RFAs: Mérieux Foundation launches Small Grants Program

The Mérieux Foundation Small Grants Programme provides up to €5,000 for grassroots organisations improving maternal and child health through infectious disease prevention, diagnosis or treatment. The program supports locally led, community-rooted health initiatives in low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and parts of the Americas. Eligible organisations must be registered non-profits with at least three years of legal status and a mission aligned with the Foundation’s focus on vulnerable populations.

Overview

The Mérieux Foundation’s Small Grants Programme supports small, locally embedded organisations working to address infectious diseases that disproportionately impact mothers and children. The grant helps community groups implement practical, life-saving interventions tailored to local health realities.

Key Focus Areas

• Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases

• Maternal and child health

• Community-driven health interventions

• Locally designed solutions that collaborate with health authorities and community partners

• Sustainable models that strengthen long-term public health outcomes

Expanded Explanation: Purpose of the Programme

The Small Grants Programme aims to strengthen frontline organisations that often lack access to traditional funding. These groups are positioned closest to vulnerable populations and understand the cultural, logistical and structural barriers that shape health outcomes.
The programme prioritizes projects that:

• Respond to needs identified within the community

• Integrate with existing health services

• Deliver measurable public health impact

• Build sustainable foundations beyond the grant period

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility Criteria

• Organisation type: Non-profit status or public-interest equivalent

• Legal registration: Minimum three years

• Relevant experience: At least two years of work related to infectious disease or maternal and child health

• Geographic scope: Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America and other eligible developing regions

• Mission alignment: Must align with the Foundation’s mandate to fight infectious diseases affecting vulnerable populations

• Project scale: Total project budget must not exceed €50,000 (excluding the requested €5,000 grant)

Ineligible Activities

• Pure research without implementation

• Projects limited to awareness-raising or education with no intervention

• Proposals not led by local actors or lacking local collaboration

Why It Matters

• Strengthens health systems at the community level

• Supports organisations closest to marginalized groups

• Enhances early detection, prevention and management of infectious diseases

• Improves maternal and child health outcomes in underserved populations

• Empowers local health actors to implement scalable, long-term solutions

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility: Ensure your organisation meets the non-profit, registration and mission-alignment requirements.

2. Assess community need: Develop a project based on a documented local health gap.

3. Design your intervention: Focus on practical, community-based infectious disease solutions.

4. Prepare supporting documents:

   • Detailed project proposal

   • Clear, itemized budget (total ≤ €50,000)

   • Evidence of collaboration with local authorities or groups

5. Align with program guidelines: Ensure your project is implementable, sustainable and not solely research-based.

6. Submit the application via the Mérieux Foundation platform before the deadline.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips

• Demonstrate strong community involvement

• Show how the project integrates with existing health programs

• Highlight sustainability beyond the grant period

• Provide clear, realistic budget allocations

Common Mistakes

• Submitting research-only projects

• Developing proposals without community consultation

• Exceeding the total project budget limit

• Lack of detailed implementation plans

FAQ

1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to €5,000 per selected project.
2. Can new organisations apply?
No. Applicants must have at least three years of legal registration.
3. Does the project need to focus on infectious diseases?
Yes. Projects must address infectious diseases affecting mothers, children or other vulnerable groups.
4. Are organisations outside developing countries eligible?
No. The program targets low- and middle-income countries.
5. Can the grant fund awareness-raising activities?
Not alone. Awareness activities may be included but cannot be the sole focus.
6. Is co-funding required?
Co-funding is not required, but the total project cost must not exceed €50,000.
7. Can individuals apply?
No. Only legally registered organisations may apply.

Conclusion

The Mérieux Foundation Small Grants Programme offers vital support for grassroots organisations tackling infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health. With its emphasis on local leadership, sustainability and community collaboration, the program empowers small organisations to deliver high-impact, practical health solutions where they are needed most.