Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI) has launched its fifth and final funding round to support research that improves livelihoods for displaced populations and host communities. Grants range from $4,000 to $250,000 across multiple categories, including exploratory research, impact evaluations, and evidence use. The round prioritizes inclusion, especially researchers with lived experience of displacement and refugee-led organizations.
What is the Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI)?
The Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI) is a global funding program that supports rigorous research and evidence use to improve sustainable livelihoods for:
- Refugees
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Stateless populations
- Host communities
Core Objective
- Generate high-quality evidence
- Inform policy and practice
- Strengthen economic opportunities and resilience
This is the final competitive funding round, making it a key opportunity for researchers and organizations.
Key Research Priority Areas
Projects must align with at least one of the following:
1. Resilience
- Coping strategies and long-term stability
- Adaptation to economic and social shocks
2. Wage Employment
- Access to jobs
- Labor market integration
3. Entrepreneurship
- Small business development
- Income-generating activities
4. Social Cohesion
- Relationships between displaced populations and host communities
- Conflict reduction and cooperation
5. Inclusion and Norms
- Gender roles and social norms
- Barriers to participation
6. Rights and Regulations
- Legal frameworks affecting livelihoods
- Access to rights and protections
What Makes This Round Unique?
This final round introduces strong inclusion and representation elements:
- Dedicated support for:
- Refugee-led organizations
- Researchers with lived experience of displacement
- Emphasis on evidence-to-policy engagement
- Requirement to:
- Collaborate with partners
- Produce accessible research outputs
- Participate in dissemination activities
Funding Categories and Amounts
DLI offers multiple grant types for different stages of research:
Exploratory Grants
- Funding: Up to $10,000
- Purpose:
- Relationship-building
- Early-stage research
- Data exploration
Pilot Studies
- Funding: Up to $75,000
- Purpose:
- Testing research design
- Measurement development
- Initial implementation
Full Studies
- Funding: Up to $250,000
- Purpose:
- Rigorous impact evaluations
- Large-scale research projects
Infrastructure and Public Goods
- Funding: Up to $250,000
- Purpose:
- Datasets
- Tools and research platforms
- Shared resources
Evidence Use Grants
- Funding: Up to $20,000
- Target:
- Refugee-led organizations
- Researchers with lived experience
- Purpose:
- Policy engagement
- Advocacy and implementation
Conference Travel Grants
- Funding: Up to $4,000
- Purpose:
- Attend academic or policy events
- Share research findings
- Amplify lived experience voices
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Researchers and academic institutions
- Nonprofits and NGOs
- Refugee-led organizations
- Individuals with lived experience of displacement
Key Requirements
- Strong research focus
- Alignment with DLI priority areas
- Commitment to policy engagement and impact
Why This Initiative Matters
DLI addresses one of the most pressing global challenges:
- Economic inclusion of displaced populations
- Reducing dependency on aid
- Supporting self-reliance and dignity
It also ensures:
- Research is inclusive and representative
- Evidence is translated into real-world impact
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose the Right Grant Type
- Match your project stage:
- Idea → Exploratory
- Testing → Pilot
- Full evaluation → Full Study
Step 2: Define Research Focus
- Align with priority areas
- Identify target population
Step 3: Build Partnerships
- Collaborate with:
- Local organizations
- Policymakers
- Communities
Step 4: Develop Proposal
Include:
- Research question
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Policy relevance
Step 5: Plan Evidence Use
- Define how findings will:
- Influence policy
- Be shared publicly
Step 6: Submit Application
- Provide complete documentation
- Ensure clarity and feasibility
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with priority research areas
- Lack of policy relevance
- Minimal involvement of displaced communities
- Overly complex or unclear research design
- Ignoring evidence dissemination requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on clear, actionable research questions
- Include partners with local expertise
- Demonstrate real-world impact potential
- Highlight inclusion of lived experience
- Provide a strong dissemination plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $250,000 for Full Studies and Infrastructure/Public Goods grants.
2. Who can apply for Evidence Use Grants?
Refugee-led organizations and researchers with lived experience of displacement.
3. What is the purpose of Exploratory Grants?
To support early-stage research, partnerships, and data development.
4. Are partnerships required?
Yes, especially for larger grants, strong collaboration is expected.
5. What are Conference Travel Grants for?
They fund participation in academic and policy events to share research.
6. Is this the final funding round?
Yes, this is the fifth and final competitive round of DLI funding.
7. What is meant by “evidence-to-policy engagement”?
Using research findings to influence policies, programs, and real-world decisions.
Conclusion
The Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI) final funding round is a significant opportunity to advance research-driven solutions for displaced populations. With a strong focus on inclusion, impact, and policy engagement, it supports projects that go beyond research to create real change.
For more information, visit IPA.