Call for Proposals: The Common Fund for Commodities – Funding Transformative Global Projects

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Application Deadline: September 29, 2025

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has launched a new call for proposals to support innovative, high-impact initiatives that transform smallholder livelihoods while regenerating ecosystems. This global funding opportunity is designed for organizations committed to inclusive growth, sustainable agriculture, and long-term social and environmental impact. With project funding available up to USD 1.5 million, this call is a rare opportunity for visionary organizations ready to scale bold solutions.

Building Inclusive and Sustainable Value Chains

The CFC invests in projects that align commercial viability with environmental and social sustainability. Their mission is to ensure smallholder farmers are not left behind but instead positioned as active partners in progress. Through this funding, organizations can unlock access to high-value markets, integrate eco-friendly farming practices, promote biodiversity, and enhance local value addition.

By financing projects that link technology, inclusivity, and sustainable business solutions, CFC enables communities to thrive in ways that balance economic opportunity with ecological preservation. Their approach builds resilience within value chains and ensures long-lasting impact for both people and the planet.

General Priority Areas

The CFC has outlined several focus areas that align with its mission of inclusive development and ecosystem restoration. Proposals are encouraged in the following areas:

  • Trade Finance for Companies – Strengthening connections between smallholder farmers and global markets.
  • Regenerative Agriculture & Biodiversity Protection – Encouraging farming methods that preserve soil health and ecosystems.
  • Local Value Addition with Low Environmental Impact – Supporting sustainable local processing and production.
  • Agtech and Digital Tools – Driving transparency, inclusivity, and innovation in agricultural value chains.
  • Improving Financial Access for Smallholders – Expanding access to credit and financing tools for underserved farmers.
  • Women’s Entrepreneurship and Gender-Lens Solutions – Promoting women-led businesses and gender equity in agricultural development.

Additional Priority Areas – 27th Call for Proposals

For this specific round, the CFC has introduced additional priority areas:

  • Sustainable Forest Resource Use in the Congo Basin: Projects in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo that emphasize conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.
  • Small-Ticket High-Impact Projects: Funding proposals of up to USD 500,000 for projects in Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe.

Funding Information

The CFC primarily supports projects with loan and debt financing instruments. Funding levels include:

  • Up to USD 1.5 million for regular projects.
  • Up to USD 300,000 through the Fast-Track procedure.

While the standard ceiling is USD 1.5 million, the CFC demonstrates flexibility when proposals showcase exceptional impact and strong financial cases.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to a wide range of entities working to transform smallholder livelihoods and strengthen inclusive development. Eligible applicants include:

  • Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
  • Cooperatives and farmer-based organizations
  • Social enterprises
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Public or private sector entities

Applicants must be based in, or actively operating in, CFC member countries. Projects should align with the CFC mission, demonstrate financial viability, and show at least three years of operational history with proven expertise.

Special consideration is given to projects originating from or focused on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in recognition of the additional challenges these regions face.

Why This Call Matters

The Common Fund for Commodities continues to position itself as a global catalyst for development by backing projects that merge sustainability with commercial success. By empowering smallholder farmers, advancing women entrepreneurs, and protecting biodiversity, the CFC is not just financing projects—it is shaping inclusive economies and resilient ecosystems.

Organizations with ambitious, scalable ideas are encouraged to seize this opportunity and contribute to building sustainable agricultural systems that support both communities and the environment.

Deadline for submissions: 29 September 2025.

For more information and submission, CLICK HERE

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