Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) is USAID’s open innovation program that funds breakthrough solutions to the world’s most intractable development challenges. By funding innovation and focusing on rigorous evidence, DIV impacts millions of lives at a fraction of the usual cost.
DIV offers three stages of funding to maximize impact per dollar spent. This allows for risk at early stages and mitigates risk at later stages, ensuring that funding is targeted to the most cost-effective innovations.
DIV provides grant funding to innovators and researchers to test new ideas, take strategic risks, build evidence of what works, and advance the best solutions. DIV looks for solutions that demonstrate rigorous evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and a viable pathway to scale and sustainability.
DIV offers the following funding:
- Stage 1: Pilot (Up to $200,000)
- Stage 2: Test and Position for Scale (Up to $1,500,000)
- Stage 3: Transition to Scale (Up to $15,000,000)
- Evidence Grants (Up to $1,500,000)
Applicants should apply to the level that best matches their current scale and evidence base.
