacts and strong financial cases.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be based in one of the CFC’s 101 member countries.
-
Operate within the commodity value chain, including areas such as production, processing, financing, marketing, and research and development.
- Demonstrate a clear and sustainable impact on the livelihoods of low-income populations dependent on commodities, with a particular focus on female smallholders and women-led enterprises.
The CFC prioritizes proposals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to maximize poverty alleviation efforts.
Application Process:
-
Proposal Submission: Interested parties should submit a detailed project proposal outlining the objectives, expected impact, and financial requirements.
- Evaluation: Proposals will be assessed based on their potential to contribute to poverty alleviation, sustainability, and alignment with the CFC’s mission and vision.
-
Approval: Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions on funding disbursement and project implementation.
Application Deadline:
All applications must be submitted by April 1, 2025.
For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the official CFC Call for Proposals page.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing gender equality, climate action, and the development of resilient economies. The CFC encourages innovative ideas that drive impactful change within commodity value chains, including agritech applications, agroforestry, regenerative practices, renewable energy solutions, digital agriculture, and advanced traceability methods.
Women entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply, as their success is essential to achieving inclusive, sustainable growth across the commodity sector.
