The Common Commodities Fund (CFC) invites applications for funding from projects that transform commodity value chains and support smallholder farmers and SMEs in CFC member countries. CFC offers a range of financial and technical support opportunities to empower SMEs, cooperatives, international commodity organizations (ICOs) and other institutions, particularly those led by women or supporting the agricultural sector.
Our mission is to reduce poverty and build sustainable livelihoods in commodity-dependent communities, with a focus on supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in global value chains, particularly in the manufacturing, processing, finance, marketing and R&D sectors. Successful applications must demonstrate tangible and sustainable impacts on the lives of low-income, commodity-dependent populations, with a focus on smallholder farmers and women-led enterprises.
Our mission is to reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in commodity-dependent communities, with a focus on supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in global value chains, particularly in the production, processing, financing, marketing and R&D sectors. Successful applications must demonstrate tangible and sustainable impacts on the lives of low-income populations dependent on commodities, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and women-led businesses.
The CFC is particularly interested in proposals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to maximize poverty reduction in the developing world. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to advancing gender equality, promoting climate action and supporting resilient economies by closing the economic opportunity gap for women and ensuring that agricultural growth benefits both people and the planet.
To enable technological transformation, we also invite innovative ideas that can drive significant changes in commodity value chains. This could include partnerships in agrotechnology, agroforestry, agroecology, regenerative practices, renewable energy solutions, digital agriculture, climate-friendly practices and advanced traceability (e.g. blockchain) to ensure fair and transparent value chains.
Financing can be provided in the form of loans for capital expenditures, working capital or trade finance to invest in productivity and value chain upgrading involving smallholders and/or SMEs. Applications should clearly show operational and financial viability, and be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
Women entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply, as their success is essential to achieving inclusive, sustainable growth across the commodity sector. The CFC is committed to ensuring that our resources are available for both the digital and green transitions, ultimately supporting resilient, equitable commodity systems for both the consumers and producers.
How to apply:
All interested SMEs/enterprises/businesses/cooperatives/financial institutions/governments are kindly invited to submit qualifying proposals no later than 1 April 2025.
All applicants are requested to submit the qualifying proposals at – opencall@common-fund.org
To download the application form and budget template, go to: https://www.common-fund.org/call-for-proposals