By Ismah Ayomide
Aqua for All has launched a call for applications for its 2025 Social Impact Incentives (SIINC) programme, inviting organisations working to improve water and sanitation services for vulnerable communities to apply.
The SIINC programme introduces an innovative pay-for-results funding mechanism designed to support social enterprises that serve underserved populations often overlooked by mainstream finance.
The scheme addresses the financing gap known as the “missing middle,” where social enterprises face higher costs and greater risks in reaching hard-to-serve groups, making them unattractive to commercial investors.
By providing outcome-based incentives, SIINC offsets these additional expenses, helping enterprises attract commercial capital while maintaining focus on impact.
Beyond financing, the organisation provides technical assistance to help design and implement SIINC agreements, and it co-finances projects to ease the burden on partners.
Who can apply
The programme is open to:
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Financial institutions, including banks, microfinance institutions, and impact investors supporting WASH social enterprises.
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Impact funds with a focus on innovative finance and WASH.
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Aggregators working with groups of social enterprises in water and sanitation.
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Local organisations and NGOs with strong ties to underserved communities.
Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the challenges WASH enterprises face when reaching vulnerable populations and show the capacity to implement innovative finance models.
Application details
Interested organisations should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) detailing their experience in the WASH sector, their interest in the SIINC mechanism and a potential project where SIINC could be integrated.
Click here to submit your EOI before October 25, 2025.
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Aqua for All is inviting organizations to apply for its 2025 Social Impact Incentives (SIINC) programme, designed to improve water and sanitation services for vulnerable communities. This innovative pay-for-results funding mechanism supports social enterprises serving underserved populations, often neglected by mainstream finance. The initiative aims to bridge the financing gap known as the "missing middle," where enterprises face higher expenses and risks in reaching hard-to-serve groups, deterring commercial investors. By offering outcome-based incentives, SIINC helps attract commercial capital while maintaining focus on social impact. Additionally, the organization offers technical assistance for designing and implementing SIINC agreements and co-finances projects to ease the financial burden on partners.
Eligible applicants include financial institutions (banks, microfinance institutions, and impact investors), impact funds with a focus on innovative finance and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), aggregators working with social enterprise groups, and local organizations or NGOs connected to underserved communities. Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the challenges WASH enterprises encounter and show capability in implementing innovative finance models. Interested parties must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by detailing their WASH sector experience, interest in the SIINC mechanism, and potential project integration. The deadline for EOI submissions is October 25, 2025.
