The Development Impact Fund (DIF) is a global partnership within the World Bank dedicated to maximizing the impact of development finance through scientific knowledge. Managed by the Development Impact group under the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice-Presidency, DIF operates at the forefront of global development, ensuring our interventions are grounded in rigorous evidence and real-time data for greater impact.
We tackle fundamental global challenges by bridging theory and practice, turning data and research into actionable insights for development practice. Our support helps countries and partners in developing flexible project designs that embed evidence and experimental learning, mainstreaming the use of real-time information and scientific trial-and-adopt methods in project management.
DIF champions three core principles: empowering policymakers with relevant knowledge, implementing co-produced research programs that drive greater impact and build local capacities for evidence-based policymaking, and upholding rigorous research standards for credibility. This approach significantly enhances the impact of development investments, shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for people and the planet.
❖ Our Purpose
To maximize development impact through evidence-based policy.
❖ Our Vision
A future where development is shaped by scientific evidence and real-time data.
❖ Our Mission
To embed rigorous science in policymaking, enhancing global development through informed investments and collaborative innovations.
