The Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator (2026) is now open for concept notes, with applications due by July 20, 2026. The program supports NGOs that want to design and scale blended finance vehicles for climate action and gender equality across eligible Indo-Pacific countries.
Launched by Convergence Blended Finance in partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this five-year initiative combines catalytic grants with technical acceleration support. Importantly, applicant organisations may be based in any country, but target projects must operate in one or more eligible Indo-Pacific countries.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Concept notes are being accepted until July 20, 2026
Eligible Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Pakistan, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Sri Lanka
Project Location: Target projects must operate in one or more eligible Indo-Pacific countries (as listed); applicant organisations may be based in any country.
Award Provider: Convergence Blended Finance (launched in partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – DFAT)
About the Grant
This accelerator is a five-year, AUD 10 million initiative. It supports NGOs to create and expand blended finance vehicles that can mobilize private capital for development-focused solutions.
The program focuses on projects advancing climate action and/or gender equality. In addition, it offers support across different stages, from scoping and feasibility to proof-of-concept, pilot, and scale-up or expansion.
Selected participants can receive catalytic grants and acceleration support. This support may include training, curated data and analytics, peer-learning, technical feedback, and connections to Convergence’s investor and partner network.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be NGOs, applying independently or with consortium partners.
- The NGO must have a material role in the design or implementation of the financial instrument, such as fund manager, pipeline originator, or technical assistance provider.
- Applicants should show evidence of Board and/or internal management support to participate in a blended finance structure.
- The blended finance vehicle must target one or more eligible Indo-Pacific countries.
- One hundred percent of the target region must consist of eligible countries, although up to 20% portfolio exposure to other ODA-eligible Indo-Pacific countries may be considered.
- Vehicles must focus on Climate Action and/or Gender Equality and show significant, measurable environmental and social impact.
- Applicants must demonstrate capacity and track record, or present a clear plan to access technical and financial expertise and engage investors and partners.
Grant Amount: Up to AUD 300,000 (~USD 200,000) or up to AUD 840,000 (~USD 550,000) depending on grant stage
Total Funding Available: AUD 10,000,000
Project Duration: Five-year initiative; grants available across stages from scoping/feasibility through proof-of-concept/pilot to scale-up/expansion (duration varies by grant/stage).
Funding Scope: Catalytic grants may be non-repayable or conditionally repayable depending on stage. Support can cover work such as refining blended finance vehicle structures, developing financial models, validating investment pipeline, advancing investor outreach, and setting up impact measurement and governance frameworks.
How to Apply
Interested NGOs should prepare and submit a concept note through the official program page. Before applying, review the official guidance carefully to confirm fit, eligible project structure, and stage-specific requirements.
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
