Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Aqua for All Catalytic Funding Call invites impact-driven fund managers to apply for €1 million to €5 million in catalytic investment to scale financing for water, sanitation, sustainable water management, and related climate sectors across emerging markets. The programme also offers up to €150,000 in technical assistance to strengthen implementation, ESG practices, and investment impact while advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
The opportunity is open to both first-time and established fund managers with investment strategies focused on emerging markets, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) in Africa and Asia.
Aqua for All Catalytic Funding Call Overview
The Aqua for All Catalytic Funding Call is an investment initiative that supports fund managers working to increase private-sector investment in water, sanitation, and sustainable development projects across emerging markets.
The programme provides catalytic capital to help fund managers attract additional private investment into sectors that often struggle to secure commercial financing.
By combining investment capital, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing opportunities, Aqua for All aims to accelerate projects that deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Purpose of the Aqua for All Funding Programme
The primary objective of the programme is to mobilize private capital for investments that improve access to water and sanitation while promoting sustainable economic development.
The programme aims to:
- Increase investment in water and sanitation
- Support sustainable water management
- Mobilize private-sector capital
- Strengthen impact investment markets
- Promote climate resilience
- Improve environmental and social outcomes
- Expand financing in underserved markets
- Advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)
The initiative helps reduce financing gaps in sectors that are critical for sustainable development.
Why This Programme Matters
Access to clean water and sanitation remains one of the world’s most significant development challenges, particularly in emerging economies.
Many high-impact water projects face barriers such as:
- Limited commercial investment
- High investment risk
- Insufficient technical capacity
- Limited access to long-term financing
- Underdeveloped investment markets
The Aqua for All programme addresses these challenges by providing catalytic funding that encourages additional private-sector participation.
Priority Investment Areas
The programme supports investment strategies that improve access to water, sanitation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Water and Sanitation
Projects may focus on:
- Safe drinking water
- Water supply infrastructure
- Sanitation services
- Hygiene solutions
- Wastewater management
- Water access technologies
These investments contribute directly to improving public health and sustainable development.
Sustainable Water Management
Eligible projects include:
- Water conservation
- Efficient water use
- Water resource management
- Water resilience
- Smart water technologies
- Integrated water systems
Projects should strengthen long-term water security.
Energy and Climate Nexus
The programme also supports projects connecting water with climate and energy solutions.
Examples include:
- Climate adaptation
- Renewable energy for water systems
- Water-energy integration
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Sustainable resource management
Integrated solutions improve environmental sustainability.
Nature-Based Solutions and Natural Capital
Eligible investments may include:
- Ecosystem restoration
- Watershed protection
- Wetland conservation
- Natural infrastructure
- Green infrastructure
- Biodiversity-based water management
Nature-based approaches strengthen environmental resilience.
Eligible Investment Strategies
Applicants may use various investment approaches.
Eligible strategies include:
- Private equity
- Private debt
- Infrastructure investment
- Natural capital investment
- Nature-based solutions
- Real-asset investment strategies
Other investment models may also be considered if they align with programme objectives.
Funding Available
Selected fund managers may receive:
- Catalytic investment: €1 million to €5 million
- Technical assistance: Up to €150,000
Technical assistance funding may support:
- Capacity building
- Implementation support
- ESG improvements
- Impact measurement
- Portfolio development
- Operational strengthening
Participants may also benefit from knowledge-sharing activities and increased international visibility.
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to impact-oriented fund managers working in emerging markets.
Eligible applicants include:
- First-time fund managers
- Established fund managers
- Private equity fund managers
- Private debt fund managers
- Infrastructure fund managers
- Natural capital investment managers
- Nature-based investment funds
- Other real-asset investment managers
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to manage investments that generate measurable development impact.
Geographic Focus
Applicants should demonstrate significant investment activity in:
- Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
- Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
Particular emphasis is placed on investments across:
- Africa
- Asia
Projects operating in underserved markets are especially encouraged.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Competitive applicants should demonstrate:
- Proven investment experience in emerging markets
- Strong capital deployment capacity
- Experience managing impact investments
- Ability to mobilize additional private capital
- Investment exposure in LDCs and LMICs
- Commitment to sustainable development
- Strong environmental and social outcomes
Applicants should also demonstrate how Aqua for All’s investment creates additional impact beyond conventional financing.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Requirements
Applicants are expected to maintain strong ESG standards.
