Aqua for All has launched a new call for applications, inviting impact-driven fund managers with private debt, private equity, natural capital, infrastructure and/or other real-asset strategies to apply for catalytic funding to scale their impact across water, sanitation and closely related nexus sectors, such as energy and climate, in emerging markets.
Aqua for All will provide equity or first-loss equity, alongside technical assistance, to help de-risk investments and mobilise private sector financing, while delivering measurable environmental and social impact.
We seek to partner with fund managers who have a strong track record of deploying capital effectively in emerging markets to advance SDG 6.
This is our second Call for Applications for fund managers, building on the first call launched one year ago in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) under the Catalysing Impact with Innovative Financing programme.
What we offer
- Investment between €1-5 million into private funds to mobilise private capital participation.
- Technical assistance of up to €150,000 for fund managers and/or investees.
- Participation in knowledge-sharing and visibility activities.
Our eligibility criteria
We are looking for fund managers with the following characteristics:
- Investment strategies: private equity, private debt, infrastructure, natural capital and nature-based solutions (real assets).
- Themes: water, sanitation and sustainable water management.
- Geographic focus: significant exposure in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs), with a particular focus on Africa and Asia.
- Additionality: the ability to absorb risk on behalf of private investors, enabling investments that would not otherwise take place while reaching underserved sectors and communities.
- Capital mobilisation: strong potential to leverage Aqua for All’s investment to mobilise private capital.
- ESG and impact: robust ESG and impact management practices, or a credible commitment to developing best-in-class ESG and impact standards.
We encourage both first-time and more established fund managers to apply.
Our selection process
We follow a staged approach:
- Application deadline: 31 August
- Initial interviews: Q3 2026
- Longlist selection: Q3-Q4 2026
- Long intake form and follow-on interviews: Q4 2026
- First-stage approval: Q4
- Due diligence: Q1 2027
- Final approval: Q2 2027
How to apply
Ready to scale your investments in the water and sanitation sector?
We invite you to apply via this link: Submit your application here.
The application window is open between 15 July and 31 August 2026 (23:59 CEST).
Related resources
Get in touch
If you have questions or require further clarification, please contact Aqua for All’s Fund Investments and Capital Structuring team at IF@aquaforall.org.
