Maelezo

MetaMeta, on behalf of ZOA, announces the Call for Proposals for the SIPRA Challenge Fund – Large Grant Facility, part of the Strengthening Inclusive Partnerships for Smallholders in Rainfed Areas (SIPRA) programme in Sudan, a four-year initiative funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis and there is no fixed deadline. Early submission is strongly encouraged.

About SIPRA

SIPRA is designed to strengthen food and nutrition security in Sudan by empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, through inclusive agribusiness investments, improved service delivery, and stronger local support networks. The programme is currently active in seven states: South Darfur, East Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, White Nile, Blue Nile, and Gedaref.

Priority value chains include rainfed cereal and legume farming, agro-processing and delivery of agricultural inputs and services, livestock, poultry, fisheries, and horticulture.

Funding Available

• Grant range: EUR 20,000 to EUR 100,000 per proposal
• Proposals exceeding EUR 100,000 may be considered under exceptional circumstances only; applicants seeking higher amounts must consult the SIPRA team in advance and provide strong justification before submission
• Proposals will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are fully allocated

What the Fund Supports

The fund seeks proposals that improve the productivity and resilience of smallholder farmers and agro-MSMEs, enhance market access and value chain integration, and strengthen local economies. SIPRA’s four key investment areas are:

• Sustainable production and income generation: building capacity of producer associations, women, and youth to adopt best agronomic practices, access quality inputs, and engage in climate-resilient farming
• Household nutrition: working with women’s groups to promote diversified food consumption and healthy dietary practices
• Market-driven business models: supporting agro-processing, value addition, and strong market linkages across local, state, and national levels
• Enabling environment: stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and knowledge sharing across Sudan, the Netherlands, and international platforms

Who Can Apply?

This call is open to private sector actors, NGOs, producer organizations, and social enterprises.

Required Application Documents

• Completed Concept Note (template provided in the guide)
• Company registration certificate
• Proof of Zakat payment
• Audited financial statements for the last two years
• Proof of financial capital to meet co-funding requirements

Full details including eligibility criteria, the application template, schedule of activities, and funding duration are available in the Challenge Fund Large Grant Guide.

Submission and Queries

Submit applications and any related queries to:

Ms. Clara Nieuwenhuyse and Ms. Lucia Spiegelberg

Email: [email protected]