2026 CSO Call for Expressions of Project Intentions

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) invites French and locally governed civil society organizations to submit project intentions supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international solidarity. The call targets organizations working in countries eligible for official development assistance, with particular attention to Least Developed Countries and countries vulnerable to climate change. Eligibility also requires applicants to have previously received financing for a completed project from an AFD Group entity or French embassy under specified conditions.

About the AFD Call for Project Intentions

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) annual Call for Expressions of Project Intentions, commonly referred to as an AMI, supports civil society organizations working to advance sustainable development and international solidarity. The initiative provides a pathway for eligible civil society organizations (CSOs) to propose development projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The call recognizes the role of civil society in addressing social, economic, environmental, and development challenges at local, national, and international levels. What Is the Main Objective? The programme aims to strengthen development initiatives implemented by civil society organizations and contribute to international solidarity. Supported project intentions should demonstrate a meaningful contribution to: Strengthening civil society and local development capacity. Projects may be implemented in eligible developing countries or, under specific programmes, in France. Who Is Eligible? The call is open to two broad categories of civil society organizations: French civil society organizations. Locally governed civil society organizations based in countries eligible for official development assistance. Eligible developing countries are determined according to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) framework. However, eligibility is not based solely on the organization’s location. Applicants must also meet AFD’s previous-financing requirements. Previous AFD or French Embassy Funding Requirement A key condition of this call is that eligible CSOs must have previously received financing for a completed project from: An AFD Group entity; or A French embassy. The previous financing must satisfy the programme’s specific requirements concerning the source and amount of funding. Organizations should therefore verify their previous AFD or French embassy funding history before preparing a project intention. An organization that has never received qualifying previous financing may not meet the eligibility requirements for this particular call. Geographic Priorities The call supports projects in countries eligible for official development assistance. AFD gives particular attention to countries facing significant development and environmental challenges.

Priority is given to:

Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Countries particularly vulnerable to climate change. Other countries eligible for official development assistance under the relevant framework. Certain programmes also allow projects to be implemented in France, particularly initiatives connected with global citizenship and strengthening civil society capacity. Why This Opportunity Matters Civil society organizations often work directly with communities and can respond to development challenges at the local level. AFD’s project-intention mechanism can help organizations contribute to broader development priorities while strengthening international partnerships and solidarity. The opportunity is particularly relevant for CSOs whose projects address: This structure makes it easier for reviewers to understand the project’s purpose and potential impact.

Step 5: Submit the Expression of Project Intention

Submit the project intention according to AFD’s requirements and within the applicable call period. Applicants should use the current official guidance to confirm the required format, documentation, deadlines, and submission process. Priority for Climate-Vulnerable Countries Climate vulnerability is an important consideration under the call. AFD gives priority to countries that are particularly exposed to climate-related risks. Projects operating in such contexts should clearly explain: The climate-related challenge. Communities affected by the challenge. Proposed adaptation or resilience measures. Expected environmental and social benefits. How local communities will participate. How results can be sustained after the project period. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should carefully review eligibility before investing significant time in proposal preparation. Applying without qualifying previous funding: Prior financing from an AFD Group entity or French embassy is a key eligibility condition. Ignoring the previous project requirement: The previously financed project must meet the relevant completion and funding conditions.

Failing to verify DAC eligibility: Applicants should confirm that their country falls within the applicable official development assistance framework.

Submitting a project without clear SDG alignment: Explain which development objectives the project addresses.

Using a generic project description: Clearly identify the development problem, beneficiaries, activities, and expected results.

Overlooking climate vulnerability priorities: Projects in particularly climate-vulnerable countries should explain their relevance to climate resilience. Ignoring France-specific conditions: Projects implemented in France may only qualify under specific programmes, such as global citizenship or civil society capacity-building initiatives. Tips for Preparing a Strong Project Intention Organizations can improve their submission by making the proposal evidence-based and results-oriented.

A strong project intention should:

Clearly define the development challenge. Identify specific target co