Categories
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION INITIATIVES IN THE FIELD OF INNOVATION—2026
Maximum grant: 900,000€
PURPOSE
Funding for innovation initiatives that address social, economic,
environmental, and development challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Innovation initiatives: These must promote innovative solutions that have already been developed and successfully tested
at the pilot level, with the aim of implementing them and demonstrating the potential to replicate them on a larger scale
to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
• Knowledge initiatives: These will include applied research and studies accompanied by
training sessions and/or seminars, and will address the thematic areas included in this call for proposals.
AMOUNT OF THE GRANT
The minimum grant amount that can be requested for innovation initiatives : min. 400,000€ and
max. 900,000€.
The minimum grant amount that can be requested for knowledge initiatives : min. 100,000€ ni
max. 500,000€.
In general, new beneficiary entities (without prior funding from the AECID) will have a
grantlimit of 80,000 €, whether individually or as part of a consortium.
FEATURES
Funding may take three main forms:
• Agreements:
Large-scale, long-term initiatives (up to 4 years) aimed at general objectives in
cooperation or humanitarian action, including in multiple countries.
Minimum funding: 1 million € (education) or 2.5 million € (other areas).
Only for entities accredited by the AECID.
• Programs:
Strategic medium-term interventions (up to 3 years), in one or more countries or sectors.
Minimum funding: €300,000 ( education) or €1.5 million (other sectors ).
For accredited entities or those that meet specific requirements.
• Projects and actions:
Specific initiatives with defined objectives, lasting up to 2 years and receiving annual funding.
Access is similar to that for the Programs.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
The awarding of grants is based on several weighted evaluation criteria:
• Applicant organizations (10–30%): Their structure, management capacity, experience, expertise,
work in consortia or with local partners, and the provision of at least 10% co-financing are evaluated.
• Content of the intervention (40–60%): The needs assessment, participation of the
target population, quality and coherence of the project, feasibility and sustainability, and the suitability of the indicators
and evaluation systems are analyzed.
• Coherence with Spanish cooperation (10–40%): alignment with its objectives and priorities.
• Quality and effectiveness of the proposal (10–40%): includes local participation, coordination with other actors,
results-oriented management, and contribution to the effectiveness and dissemination of quality principles.
BENEFICIARIES
Only groups without legal personality, composed of entities from different
sectors, may participate:
• Private business sector (companies, social economy, business associations, etc.).
• Social sector (NGOs registered with the AECID).
• Academic and research sector (universities, research centers, university foundations
, etc.).
• For innovation initiatives, the consortium must include at least two entities of
different types.
• Projects submitted by a single entity or by consortia that do not meet these
requirements will not be accepted.
• For knowledge initiatives, a single entity may submit a proposal, although partnerships are viewed more favorably
.
EXCLUDED:
• Public administrations.
• Public-law entities.
• International or multilateral organizations and agencies.
• Entities with public participation in their capital or assets, except for those in the academic/research
field mentioned above.
General requirements:
• Be legally incorporated and have legal capacity.
• Comply with the principles of Spanish cooperation and foreign policy.
• Be up to date with tax and Social Security obligations.
• Have fulfilled obligations related to previous grants (if any).
• Comply with regulations regarding aid workers and insurance, where applicable.
• Not be subject to any legal prohibitions on receiving grants.
Additional requirements for consortia:
• All members must individually meet the requirements.
• Designate a lead organization responsible to the administration.
• Appoint a single representative.
• Sign a collaboration agreement outlining commitments, distribution of funds, and duration.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES:
Expenses directly necessary for the activity are considered eligible, provided they are specified
in the call for proposals, are justified, and do not exceed market value.
They include:
• Personnel ( staff and volunteers, except for management positions).
• Travel (transportation, lodging, and meals).
• Real estate and land related to the project (not offices or housing).
• Equipment and other assets ( machinery, furniture, IT, transportation, etc.).
• Other operating expenses (office supplies, communications, utilities, leases,
depreciation).
• External audits and evaluations.
• Technical and professional services (training, consulting, studies, translations, etc.).
• Revolving funds.
• Financial expenses (transfers and account maintenance).
Indditionally:
• Indirect costs (administration and overhead) are eligible for funding up to a maximum of 12% of the total.
• Aid to the beneficiary population may also be provided in cash or in kind.
• Other unforeseen expenses are permitted if they were previously approved and are necessary for the implementation of the
project.
DEADLINES
APPLICATION DEADLINE: From April 23, 2026, through
May 20, 2026.
TYPE OF AID: COMPETITIVE GRANT.