Call For Application For Competitive Matching Grant Support for Micro-Processing Equipment to the Small/Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives Partners of CROP-H Project Operating Within the Horticulture Value Chain in The Gambia
Shelter For Life International (SFL) Headquartered in Minnesota, USA is an international faith-based (Christian) relief and development organization with over 40 years of experience in providing sustainable development and humanitarian assistance in developing countries around the world.
1. Project background:
Shelter For Life International (SFL) is implementing the Cultivating Resilient Optimization for Productivity in Horticulture (CROP-H) Project using a market-based approach in partnership with multiple stakeholders across the horticulture value chain. This five-year project is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA’s) Food for Progress (FFPr) Project in The Gambia. The project strategic objectives are 1) To increase agricultural productivity in horticulture products while promoting resilient agriculture technologies and techniques; and 2) To expand the trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and internationally) through improvements in the trade-enabling environment.
The program is developing and improving the horticulture value chain through the following four program goals: 1) Increase productivity and output; 2) Expand and improve quality exports; 3) Increase farmer employment; and 4) Improve incomes and standards of living for smallholder farmers in The Gambian horticulture sector.
Horticulture plays a key role in improving rural livelihoods, generating employment, and strengthening food systems. However, many enterprises face constraints related to limited processing capacity, post-harvest losses, and insufficient market linkages and challenges in meeting international standards. Addressing these constraints requires targeted investments that support the development of sustainable agribusinesses capable of competing in both domestic and international markets. To strengthen the horticulture value chain and promote private sector investment, SFL/ CROP-H Project invites applications from legally registered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives engaged in fruit and vegetable processing in The Gambia. The initiative aims to support eligible beneficiaries with micro-processing equipment to enhance value addition and improve post-harvest handling practices.
2. Purpose:
The purpose of this activity is to support ten (10) existing, legally registered SMEs and Cooperatives engaged in fruit and vegetable processing with small and medium size-processing equipment valued at up to $6,000 per beneficiary (Cooperative/SME), by improving processing capacity, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting value addition for fruit and vegetable products. This support is designed to promote private sector investment, to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and market access for local SMEs and cooperatives.
3. Grant Details
Each selected beneficiary will receive equipment support valued at up to $6,000, including:
- Fruit and vegetable dehydrator
- Slicer
- Grinder
- Juicer and separator
- Labeling and packaging materials
- Label printer
- Weighing scale set
- Start-up consumable
- Other Equipment that supports the fruit and vegetable processing
The grant will be provided on a matching basis, requiring beneficiaries to contribute a defined percentage of the total value (cash or in-kind contribution).
Equipment will focus on small-scale processing, packaging, and post-harvest handling solutions.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be legally registered SMEs or Cooperative or member of Cooperative in The Gambia
- Be actively engaged in fruit and/or vegetable processing
- Demonstrate operational capacity and commitment to value addition
- Have basic infrastructure suitable for processing activities
- Be willing to contribute the required matching share
- Having fruit and/or vegetable processing facility within the territory of the 24 cooperatives partners of CROP-H project across the region (see below the list of the cooperatives).
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1. Application Requirements
Interested SMEs or Cooperative or Cooperative members are invited to submit a Matching Grant Application including the following information:
- Completed Application Form
- Business registration certificate
- Tax clearance certificate
- Proof of operational activity
- Brief business plan (1–3 pages)
- Proof of matching contribution capacity (cash ? if in-kind, describe)
- Any supporting technical or financial documents
1. Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Technical and business capacity
- Processing experience
- Market viability
- Facility readiness
- Raw material access
- Potential for impact on value addition
- Grant matching
Only the top 10 applicants will be selected.
2. Implementation Modality
- Funds can be disbursed through a controlled bank account or sub account co-managed by SFL
- Disbursement will be upon the equipment procurement offer
- Payments will be made upon:
- Verification of MSME or Cooperative contribution (15%)
- Approval of progress and quality of implementation including the offer for procurement of equipment seelcted.
3. Capacity Building Support
Selected MSMEs will benefit from:
- Training on improved processing techniques
- SPS standards and certification
- Market linkage facilitation
- Business and financial management support
4. Submission Instructions
- Download the Application Form
Access and download the Microsoft Word (.docx) application form via the link provided: Matching Grant Application Form.docx
· Complete the Application Form
Fill in all the required fields in the downloaded Word document accurately.
· Convert the Form to PDF
After completing the form, convert the file to PDF format for submission.
· Submit Your Application
Applications (completed PDF forms and all required documents) must be submitted by email with the subject title “SFL/Project #5502” to: crophprocurement@shelter.org
SFL will organize introduction sessions for interested people that explain the process applications. Applicants are encouraged to participate in the session (if interested) on May 22, 2026 from 10h00 to 12h00 and 4th June 2026 at main office of CROP-H project – Salameh Complex Sukuta Highway, Brusubi, West coast Region
Deadline for Submission:
Submission deadline is 15th June 2026 at 5:30 PM Local Time Late submissions will not be considered.
