The Research Commissioning Centre has launched an innovative Impact Fund designed to maximise the real-world impact of FCDO’s research investments. This competitive funding initiative provides additional funds for promising research projects that demonstrate potential for enhanced societal impact.
The IF represents a strategic approach to research funding, offering streamlined, time-sensitive support to capitalize on impact opportunities. Through a simplified peer review process, the fund will evaluate applications based on their potential to translate research findings into practical solutions that improve lives and address pressing societal challenges.
How to apply
In 2025, the IF is in a pilot phase and is accepting applications for Phase 2 of the pilot. The pilot phase is invite-only. We hope to scale the Fund, pending the successful completion of the pilot, in 2026.
Proposals submitted to the IF will be assessed using the following criteria.
Assessment criteria:
- Impact Potential (35%): Clarity and significance of expected outcomes, clear pathways to potential impact.
- Feasibility (25%): Practical and robust implementation plans.
- Additionality (20%): Creating new value beyond existing work.
- Equity and Partnerships (10%): Proposals carefully consider equity and inclusion and partnerships for delivery of the work are equitable.
- Budget and Value for Money (10%): Efficient use of resources to maximise impact per pound invested.
Eligibility criteria
- Connection to FCDO: The proposal must be linked to research funded by FCDO’s Research and Evidence Directorate (RED). Research with partial FCDO-funding is eligible.
- Additionality: The proposal must not duplicate existing funding with the same purpose.
- Timeframe: Activities under the Pilot Phase 2 must be completed by February 2027.
- Budget: Funding requests must not exceed £30,000. We particularly welcome smaller applications with shorter timelines.
We particularly encourage applications that are locally led, from diverse geographic regions, thematic areas and career stages.
Phases
Impact Fund Phase 1
Launch date: 14 May 2025
Submission date: 30 June 2025
Award date: 20 August 2025
The Impact Fund is a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between research insights and real-world change, reinforcing RCC’s commitment to maximizing the value of FCDO-funded research. With approximately £170,000 allocated, in its first phase, the Fund provided targeted support to promising projects that demonstrate clear potential for impact or have already shown success. Phase I of the pilot was Invite-Only, to ensure a controlled start for the fund.
Impact Fund Phase 2
Launch date: 19 September 2025
Submission date: 20 October 2025
Award date: November/December 2025
Phase II of the pilot was launched to allow continued testing of fund design and operations to inform future scaling. Enhancements have been introduced based on applicant and reviewer feedback from Phase I, including a simplified budget template, clearer question-specific guidance and updated FAQs. As with Phase I, Phase II of the pilot was also a controlled launch with applications admitted by Invite-Only.
Banner image: Delegates in the Business and Innovation Hub at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, which took place in London on 20 January 2020 | ©DFID – UK Department for International Development
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