Call for Proposals: FO4IMPACT (Near East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia)

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched the FO4IMPACT initiative for the Near East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia regions, offering up to US$1.25 million to support transformative rural development projects. Selected organisations will strengthen farmer organisations, improve market access, engage in policy advocacy, and advance climate-resilient, inclusive agricultural value chains.

Overview

IFAD’s FO4IMPACT initiative seeks one or two organisations to co-develop and implement a regional grant supporting farmer organisations (FOs) and rural actors. The programme aims to enhance institutional capacity, governance, and service delivery while promoting inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural value chains. Projects are designed to generate knowledge, evidence, and best practices that inform policy and foster regional collaboration.

Funding Details

• Total budget: Up to US$1.25 million

  • Northern Africa: 55% of the budget

  • Turkey & Balkans: 45% of the budget

• Eligible activities: Institutional strengthening, market access, policy engagement, advocacy, community development, and value chain transformation

• Co-financing: Recommended but not mandatory; demonstrates commitment and mobilises additional resources

• Project scope: Regional reach with local impact, advancing governance, transparency, and smallholder empowerment

Who is Eligible?

• Farmer Organisations representing more than one country in the region

• Non-profit entities operating in consortium with such organisations

• Organisations must have a minimum of five years’ experience with smallholder farmers and FOs

• Demonstrated capacity in institutional strengthening, market access, policy engagement, and service delivery

Key Objectives

• Strengthen organisational and governance capacities of FOs

• Connect smallholders to markets and improve value-chain participation

• Advance evidence-based policy advocacy for rural development

• Promote inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural practices

• Facilitate regional knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your organisation or consortium meets regional and operational criteria

2. Develop Proposal – Include objectives, activities, methodology, expected outcomes, and measurable impacts

3. Budget and Resource Planning – Detail funding requirements and potential co-financing contributions

4. Submit Application – Follow IFAD’s official submission guidelines for FO4IMPACT

5. Evaluation – Proposals will be assessed based on experience, capacity, feasibility, expected impact, and regional significance

Tips for a Strong Application

• Highlight prior work with multi-country farmer organisations

• Demonstrate innovative approaches to value chain strengthening and market integration

• Emphasise regional impact and potential for knowledge sharing

• Show strong governance, transparency, and accountability mechanisms

• Include clear, measurable outcomes and evaluation plans

FAQ

1. Who can lead a FO4IMPACT project?
Primarily multi-country Farmer Organisations, individually or in consortium with non-profits.

2. What is the total funding available?
Up to US$1.25 million, with 55% for Northern Africa and 45% for Turkey and the Balkans.

3. Is co-financing required?
Co-financing is recommended to demonstrate commitment, either in cash or in-kind contributions.

4. What experience is required?
Minimum five years of experience working with smallholder farmers and farmers’ organisations.

5. Which regions are eligible?
Near East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia.

6. What types of activities are funded?
Institutional strengthening, market access, policy engagement, advocacy, community development, and value chain transformation.

7. Can non-profits participate?
Yes, as consortium partners under the leadership of a Farmer Organisation.

Why It Matters

FO4IMPACT offers a platform for organisations to advance systemic change in agricultural governance, strengthen the voice of farmers, and build resilient rural economies. By combining institutional strengthening with market and policy engagement, the initiative supports inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural development across complex and dynamic regions.

Conclusion

The FO4IMPACT regional grant provides a high-visibility, strategic opportunity for farmer organisations and their partners to implement transformative projects in the Near East, North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia. By focusing on institutional strengthening, market access, policy influence, and cross-border collaboration, selected organisations can empower smallholders, enhance rural livelihoods, and drive long-term resilience and systemic change in agriculture.