USAID Development Innovation Ventures 2026: Stage 2 and 3 Grants for Scaling Impact
USAID's Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) is an open innovation, tiered grant program that sources cutting-edge, evidence-based solutions to critical development challenges. The 2026 call focuses on Stage 2 (testing and scaling) and Stage 3 (scaling at systemic levels) interventions in sectors including health, education, WASH, and economic growth. Applicants must demonstrate strong evidence of impact from prior pilots, a clear path to financial sustainability, and a scalable operational model. DIV encourages partnerships that combine technical expertise with local implementation capacity.
Strategic Overview
USAID's Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) is an open innovation, tiered grant program that sources cutting-edge, evidence-based solutions to critical development challenges. The 2026 call focuses on Stage 2 (testing and scaling) and Stage 3 (scaling at systemic levels) interventions in sectors including health, education, WASH, and economic growth. Applicants must demonstrate strong evidence of impact from prior pilots, a clear path to financial sustainability, and a scalable operational model. DIV encourages partnerships that combine technical expertise with local implementation capacity.
Who is it For?
U.S. and non-U.S. non-profit organizations, for-profit social enterprises, academic institutions, and international organizations with a track record of implementing evidence-based programs in developing countries.
Priorities
Alignment with USAID's 2022-2030 Strategic Framework: (a) strengthen health systems; (b) advance gender equality; (c) combat infectious diseases; (d) promote democratic resilience. Emphasis on cost-effectiveness and rigorous impact evaluation.
Eligibility
Stage 2: proven efficacy via RCT or quasi-experimental design; Stage 3: evidence of cost-effectiveness and operational scalability. Applicants must have a DUNS number and SAM.gov registration if U.S.-based.
Path to Success
Phase 1: Conduct evidence gap analysis and refine theory of change. Enroll team in GSLI's 'Data Analysis for Project Management' to enhance MEL data systems and 'Writing Winning Proposals' to articulate impact narrative (6 weeks). Phase 2: Strengthen financial forecasting and budgeting via GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Grants Management Training Workshop' to meet USAID's compliance standards (4 weeks). Phase 3: Develop a sustainability and scaling strategy informed by GSLI's 'Leadership, governance and accountability for the humanitarian sector' to demonstrate institutional readiness (4 weeks). Phase 4: Submit with a detailed MEAL plan and cost-modelling annex.
Recommended GSLI Courses
- Data Analysis for Project Management
- Writing Winning Proposals
- Financial Management for NGOs
- Grants Management Training Workshop
- Leadership, governance and accountability for the humanitarian sector
Deadline: 2026-09-30
Persona: General
Urgency: Normal