Fund managers should demonstrate:
- Robust ESG policies
- Impact management systems
- Environmental safeguards
- Social responsibility practices
- Governance frameworks
Organizations without fully developed systems should present a credible plan for strengthening ESG and impact management.
Additionality and Capital Mobilisation
A key evaluation criterion is additionality.
Applicants should demonstrate that Aqua for All’s investment will:
- Enable investments that would otherwise not occur
- Reduce investment risk
- Attract additional private investors
- Expand financing into underserved sectors
- Increase long-term market development
Projects with strong capital mobilisation potential are highly encouraged.
How to Apply for the Aqua for All Catalytic Funding Call
Fund managers should prepare a comprehensive investment proposal demonstrating both financial performance and development impact.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should verify that they:
- Operate an eligible investment fund
- Focus on emerging markets
- Invest in water, sanitation, or related sectors
- Meet programme eligibility requirements
Step 2: Develop an Investment Proposal
The proposal should explain:
- Investment strategy
- Geographic focus
- Target sectors
- Expected development impact
- Capital mobilisation strategy
- ESG approach
Applicants should demonstrate how the investment contributes to SDG 6 and sustainable development.
Step 3: Prepare Financial Information
Fund managers should provide:
- Fund structure
- Investment portfolio
- Capital deployment strategy
- Risk management approach
- Financial projections
Applicants should explain how catalytic funding will increase investment activity.
Step 4: Demonstrate ESG and Impact Management
Applicants should describe:
- ESG policies
- Environmental safeguards
- Social impact framework
- Governance systems
- Impact measurement methods
Clear impact reporting strengthens the application.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applicants should submit all required documentation, ensuring that the proposal clearly demonstrates investment readiness, development impact, and alignment with programme objectives.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Weak ESG frameworks
- Limited impact measurement
- Unclear investment strategy
- Insufficient evidence of capital mobilisation
- Poor financial planning
- Limited experience in emerging markets
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate measurable development impact
- Present a strong investment pipeline
- Show experience in emerging markets
- Explain additionality clearly
- Highlight private capital mobilisation potential
- Include robust ESG practices
- Present realistic implementation plans
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Catalytic capital plays an important role in unlocking private investment for sectors that deliver high social and environmental impact.
The Aqua for All programme helps:
- Increase investment in water and sanitation
- Strengthen sustainable infrastructure
- Improve access to essential services
- Support climate resilience
- Mobilize private-sector financing
- Advance Sustainable Development Goal 6
- Promote long-term sustainable development
The programme contributes to stronger impact investment ecosystems across emerging markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Aqua for All Catalytic Funding Call?
It is an investment programme that provides catalytic funding to impact-driven fund managers investing in water, sanitation, sustainable water management, and related sectors across emerging markets.
How much investment is available?
Selected fund managers may receive €1 million to €5 million in catalytic investment.
Is additional technical assistance available?
Yes. Eligible fund managers and/or their investees may receive up to €150,000 in technical assistance.
Who can apply?
Both first-time and established fund managers using private equity, private debt, infrastructure, natural capital, nature-based solutions, or similar real-asset investment strategies may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Which countries are prioritized?
The programme prioritizes investments in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), particularly across Africa and Asia.
What sectors are eligible?
Eligible sectors include water, sanitation, sustainable water management, energy, climate, natural capital, and nature-based solutions.
What is meant by catalytic funding?
Catalytic funding is investment designed to reduce risk, attract additional private capital, and enable high-impact projects that might not otherwise receive financing.
Conclusion
The Aqua for All Catalytic Funding Call 2026 provides a significant opportunity for impact-driven fund managers to scale investments that improve access to water, sanitation, and climate-resilient infrastructure across emerging markets.
By combining €1–5 million in catalytic investment, technical assistance, and support for ESG and impact management, the programme strengthens sustainable finance while accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 and broader environmental and social development objectives.
For more information, visit Aqua for All.