Rural Innovation and Research Fund
Catalyzing Community-Led Solutions and Rural Knowledge Creation
The Rural Innovation and Research Fund (RIRF) is RNI's catalytic funding mechanism that supports community-driven initiatives and applied research across rural Africa. We believe that transformative ideas often emerge from the communities experiencing challenges firsthand, and that research should be responsive to rural realities and needs.
Rural Innovation and Research Fund
Catalyzing Community-Led Solutions and Rural Knowledge Creation
The Rural Innovation and Research Fund (RIRF) is RNI's catalytic funding mechanism that supports community-driven initiatives and applied research focused on rural Africa. We believe that transformative ideas often emerge from the communities experiencing challenges firsthand, and that research should be responsive to rural realities and needs.
What We Fund
The RIRF provides financial support and technical assistance across two complementary funding streams:
1.
Rural Community Innovation Grants
We fund locally-conceived and community-led initiatives through:
Seed Grants
Small funding packages (US$250-2,500) for community-identified priorities
Innovation Challenges
Competitive funding for novel solutions to rural challenges
Community Match Requirement
Encouraging local resource mobilization alongside external support
Technical Assistance Package
Expert support paired with financial resources
Scaling Grants
Follow-on funding for particularly successful initiatives
Priority Areas for Community Innovation
- Sustainable agriculture and food security solutions
- Community health and nutrition initiatives
- Clean water and renewable energy projects
- Local economic development and enterprise creation
- Environmental conservation and climate resilience
- Youth engagement and leadership development
- Women's economic empowerment initiatives
2.
Rural Research Grants
We support evidence generation and knowledge creation through:
Applied Research Grants
Funding for studies on rural development challenges and solutions
Action Research Initiatives
Supporting research conducted with and by communities
Policy Analysis Projects
Examining how policies impact rural realities
Collaborative Research
Partnerships between communities and research institutions
Knowledge Dissemination Support
Ensuring research findings reach relevant audiences
Priority Areas for Community Innovation
- Climate adaptation and resilience in rural contexts
- Inclusive rural economic development models
- Healthcare access and health-seeking behaviors
- Educational innovations for rural settings
- Rural governance and community leadership
- Gender dimensions of rural development
- Youth livelihoods and opportunity creation
- Digital transformation in rural contexts
The Rural Innovation and Research Fund welcomes applications from all individuals and organizations. However, members of the African Rural Development Network (ARDN) will be prioritized during the selection process for funding consideration.
Our Approach
The RIRF employs a distinctive approach built on five key principles:
Community-Led Priorities
We fund initiatives identified by communities themselves rather than imposing external agendas, ensuring interventions address real needs and priorities.
Inclusive Selection Process
Our grant selection involves community representatives and diverse stakeholders to ensure funded projects reflect broad community interests, not just those of the most powerful.
Building Local Capacity
Beyond financial support, we invest in strengthening community organizations' abilities to manage resources, implement projects, and sustain outcomes.
Promoting Local Innovation
We value creative, context-appropriate solutions that build on local knowledge and resources, rather than importing standardized approaches.
Learning and Adaptation
We create feedback loops that allow continuous learning and adjustment, helping communities and researchers refine their approaches based on emerging insights.
For Rural Community Innovation Grants
1. Call for Applications
We issue annual calls for proposals in our focus countries. Application forms are available in multiple languages and formats, with simplified processes for grassroots groups.
2. Community Consultation
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed initiative emerged from community consultation and reflects shared priorities.
3. Selection Process
Local selection committees review applications based on transparent criteria including relevance, feasibility, inclusion, and sustainability.
4. Capacity Assessment
Selected groups undergo a simplified organizational assessment to identify strengths and areas where technical assistance will be needed.
5. Grant Agreement
Successful applicants sign grant agreements outlining expectations, reporting requirements, and technical assistance plans.
6. Implementation Support
Throughout the project period (typically 3-9 months), grantees receive ongoing mentoring and technical assistance from our team.
7. Learning and Sharing
Grantees participate in peer learning exchanges and document their experiences to inform future initiatives.
How It Works
For Rural Research Grants
1. Research Priorities Workshop
Annual calls in each country to identify priority research questions with input from communities, practitioners, and policymakers.
2. Call for Proposals
Based on these priorities, we issue calls for research proposals twice yearly.
3. Rigorous Selection
Proposals undergo review by a panel including academic experts, practitioner representatives, and community members.
4. Participatory Research Design
Selected researchers work with communities to refine methodologies and ensure research approaches are contextually appropriate.
5. Research Implementation
Studies are conducted over 6-18 months with regular check-ins and adaptive management.
6. Knowledge Translation
Research teams produce both academic outputs and accessible knowledge products for communities and practitioners.
7. Dissemination Support
We provide platforms for sharing findings through our conference, network, and media partnerships.
Apply for Funding
Apply for Funding
Rural Community Innovation Grants
Next Application Cycle: TBA
Grant Size: US$250-2,500
Project Duration: 3-9 months
Eligibility: Rural community-based organizations, farmer groups, women's associations, youth groups, and other local entities in Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin
Rural Research Grants
Next Application Cycle: TBA
Grant Size: US$250-2,500
Research Duration: 6-12 months
Eligibility: Researchers, research institutions, and community organizations with research capacity in West African countries
ARDN
The Rural Innovation and Research Fund welcomes applications from all individuals and organizations. However, members of the African Rural Development Network (ARDN) will be prioritized during the selection process for funding consideration.
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Support the Fund
The Rural Innovation and Research Fund welcomes contributions from donors who believe in community-led development and evidence-based approaches:
Core Fund Support
Contributions to the general grant pool
Thematic Windows
Funding for specific issue areas (e.g., climate resilience, women's empowerment)
Geographic Focus
Support for initiatives in particular regions
Technical Assistance
Funding for capacity building components
Knowledge Management
Support for documenting and sharing learnings
Innovation Grants
Funding for piloting new approaches and experimental solutions
