Project Grants

STDF project grants aim to strengthen SPS capacity in developing countries, in line with the beneficiary's priorities. STDF projects aim to address key food safety, animal and/or plant health issues that affect the ability of developing countries to gain and/or maintain market access. 

No minimum limit applies on the size of projects funded, but projects should preferably be in the range of US$250,000 and US$1 million in size.

What kind of projects does STDF fund? 

The following type of projects will be given favourable consideration by the STDF Working Group:

  • identify, develop and disseminate good practice in SPS-related technical cooperation, including the development and application of innovative and replicable approaches
  • apply regional approaches to address SPS constraints
  • implement collaborative approaches across food safety, animal and plant health and trade, and benefit from the involvement of two or more STDF partners or relevant organizations. 

The STDF does not provide funding for buildings, vehicles or other major equipment items, with the qualified exception of information technology, laboratory and minor equipment items that are necessary to achieve the specific outputs and objective of the project. Funding provided for information technology, laboratory and minor equipment items shall not exceed 10% of the total STDF contribution to the project.

How much are beneficiaries expected to contribute? 

Beneficiaries must contribute to the project from their own resources, either in the form of financing or in-kind contributions such as staff time, use of premises, vehicles or other already existing assets.

The beneficiaries’ own contribution to the project depends on the beneficiary country or countries' classification in the most recent OECD Development Assistance Committee List of ODA recipients, as follows:

  • Beneficiaries from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Other Low Income Countries (OLICs) should contribute at least 10% of the requested STDF contribution to the project;
  • Beneficiaries from Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs) should contribute at least 20% of the requested STDF contribution to the project; and
  • Beneficiaries from Upper Middle Income Countries (UMICs) should contribute at least 60% of the requested STDF contribution to the project.

Beneficiaries from UMICs must additionally demonstrate that the project will have positive spill-over effects for other LDCs, OLICs and/or LMICs, e.g. through innovative or demonstration projects.

The STDF encourages regional projects (i.e. with two or more beneficiaries in different countries). The beneficiaries’ own contribution varies according to the involvement of LDCs and OLICs:

  • For regional projects with at least one LDC or OLIC, beneficiaries should contribute at least 10% of the requested STDF contribution to the project; and
  • For regional projects without an LDC or OLIC, beneficiaries should contribute at least 20% of the requested STDF contribution to the project.

Who can apply? 

The following organizations are eligible to apply for STDF funding:

  • Public sector entities (including regional or international bodies) with responsibility for SPS measures or policy, either in their own right or in cooperation with the private sector. The STDF encourages implementation of projects and activities through public-private partnerships;
  • Private sector entities, either in their own right or in cooperation with the public sector. Examples of private sector entities are legally registered farmers' organizations, trade and industry associations, and private enterprises;
  • Non-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with expertise in the SPS area and with an organization in the relevant beneficiary country or countries, in cooperation with the public and/or private sector.

How to apply? 

Applications for project grants should be submitted to the STDF Secretariat by e-mail (STDFSecretariat@wto.org) using the prescribed Application Form.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year but must normally be received at least 60 working days in advance of a Working Group meeting to be considered at that meeting. Applications submitted after the 60 working day deadline will be considered at the subsequent Working Group meeting.

Applications are accepted in any of the three working languages of the WTO (English, French and Spanish).

Project application form

See the Guidance Note for Applicants for detailed information on STDF funding opportunities and requirements.

Download the STDF Project Grant Application Form

Practical Guide on Trade-related Project Identification, Formulation and Design has been developed by the CIDT for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the STDF.