The Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator is a five-year, AUD 10 million initiative by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in partnership with Convergence Blended Finance. It supports NGOs to design and scale blended finance solutions that unlock private capital for climate action and gender equality in the Indo-Pacific.
The Accelerator provides catalytic grants and dedicated acceleration support to help NGOs design and launch blended finance vehicles. It aims to build a pipeline of investable solutions, enabling NGOs to take on roles as technical assistance providers, impact managers, and fund managers, thereby mobilizing private capital at scale.
Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator Benefits
- Catalytic grant funding up to AUD 300,000 for Stage 1 (Scoping/Feasibility) and up to AUD 840,000 for Stage 2/3 (Proof-of-Concept/Pilot and Scale-up/Expansion)
- Access to trainings, curated data and analytics, and peer-learning opportunities
- Opportunities to connect with Convergence’s network of investors and ecosystem partners
- Ongoing technical feedback and guidance to refine investment models and strategies
- Support in navigating the unique requirements of investors active in the Indo-Pacific region
Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator Eligibility Criteria
- Proposals must articulate a clear need for grant support for the design, proof of concept, pilot, scale-up or expansion of an innovative blended finance vehicle.
- Applications must be from NGOs applying independently or together with consortium partners.
- NGOs must have a material role in the design and implementation of the financial instrument such as fund manager, investment pipeline origination, technical assistance provider, or any other substantive role.
- The NGO should have evidence of support from their Board and/or internal management to participate in a blended finance structure prior to being eligible to receive funding.
- The blended finance vehicle must target one or more countries in the Indo-Pacific region that are eligible to receive Official Development Assistance and are aligned with DFAT’s list of target countries.
- Blended finance vehicles must focus on either or both of the following impact themes: Climate Action and Gender Equality.
How to Apply for Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator
- Submit a concept note by July 20, 2026.
- Refer to the evaluation criteria document for further details on the evaluation criteria.
- Join a virtual information session on June 15, 2026 for more guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator?
It is a five-year, AUD 10 million initiative by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in partnership with Convergence Blended Finance. It supports NGOs to design and scale blended finance solutions that unlock private capital for climate action and gender equality in the Indo-Pacific.
Who can apply for this accelerator?
Applications must be from NGOs applying independently or together with consortium partners. NGOs must have a material role in the design and implementation of the financial instrument, such as fund manager, investment pipeline origination, or technical assistance provider.
What types of grants are available?
Three stages: Stage 1 (Scoping/Feasibility) up to AUD 300,000; Stage 2 (Proof-of-Concept/Pilot) and Stage 3 (Scale-up/Expansion) up to AUD 840,000. Grants can be non-repayable or conditionally repayable.
What is the deadline for concept notes?
Concept notes are being accepted until July 20, 2026.
What geographic focus is required?
The blended finance vehicle must target one or more countries in the Indo-Pacific region that are eligible to receive Official Development Assistance and are aligned with DFAT’s list of target countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pacific Islands, and others.
What sectors are supported?
Vehicles must focus on Climate Action (aligned with SDGs 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and/or Gender Equality (aligned with SDG 5).
What acceleration support is provided?
Access to trainings, curated data and analytics, peer-learning opportunities, connections to Convergence’s network of investors, ongoing technical feedback, and support in navigating investor requirements.
How are proposals evaluated?
Based on development impact, scalability, additionality, gender consideration, ability to fundraise, internal buy-in, stakeholder support, and track record. Refer to the evaluation criteria document for details.
Can NGOs from any country apply?
Yes, the applicant can be based in any country (developing or developed market), but the blended finance vehicle must target eligible Indo-Pacific countries.
Is there an information session?
Yes, a virtual information session will be held on June 15, 2026. Register via the provided link.
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