The Power of Diversity Grants 2026 has officially opened its Call for Proposals, offering a total funding pool of €2.2 million to support high-impact agricultural projects across six countries.
Launched on 12 May 2026, this initiative aims to strengthen the value chains of opportunity crops—nutritious, climate-resilient crops that remain largely underutilised despite their potential to improve food security and livelihoods.
Managed by the Crop Trust under the Power of Diversity Funding Facility, this program provides a unique opportunity for organisations to implement scalable agricultural solutions that enhance productivity, processing, market access, and consumer awareness.
If your organisation operates in Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, or Colombia, this could be a major funding opportunity to drive sustainable agricultural development.
Summary of Power of Diversity Grants 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Power of Diversity Grants 2026 |
| Funding Amount | €2.2 Million Total |
| Grant Size | $100,000 – $200,000 per project |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Colombia |
| Application Deadline | 3 July 2026 |
| Project Start Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Project End Date | Before 31 March 2029 |
| Organizer | Crop Trust |
| Focus Area | Opportunity crops value chain development |
What Are Opportunity Crops?
Opportunity crops are nutrient-rich, climate-resilient crops that are well adapted to harsh environments but are often neglected in mainstream agriculture. These crops have the potential to:
- Improve nutrition and food security
- Create economic opportunities for farmers
- Strengthen climate resilience
- Promote sustainable agriculture
The crops supported under this program were identified through national stakeholder consultations in 2025, ensuring relevance to each country’s agricultural priorities.
Objectives of the Power of Diversity Grants
The 2026 grant program focuses on funding projects that strengthen specific crop value chains. Selected projects must address one or more of the following areas:
1. Increase Agricultural Productivity
- Improve seed systems
- Promote good agricultural practices
- Enhance crop yields
2. Strengthen Post-Harvest and Processing
- Reduce post-harvest losses
- Improve storage and processing capacity
- Add value to agricultural products
3. Improve Market Access
- Enhance value chain efficiency
- Expand access to local and international markets
- Strengthen supply chains
4. Boost Consumer Awareness
- Promote the consumption of opportunity crops
- Increase demand through awareness campaigns
Eligible Countries and Project Scope
The Power of Diversity Grants will fund projects in the following countries:
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Zambia
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Colombia
Each country has specific crops and intervention areas, identified through value chain analysis. Applicants must ensure their proposals align with the designated crop priorities and activities for their selected country.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Power of Diversity Grants 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Organizational Requirements
- Must be a legally registered organization
- Demonstrate at least 3 years of in-country experience
- Possess relevant technical expertise
Financial Requirements
- Annual average turnover (2023–2025) must exceed the proposed project budget
- Project budgets typically range between $100,000 and $200,000
Project Scope
- Applicants can submit proposals for:
- One or multiple crops
- One or multiple intervention areas
- Projects in one or more eligible countries
Proposal Requirements
A strong proposal must include:
- Clearly defined project activities and expected outcomes
- A detailed timeline with milestones and deliverables
- A scalability and sustainability plan
- Integration of crop diversity conservation
- Collaboration with national genebanks
- Strong linkages with existing initiatives and stakeholders
- A well-justified budget aligned with activities
How to Apply for Power of Diversity Grants 2026
Follow these steps to submit a successful application:
1: Review Eligible Crops and Activities: Check the official portal to confirm the crops and intervention areas relevant to your country.
2: Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization meets both technical and financial requirements.
3: Develop Your Proposal: Design a project that aligns with the program’s goals and addresses specific value chain gaps.
4: Download Application Templates: Access all required forms and templates from the official application portal.
5: Submit Your Proposal Online: Complete and upload all documents through the portal.
Note: Submissions outside the portal will NOT be accepted.
For more details, visit the official website here.
Important Dates
- Call Opened: 12 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 3 July 2026
- Notification of Winners: 10 August 2026
- Project Kick-off: 1 October 2026
- Project Completion: Before 31 March 2029
Selection Process
All proposals will be reviewed by an expert panel appointed by the Crop Trust. The evaluation process will:
- Compare proposals across different value chains
- Ensure a diverse portfolio of projects
- Select innovative and scalable solutions
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for clarification. Final approval does not guarantee funding until contracts are signed.
About the Power of Diversity Funding Facility
The Power of Diversity Funding Facility is a global initiative aimed at promoting underutilized crops across:
- Africa
- Asia
- The Pacific
- Latin America and the Caribbean
Established in 2025, the initiative is supported by:
- The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
- KfW Development Bank
- The Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland
Its mission is to conserve crop diversity, improve food systems, and strengthen resilience globally.
Why You Should Apply
This grant presents a rare opportunity to:
- Access significant funding (up to $200,000 per project)
- Work on climate-smart agriculture solutions
- Improve food security and nutrition
- Scale innovative agricultural projects
- Collaborate with global stakeholders
For organisations in Nigeria and other eligible countries, this is a chance to drive real impact in local farming communities.
FAQs
1. What is the deadline for Power of Diversity Grants 2026?
The application deadline is 3 July 2026.
2. Can individuals apply?
No, only organisations with proven experience and capacity can apply.
3. What is the funding range per project?
Projects typically receive between $100,000 and $200,000.
4. Can I apply for multiple countries or crops?
Yes, proposals can cover multiple crops and countries, provided they meet the program criteria.
5. What language should proposals be submitted in?
All proposals must be submitted in English.
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