Coffee Circle Foundation e.V.: Coffee Vision Fund I now open for submission

Coffee Circle’s work focuses on two areas: sourcing impact and impacts through project implementation. This combination allows Coffee Circle to create a value chain that benefits everyone involved.

With every kilogram of coffee sold, customers donate € 1 to the Coffee Circle Foundation. This is invested 100 % directly in the selected project area. Our projects have received additional funding from BMZ (Bengo) and GIZ. Funding was channeled directly to our partners on the ground.

Since its establishment, Coffee Circle has invested 2.5 million euros in projects, and leveraged further funding of over 2 million from other donors into the same projects.

Our goal is for producers to profit more from coffee. We believe that the key to their stable and increased income is high-quality coffee. For this, we are willing to pay high prices that are independent from the world market. The income from the coffee trade contributes in the long term to improving local living conditions.

Yes, the listed geographies are priority areas. However, this call for proposal is open to other countries provided the proposal contributes to the objectives and strategy of Coffee Vision Fund I and demonstrates that there is real lack of investment and resources in the coffee communities of interest.

The minimum budget for each proposal submitted is € 25,000. There is no maximum budget. However, the Coffee Vision Fund I looks to build a diversified portfolio of projects and partners across geographies and therefore will prioritize proposals that do not take up the entire grant fund of € 500,000.

Yes, private companies can apply to the Coffee Vision Fund I, provided they can demonstrate to contribute to the Fund’s strategic Objectives and hold the capacity to manage the grant and execute activities.

Yes, cooperatives can apply to the Coffee Vision Fund I, provided they can demonstrate to contribute to the Fund’s strategic Objectives and hold the capacity to manage the grant and execute activities.

Yes, importing companies can apply to the Coffee Vision Fund I, provided they can demonstrate to contribute to the Fund’s strategic Objectives and hold the capacity to manage the grant and execute activities.

The proposal needs to demonstrate ownership by local communities and stakeholders involved. This ownership is important as it secures long-term sustainability and the capacity to maintain project activities and infrastructure beyond the grant’s timeline. Proposals which also can also demonstrate direct contribution (e.g. cash, in-kind) on behalf of project partners and stakeholders will be highly regarded.

The maximum total word count allowed for each section of the proposal application (e.g. Applicant, Context, Project Overview, Organizational Fit) is specified at top of each section. Every applicant is free to apply the word count how they see fit under each section, provided it does not exceed the maximum word count specified.

Yes, staff salaries are considered eligible costs as long as they are directly related to the activities that the proposal sets forward to implement and deliver. Pls refer to the budget template for further clarification on eligible costs

Yes, transport reimbursement costs are eligible as long as they are deemed essential for the delivery of the activities put forward in the proposal.

The proposal needs to demonstrate strong community-led engagement and ownership. Any organization is eligible to apply as long as the proposal demonstrates a community-centric approach and ownership.