The Challenge FundHOW TO APPLY
THE CALL Applying
The Challenge Fund will run over three open calls, with a total time for the overall project at approximately 60 months. Each call will have the same operational structure, however with possible variations in criteria, number of projects etc. based on learnings from earlier calls and to ensure the project meets its overall objectives. Each call will be defined by a specific set of guidelines that will be endorsed by the Programme Steering Committee. The selection process will last 6 months from start to finish, with a 24-36 months for implementation, making each call approximately 36 months on average.
The window for applications each call is a minimum of 30 days.
The second opened on 27th June 2019 and will close on 31st July 2019 at 12.00pm EAT.
Application Process
The applicant agri-enterprises will need to submit a project concept note (PCN). The application form will be accessed through the on-line platform AfriCUBE which allows the applicant to register and submit concept notes. Applicants will be able to download the application questions from the website www.agrifichallengefund.org for offline understanding of details and preparation. Each window will be open for a minimum of 30 days. The PCN will require applicants to outline:
- The applicant profile and partners;
- The project description: How the project addresses and contributes to the challenge;
- Expected social and environmental impact as a result of the project;
- Sustainability and need for financial support funding;
- Estimated budget and outline of match-funding sources (which must be 50-70% of the project budget).
*This form is for reference only, applications should be made on AfriCUBE.com
THE CALL Award Process
Step 1
Open call for applications (30 days)
Step 2
Submission of project concept note on AfriCUBE- Screening of concept notes by AfriCUBE
- Scoring of concept notes
Step 3
Pre-award assessment
Step 4
Invitation to develop full proposal- Evaluation of submitted proposals
Step 5
Endorsement of proposals by Program Steering Committee
Step 6
Contract signing
THE CALL Required documents for the proposal stage
- Certificate of registration / incorporation
- Trading license
- Business license
- Tax / PIN certificate
- Constitution / Bylaws
- Articles of association
- Business plan
- Contracts with suppliers
- Contracts with customers
- Contracts with other business partners
- Annual accounts most recent year
- Annual accounts most recent year -1
- Annual accounts most recent year -2
- Bank statements past year
- Cash flow forecast
- Credit reference bureau report
- Ownership documents / titles
- Asset valuation documents
- Offer letters of past loans / loan agreements
- Resolution of right to borrow
- Proof of certification(s) (e.g. Fairtrade, Utz Certified, ISO, etc…)
- Insurance policies
- List of outgrowers
- Farmer database (including phone numbers)
- Resume of executive managers
- AGM minutes
- Register of production volumes
- Register of purchases/inputs
- HR policy
- Finance policy
- Administrative policy
- Environmental Impact assessment report
THE CALL Submission of the Project Concept Note
The concept notes must be submitted online via africube.com in English language. Upon submission of a concept note online, the applicant will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt to the e-mail provided in the application. Only complete applications will be evaluated, please review your application for completeness before submission. Please note that incomplete concept notes will be rejected.
Applicants are permitted to submit one or more concept notes in each call, however only one project per applicant can be funded.
The deadline for the submission of concept notes for the second call for applications is 31/07/2019 at 12.00 pm (noon) EAT (East African Time). Any concept note submitted after the deadline will be rejected.
