Call for Proposals: Palladium Challenge Fund

The Palladium Challenge Fund brings in ideas from the network in over 90 countries and partnership with over 1,600 organisations to source innovative responses to global challenges. Operating against a clear “problem statement”, they fund organisations and initiatives that:

• Pilot new technologies and innovative approaches
• De-risk start-up ventures
• Deliver outcomes from innovative financial mechanisms
• Support the convening of innovation challenges

They’re particularly interested in proposals that empower local communities and offer sustainable long-term solutions.

• Innovations could include, but are not limited to:
  • Early warning and predictive analytics
  • Blockchain to aid humanitarian monitoring
  • Social media to guide needs assessment
  • Digital cash transfers, both anticipatory and responsive
  • Drone technology to aid distribution
  • 3D printing to facilitate local production of goods
  • Biometrics and digital IDs to aid monitoring and tracking

They are looking for solutions that:

• Pilot new technologies and innovative approaches
• De-risk startup ventures targeting humanitarian response and/or address constraints in the humanitarian system
• Convene groups around innovation for humanitarian response
• Scale existing innovations

Theme: In 2023, the theme is Technology for Humanitarian Action.

Funding Information

• Palladium Challenge Fund (up to AUS100.000): Funded activities are solicited and assessed following a challenge fund model against an annual theme with priority given to proposals that test or demonstrate innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Palladium Challenge Fund is open to applications from all types of organisations. They particularly welcome applications from small and/or start-up organisations that demonstrate innovation and scalability.
• The application process (for referring projects for funding) is both open and accessible to employees, external partners, and other interested parties. Only applications presented in the Palladium Challenge Fund Application Form and related to the annual theme will be considered. Any other letters of requests for grant support cannot be considered.
• Applications to the Palladium Challenge Fund are deemed eligible for funding if they are:
  • from a for-profit, non-for profit or grassroots entity including small and/or start up organizations;
  • for single year activity however multi-year applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• All applicants must:
  • adhere to Palladium ethical business practices;
  • drive impact in countries in which Palladium is working;
  • ensure the appropriate approvals are in place to deliver activity in any target countries;
  • not have been the subject of any proceedings or other arrangements relating to bankruptcy. insolvency or financial standing in the last 5 years;
  • have fulfilled all obligations relating to the payment of income tax and/or sales tax or other tax contributions within the country;
  • declare any conflict of interests which impact the application — both perceived and real — and include details of how any conflict of interest concerns can be mitigated.

For more information, visit Palladium.