Global Innovation Fund: Grants and Investments for Social and Climate Innovations
54 matching capital sources on the AESFIP database · Last checked October 2026
The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) is a non-profit investment fund backed by several governments and foundations. It supports innovations — from companies, non-profits and government programmes — that can improve the lives of people living on low incomes, including climate adaptation and clean energy solutions.
GIF is open to direct applications all year, which makes it one of the more accessible funders on our database for early-stage teams with evidence of impact.
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What GIF funds
Grants, loans and equity across stages: pilot funding (up to around $230,000), testing and transition to scale (around $230,000 to $2.3 million), and scaling (up to around $15 million). Applicants must show evidence of impact and a credible path to reach many people.
How to apply
Submit a short initial application through GIF's website. Shortlisted applicants go through due diligence, which can take several months.
The funders
Each profile shows mandate, instruments and sector appetite. Verified contacts and application routes are available to members.
- Global Innovation FundImpact Investor · United KingdomNon-profit investment fund providing grants, risk capital and equity to innovations that improve the lives of the poor, including climate adaptation and energy access in Africa.GrantsEquityConcessional Debt
- AcumenImpact Investor · United StatesImpact investor providing patient capital to companies serving low-income African communities.EquityPatient Debt
- responsAbility InvestmentsImpact Investor · SwitzerlandSwiss impact asset manager investing in climate finance and financial inclusion in Africa.DebtEquity
- All OnImpact Investor · NigeriaShell-funded impact investment company backing off-grid energy companies in Nigeria with debt, equity and convertible instruments.EquityDebtMezzanine
- GroFinImpact Investor · KenyaPan-African SME finance company providing structured business loans and hands-on support to small and growing enterprises, including within its Inclusive Green Economy strategy targeting climate-smart and renewable energy SMEs. GroFin operates offices across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda) alongside other regions.DebtMezzanineTechnical Assistance
- Investisseurs et PartenairesImpact Investor · FranceParis-headquartered impact investment group with African affiliates managing multiple funds (I&P Afrique Entrepreneurs series) that provide equity and quasi-equity to SMEs across Francophone West and Central Africa, including green energy, agriculture and health enterprises.EquityDevelopment CapitalTechnical Assistance
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Showing 6 of 54 matching capital sources. The remaining 48 — including their verified routes, ticket sizes and eligibility criteria — are reserved for members.
Common questions
- Can non-profits apply to the Global Innovation Fund?
- Yes. GIF funds companies, non-profits, researchers and government agencies.
- Does the Global Innovation Fund accept applications all year?
- Yes, it accepts applications on a rolling basis.
Related guides
Official sources: Global Innovation Fund. Reviewed by the iSustain Global research team against funders' published criteria.