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IntroMain Applications
Introduction
IWT Challenge Fund Main grants, ranging from £75,000 to £600,000, are expected to deliver strong results to tackle IWT and poverty reduction based on good evidence, and strongly demonstrate the potential to scale. Main grants will be awarded to projects which test new and innovative interventions to provide proof of concept at a smaller scale. Projects should last between 1 to 3 years maximum.
Applications to Round 12 of IWT Challenge Fund Main are now open.
Applications for Round 12 opened on 30th September 2026.
Applications to IWT Challenge Fund Main are by a dual stage process.
- Stage 1 – open – deadline Monday 23rd November 2026
- Stage 2 – by invite only – deadline Monday 5th April 2027
Results are expected by end of June 2027 at the earliest.
The expected start date for successful projects is from 1st September 2027.
Please note: Funding for IWT Challenge Fund projects beyond March 2029 is not currently confirmed and will be subject to the outcome of the next UK Government Spending Review, which will set departmental budgets for future years. Applicants should submit proposals for projects that extend beyond this date but should take this into account when planning project activities, budgets, and commitments. Further information will be provided when available.
Guidance
Before applying, you should first read the documents found under How to Apply.
Application Process
Once you have read the guidance, complete the IWTCF Main Round 12 – Stage 1 application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Word version of the IWTCF Main Stage 1 application form below useful.
If you are invited to Stage 2 you will be asked to complete the Stage 2 application form on the Flexi-Grant portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Word version of the IWTCF Main Round 12 Stage 2 application form below useful.
Please note the application forms below are for both IWT Challenge Fund Main and Extra schemes. Applicants should select the scheme they want to apply to and be mindful of eligible dates, budget limits and answering the scheme specific questions as signalled above.
The budget spreadsheet for IWT Challenge Fund Extra projects can be found below.
Please note that the Stage 2 £100k+ budget is locked so cannot be amended to ensure that all figures link through to the Summary correctly. However, if you would like a copy of the unlocked version, please contact BCF-IWTCF@niras.com directly. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the budget is correctly presented. We cannot increase a budget request after a project is awarded. The Summary page will remain locked to ensure all budgets are reviewed on the same basis.
Additional materials that you will be required to complete as part of your application can be found below or downloaded from within Flexi-Grant. Please note there are different requirements for Stage 1 and Stage 2 – read the guidance for more information.
For further queries, see our Frequently Asked Questions.