The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has launched its 28th Call for Proposals, offering up to USD 1.5 million in funding for projects that empower smallholder producers. Applications close on 1 April 2026.
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has officially launched its 28th Call for Proposals, inviting eligible organizations to submit innovative project ideas designed to empower smallholder commodity producers across its 101 member countries. With applications open until 1 April 2026, this funding opportunity represents a significant pathway for organizations seeking to drive inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and commercial development in commodity-dependent communities.
Through this call, CFC continues its long-standing mission of transforming commodity sectors by supporting initiatives that strengthen livelihoods, promote sustainable production, and expand market access for underserved producers.
About the Common Fund for Commodities
The Common Fund for Commodities is an international financial institution established to support commodity-dependent developing countries. Its work focuses on improving incomes and resilience for smallholder farmers and rural communities by investing in projects that foster value addition, environmental regeneration, and inclusive economic participation.
Operating across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, CFC collaborates with governments, private sector actors, cooperatives, and development organizations to unlock sustainable growth in commodity value chains.
Purpose of the 28th Call for Proposals
The 28th Call for Proposals seeks transformative, commercially viable, and socially inclusive projects that generate measurable impact for smallholder producers. CFC is particularly interested in initiatives that integrate innovation, sustainability, and market-driven approaches to strengthen commodity sectors while addressing environmental and social challenges.
By providing catalytic funding, CFC aims to help organizations scale solutions that can be replicated across regions and contribute to long-term development outcomes.
Funding Available
Under the 28th Call, CFC is offering two funding windows:
- Regular Projects: Up to USD 1.5 million per project
- Fast-Track Proposals: Up to USD 300,000 per project
These funding options allow organizations to submit proposals based on project size, urgency, and readiness for implementation. Selected projects will receive financial support structured to promote sustainability and measurable impact.
Eligible Applicants
CFC invites applications from a range of mission-driven and commercially engaged organizations, including:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Cooperatives and producer organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Social enterprises
Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of operational experience. Start-up entities without a proven track record are not eligible, ensuring that funded projects are led by organizations with implementation capacity and established governance systems.
Key Focus Areas
The 28th Call prioritizes proposals aligned with strategic impact themes that address pressing global development and environmental challenges. Priority focus areas include:
Regenerative Agriculture and Biodiversity
Projects promoting sustainable farming practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and reduce environmental degradation are strongly encouraged. These initiatives help smallholders build climate resilience while increasing productivity.
Local Value Addition and Agtech Innovation
CFC supports projects that enable processing, value chain upgrading, and technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and market access for small-scale producers.
Financial Inclusion and Women’s Entrepreneurship
Special consideration is given to initiatives that expand access to finance, strengthen women-led enterprises, and promote inclusive participation in commodity markets.
Forest Conservation
Proposals addressing forest protection, particularly within the Congo Basin, are a key priority. These projects contribute to biodiversity conservation while creating sustainable livelihood alternatives for forest-dependent communities.
Why This Funding Matters
Smallholder producers play a vital role in global commodity supply chains, yet they often face limited access to finance, technology, and markets. CFC’s funding model addresses these barriers by supporting initiatives that combine commercial viability with strong environmental and social outcomes.
Projects funded through previous CFC calls have successfully improved farmer incomes, strengthened cooperatives, enhanced climate-smart practices, and expanded rural employment opportunities. The 28th Call builds on this legacy by encouraging innovative solutions with scalable impact.
Application Process
Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to develop well-structured proposals that demonstrate clear impact pathways, sustainability, and alignment with CFC’s focus areas. Proposals should outline project objectives, target beneficiaries, implementation strategies, budget plans, and expected outcomes.
Applications and enquiries should be directed to:
Applicants are advised to begin preparations early, as proposal development may require partner consultations, technical assessments, and financial planning.
Deadline for Submission
The closing date for all submissions under the 28th Call for Proposals is 1 April 2026. Late applications may not be accepted, so organizations are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of the deadline.
A Call to Drive Sustainable Transformation
The Common Fund for Commodities continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable commodity development worldwide. Through its 28th Call for Proposals, the Fund is opening doors for organizations committed to transforming rural economies, protecting ecosystems, and creating inclusive market opportunities.
For eligible SMEs, cooperatives, NGOs, and social enterprises with proven experience and innovative ideas, this call presents an opportunity to secure funding, scale impact, and contribute to global efforts toward sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Organizations ready to lead change in commodity value chains are invited to submit proposals and become part of CFC’s mission to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global commodity sectors.
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