Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The EPIC Air Quality Fund invites organizations worldwide to apply for funding to support impactful air quality projects. Grants range from USD 50,000 to USD 75,000+ to deploy monitoring equipment, generate reliable PM2.5 data, and influence national policy, with an 18-month project implementation period.
What is the EPIC Air Quality Fund?
The EPIC Air Quality Fund provides financial support to organizations globally to advance air quality initiatives with national-level policy impact. The fund focuses on:
- Generating, using, and sharing open air quality data
- Addressing air pollution challenges, especially PM2.5 data gaps
- Supporting policy-relevant interventions in high and medium-high priority countries identified by the EPIC Air Quality Award Team
The Fund emphasizes data transparency and reliability, helping organizations use evidence to influence air quality policy at the national level.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Applicants:
- Governmental and non-governmental organizations
- Universities, research institutions, non-profits, for-profits, corporates, NGOs, and civil society organizations
- Applicants must be legally authorized to receive funds from a US institution and have a functional bank account capable of accepting these funds
- Individuals may only apply in partnership with an eligible organization
Exclusions:
- Organizations from countries listed under the US Department of State’s State Sponsors of Terrorism
- Projects implemented within EU/EEA countries
- Applicants must verify that operating PM2.5 monitoring equipment, conducting measurements, and sharing data publicly is legally permissible in their country
Funding Details
- Project Duration: 18 months
- Award Amounts:
- ~USD 50,000 for projects deploying low-cost air quality sensors
- USD 75,000 or more for projects using regulatory-grade or reference-grade equipment
- Number of Grants: At least 20 groups selected in the 2026 round
- Renewal Opportunities: Successful projects may be eligible for continuation in subsequent years, subject to resource availability
Why It Matters
- Helps fill PM2.5 data gaps in priority countries
- Supports evidence-based policy development and decision-making
- Encourages open data sharing and transparent air quality monitoring
- Promotes sustainable, scalable solutions to improve public health and environmental outcomes
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your organization meets the legal, geographic, and operational requirements.
- Prepare Project Proposal: Define the air quality initiative, specifying the type of monitoring equipment and expected data outcomes.
- Review Legal Requirements: Confirm PM2.5 monitoring and public data sharing are permitted in your country.
- Access Application Form: Use the official EPIC submission portal to complete the application (preview form available for preparation only).
- Submit Application: Only submissions through the official portal are accepted.
- Project Implementation: Selected organizations will execute their projects over 18 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting outside the official portal
- Proposing projects in restricted countries or EU/EEA locations
- Failing to ensure legal compliance for PM2.5 monitoring and data sharing
- Underestimating budget requirements for sensor types (low-cost vs. regulatory-grade)
- Neglecting to include organizational eligibility and bank account documentation
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the EPIC Air Quality Fund?
Eligible organizations include universities, non-profits, NGOs, civil society groups, for-profits, and governmental institutions legally authorized to receive US funding.
2. Can individuals apply?
Yes, but only in partnership with an eligible organization.
3. What is the grant amount?
Approximately USD 50,000 for low-cost sensors, USD 75,000 or more for regulatory-grade or reference-grade equipment.
4. How long is the project period?
18 months from the start of funding.
5. Can projects in the EU/EEA apply?
No, projects in EU/EEA countries are not eligible.
6. Is open sharing of PM2.5 data required?
Yes, projects must plan to publicly share collected data while complying with local regulations.
7. Are successful projects eligible for renewal?
Yes, continuation funding may be available in subsequent years depending on resource availability.
Conclusion
The EPIC Air Quality Fund 2026 empowers global organizations to collect, analyze, and share PM2.5 data, enabling evidence-based interventions that influence national air quality policies. By funding both low-cost and high-grade monitoring initiatives, the program fosters innovation, transparency, and sustainable solutions to improve air quality and public health worldwide.
For more information, visit EPIC.
