Due Diligence Fund 5th Call for Proposals 2026: Up to €250,000 Grants
The Due Diligence Fund (DDF) 5th Call for Proposals 2026 offers up to €250,000 in grants for projects that build sustainable agricultural supply chains. This funding comes from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is managed by GIZ. It targets partnerships that tackle human rights and environmental risks in farming, with a focus on real-world changes in developing countries.
About the Due Diligence Fund (DDF)
The Due Diligence Fund works to encourage responsible business in global agricultural supply chains. It helps companies and groups set up due diligence systems to handle risks to people and the planet.
Core Objectives
This fund has clear goals. It pushes for new ways to handle human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD). It aims to make supply chains stronger and more sustainable. It also seeks to better the lives and work of farmers at the start of the chain. Partnerships between businesses and non-profits are key. The solutions should work on a large scale and be easy to copy elsewhere.
Changes in the 5th Call (DDF5)
The fifth round learns from past ones and adds better options. There are now two funding windows. Grants go up to €250,000 for each project. The focus is on bigger efforts that can grow and bring fresh ideas. It lines up with rules from the EU and around the world on due diligence.
Support from the Fund
Winning projects get more than just money. They receive help in several areas.
Financial Help
Grants reach €250,000. EU-based companies must add their own co-financing based on their size.
Expert Guidance
Teams get advice during planning and rollout. Specialists in HREDD and supply chain work provide support.
Network Connections
Projects join a global group of partners. This opens doors to shared knowledge and industry pros.
Public Sharing
Results get shared widely. This helps the whole field learn and improve.
Main Focus Areas
Projects target big problems in farming supply chains. These include chains free of deforestation. They cover climate action and protecting nature. Digital tools for farmers are a priority. Efforts for gender equality and including everyone matter too. Fair pay and living wages get special attention. Gender equality stands out this year for the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Why HREDD Counts
Rules now demand that farm supply chains spot and fix risks to rights and nature. Key guides include the UN principles on business and human rights. The OECD offers rules for good conduct. Germany’s Supply Chain Act (LkSG) sets standards. The EU has a directive on company sustainability due diligence (CSDDD) and rules against deforestation products (EUDR).
Good HREDD brings gains. Supply chains become more open. Ties with suppliers grow solid. Access to world markets improves. Businesses get tougher and stand out. Farming stays sustainable over time.
Projects That Fit
The fund backs ideas that are fresh yet workable. They must grow big and move to other places. Focus stays on the first stage of farming. They fix actual dangers.
Requirements include showing impact cuts. Use risks to guide action. Follow step-by-step plans. Go past basic laws. Push for gender balance and inclusion.
How the Program Runs and Picks Winners
The process has stages.
Short Proposal
Start with a basic idea and team setup.
Shortlist
Top ones move to full plans.
Full Proposal
Send detailed steps for the work.
Final Pick
GIZ and BMZ choose. Winners get cash and help.
Who Can Apply
Teams need certain members. One must be a company from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or UK. Pair it with a company from a DAC list country or a skilled non-profit. Businesses must work in farm supply chains. EU firms add co-funds. Partners must team up well.
Steps to Apply
Follow three steps.
Check Documents
Read terms and conditions. Use templates for applicant info and concept note.
Get Ready
Look at FAQs and checklists. Join Q&A if you want.
Send It In
Email everything to [email protected]. See templates for details.
Deadline is June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.
Optional Q&A Help
Join live sessions on April 16, April 22, April 30, or May 6. They answer questions to make apps better.
Past Results
Four rounds funded 30 projects. They brought new ways to farm sustainably. Real fixes helped people in the chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Due Diligence Fund (DDF)?
The DDF encourages responsible business in global agricultural supply chains by helping companies and groups set up systems to manage human rights and environmental risks.
How much funding is available in the 5th Call?
Grants go up to €250,000 per project, with EU-based companies required to add their own co-financing based on their size.
Who can apply for the DDF 5th Call?
Teams must include a company from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or UK paired with a company from a DAC list country or a skilled non-profit active in farm supply chains.
What is the application deadline?
Submit your application by email to [email protected] before June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.