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SENSE Foundation Brussels Call for Applications: Advancing Research, Health, and Inclusion

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The SENSE Foundation Brussels provides grants of up to €25,000 to eligible non-profit organisations and students for projects advancing research, sustainability, health, inclusion, genetics, nutrition, and environmental protection in Belgium and abroad. Funding covers up to 25% of a project’s annual cost, with strict overhead limits and clear eligibility criteria. Projects must run 9–12 months between summer 2026 and summer 2027 and align closely with the Foundation’s objectives.

About the SENSE Foundation Brussels

The SENSE Foundation Brussels supports initiatives that advance:

The Foundation also provides merit- and need-based scholarships and limited ad hoc support for charitable organisations assisting individuals facing hardship.

Inclusion and diversity are central values, with particular attention to:

  • Projects benefiting women and minorities

  • Women in STEM (for student grants)

Funding Overview

Maximum grant amount: €25,000
Funding cap: Up to 25% of the total annual project cost
Overhead limit: Maximum 10% of the grant awarded
Project duration: 9–12 months
Implementation window: Summer 2026 to Summer 2027
Grant type: Generally one-off and non-recurring

Exception: Universities distributing funds to students may receive recurring support.

What the Foundation Funds

1. Scientific Research and Health

Priority areas:

  • Genetics research

  • Nutrition science

  • Public health improvement

  • Disease prevention

  • Health protection initiatives

2. Environment and Sustainable Development

Supported areas:

  • Environmental protection

  • Climate and sustainability projects

  • Biodiversity conservation

  • Sustainable innovation initiatives

3. Education and Student Support

Student support includes:

  • Scholarships for genetics, nutrition, environment, sustainable development

  • Selected arts and culture disciplines

  • Merit- and need-based financial aid

Preference is given to Women in STEM.

4. Charitable Assistance

The Foundation may provide ad hoc support to charitable organisations helping individuals facing temporary or specific hardship.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

Organisations must:

  • Be legally registered non-profits

  • Have at least 24 months of operational track record

  • Have overhead ratios below 20%

  • Submit only one application per calendar year

Projects must:

  • Be clearly aligned with Foundation objectives

  • Demonstrate measurable impact

  • Clearly describe the need addressed

  • Show effective and responsible use of funds

Eligible Students

Students must:

  • Study or conduct research in eligible fields

  • Demonstrate financial need

  • Show academic merit

  • Align with Foundation focus areas

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applications will be excluded if:

  • The organisation’s overhead exceeds 20%

  • Required impact reports from previous grants were not submitted

  • The project was previously rejected

  • The submission is incomplete

  • The project misaligns with Foundation priorities

The Foundation does NOT fund:

  • Commercial sponsorships

  • Sports or cultural event sponsorships

  • NGO fundraising campaigns

  • Politically affiliated projects

  • Religiously affiliated projects

  • Ideology-promoting initiatives

Overhead includes:

  • Human resources administration

  • Advertising

  • Fundraising campaigns

Staff directly engaged in project delivery are not counted as overhead.

How Funding Works

Funding structure rules:

  • Maximum €25,000 per project

  • Covers no more than 25% of total annual cost

  • No more than 10% of the awarded grant may be used for overhead

  • Projects must last 9–12 months

  • Implementation must occur between summer 2026 and summer 2027

The project may be part of a broader multi-year initiative, but the funded component must fit within the required timeframe.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify:

  • Legal non-profit status

  • 24+ months track record

  • Overhead below 20%

  • Alignment with Foundation focus

Step 2: Define Project Scope
Prepare:

  • Clear problem statement

  • Objectives and expected outcomes

  • Impact measurement plan

  • Budget breakdown

  • Explanation of how funding covers ≤25% of total cost

Step 3: Ensure Compliance
Check:

  • Only one submission this calendar year

  • All previous reporting obligations fulfilled

  • Overhead allocation ≤10% of requested grant

Step 4: Submit Complete Application
Provide all required documentation before the deadline. Incomplete submissions will be rejected.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

  • Strategic alignment with Foundation mission

  • Clarity of need and problem definition

  • Measurable positive impact

  • Feasibility and sustainability

  • Financial transparency

  • Inclusion and diversity impact

Special attention is given to projects benefiting women and minorities.

Why This Call Matters

The SENSE Foundation Brussels addresses structural gaps in:

  • Research funding

  • Health innovation

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Educational equity

  • Gender representation in STEM

By limiting funding to 25% of project cost, the Foundation encourages diversified funding models and financial sustainability.

The emphasis on inclusion strengthens equitable access to science, health, and opportunity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Requesting more than 25% of total project cost

  • Allocating more than 10% of the grant to overhead

  • Failing to demonstrate measurable outcomes

  • Submitting incomplete documentation

  • Ignoring diversity and inclusion components

  • Applying for ineligible sponsorship-type activities

Strong applications clearly quantify impact and demonstrate financial discipline.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Provide detailed, realistic budgets

  • Demonstrate co-funding or diversified revenue sources

  • Highlight measurable environmental or health outcomes

  • Show institutional credibility and track record

  • Clearly explain inclusion and diversity impact

  • If student-focused, emphasise merit and financial need

FAQ

  1. What is the maximum grant amount?
    Up to €25,000 per project.

  2. Can the grant cover the entire project cost?
    No. It covers a maximum of 25% of total annual costs.

  3. How much can be spent on overhead?
    No more than 10% of the awarded grant.

  4. How long must the project run?
    Between 9 and 12 months.

  5. When must the project take place?
    Between summer 2026 and summer 2027.

  6. Can organisations apply more than once per year?
    No. Only one application per organisation per calendar year is allowed.

  7. Are political or religious projects eligible?
    No. Projects affiliated with political or religious organisations or promoting specific ideologies are not supported.

Conclusion

The SENSE Foundation Brussels Call for Applications 2026 offers strategic, impact-focused funding for research, sustainability, health, and inclusion initiatives in Belgium and internationally. With grants of up to €25,000 covering a portion of project costs, the Foundation supports organisations and students committed to measurable impact, financial responsibility, and inclusive progress. Applicants should carefully review eligibility rules, prepare a clear impact-driven proposal, and ensure full compliance before submitting.

For more information, visit SENSE Foundation Brussels.