Call for Proposals
SIPRA Challenge Fund – Large Grants Now Open
Strengthening Inclusive Partnerships for Smallholders in Rainfed Areas (SIPRA)
Programe in Sudan
MetaMeta, on behalf of ZOA, is pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for the SIPRA Challenge Fund – Large Grant Facility. This initiative is part of the Strengthening Inclusive Partnerships for Smallholders in Rainfed Areas (SIPRA) programme, a four-year initiative funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. 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 across Sudan: South Darfur, East Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, White Nile, Blue Nile, and Gedaref. It aims to unlock the vast potential of Sudan’s rainfed agriculture by combining technical assistance and catalytic funding through a Challenge Fund that supports innovative and scalable solutions in the country’s most critical value chains. These include rainfed cereal and legume farming, agro-processing and delivery of agricultural inputs and services, livestock, poultry, fisheries, and horticulture.
The Challenge Fund – Large Grant Facility provides financial support ranging from €20,000 to €100,000 for proposals that demonstrate potential for high impact, sustainability, and scalability. Proposals that request more than €100,000 may also be considered, but only under exceptional circumstances. Applicants seeking higher amounts must consult the SIPRA team in advance and provide a strong justification before submission.
Through this funding facility, SIPRA seeks to address persistent bottlenecks in Sudan’s food systems by supporting interventions that improve the productivity and resilience of smallholder farmers and agro-MSMEs, enhance market access and value chain integration, and strengthen local economies. The programme also promotes climate-smart agricultural practices and supports efforts to improve household nutrition, especially among women and children, through home gardening, food safety initiatives, and nutrition education.
SIPRA’s broader strategy is anchored in four key investment areas. First, the programme focuses on sustainable production and income generation by building the capacity of producer associations (farmer groups), women, and youth to adopt best agronomic practices, access quality inputs and services, and engage in climate-resilient farming. Second, SIPRA targets household nutrition by working with women’s
groups to promote diversified food consumption and healthy dietary practices. Third, it fosters market-driven business models by supporting agro-processing, value addition, and the development of strong market linkages across local, state, and national levels. Fourth, SIPRA works to create a more enabling environment through active stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and continuous learning, which includes sharing knowledge across Sudan, the Netherlands, and international platforms.
This Call for Proposals is a unique opportunity for private sector actors, NGOs, producer organizations, and social enterprises to contribute to systemic change in Sudan’s rainfed agricultural sector. By aligning proposed activities with SIPRA’s integrated market and food systems approach, applicants can help advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems in areas most affected by fragility and conflict. The Challenge Fund represents more than just funding—it is an invitation to collaborate on transformative solutions that can create lasting impact in Sudan’s food and nutrition landscape.
Required Appplication Documents:
 Completed Concept Notes (CNs) template (provided in the guide; see link below)
 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 (which includes a schedule of activities and funding duration), required documents, are available at: Challenge Fund Large Grant Guide
Application Process: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis – there is no fixed deadline. However, as funding is limited, early submission is strongly encouraged. Proposals will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are fully allocated.
Submission & Queries: Submit your application – and any related queries – to: Ms. Clara Nieuwenhuyse and Ms. Lucia Spiegelbergat at: cfsipra@metameta.nl
Notification of Evaluation Outcome: Applicants will be notified of the evaluation outcome by email within one month of submission. Any delays beyond this timeline will be communicated promptly.