In the face of pressing multifaceted challenges, including climate change, conflict, and economic instability, ensuring food security has become an urgent priority. To address this critical issue, Tadamon, a community platform for civil society empowerment funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and İslamıc Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) and implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is launching the second edition of the Tadamon Accelerator Program, focussed on food security.  

The Tadamon Accelerator invites Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) registered and implementing projects in 12 OIC member countries: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, to submit project proposals on food security. The program prioritizes project proposals that align with two key focus areas:  

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Sustainable farming practices that mitigate climate change and enhance food production. 
• Tech for Food, Energy, and Water Access and Utilization: Innovative technology solutions to optimize resource utilization and address food, energy, and water scarcity.

The Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security Program offers a comprehensive 11-week training program designed to equip CSOs with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement impactful projects. Participants will benefit from:

• Tailored Training: Engaging modules and sessions covering Business Model Development, Impact Measurement, Project Development and Management, Finance and Fundraising, and a Thematic Focus on Food Security. 
• Mentorship: One-on-one mentorship and access to world-class experts.
• Community Building: Networking opportunities with a vibrant and diverse community of changemakers.
• Grant Opportunities: Potential funding to scale up innovative projects. 
• Showcasing opportunity: Opportunities to present innovations and projects across various platforms. 

A rigorous selection process will identify a total of 100 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to participate in Phase 1 of the Tadamon Accelerator Food Security Program. Following a comprehensive evaluation of project feasibility and team performance, up to 55 CSOs will progress to Phase 2. Upon successful completion of the program, 50 CSOs will be awarded with grants up to US$40,000 each.  

Dr. Hiba Ahmed, Director General of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development is proud to support the Tadamon Accelerator Food Security Program. This initiative aligns with our mission to address pressing global challenges, particularly food insecurity. By empowering civil society organizations with the necessary tools and resources, we aim to foster sustainable and innovative solutions that will benefit communities in need.”

Mrs. Steliana Nedara, Istanbul Regional Hub Manager, highlighted the program's transformative potential and its alignment with UNDP's mission and vision: “The Tadamon Accelerator exemplifies how partnerships and innovation can catalyze meaningful change. By equipping CSOs with knowledge, mentorship, and resources, we aim to unlock their full potential to tackle food insecurity with creative and scalable solutions. This program is an important step toward building resilience and sustainability in vulnerable communities through innovation.”

The deadline to submit your proposals for the Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security is January 20, 2025. Apply here:

https://tadamon.community/accelerator/cso-open-call

For inquiries regarding the Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security Program and the application process, please contact us via team@tadamon.community.