Open Call: Saving Lives at Birth Research Grants Programme

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

This program funds practical research projects to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in low-resource settings. Grants of up to $50,000 support interventions on the day of birth, innovative education and implementation strategies, and collaborative projects in focus countries including Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Applications must include strong research components, realistic budgets, and local partnerships.

The program supports practically oriented research projects aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality in low-resource settings. It emphasizes interventions on the day of birth, including prevention of stillbirths, while promoting projects with long-term, scalable impact.

Objectives of the Program

The grant program seeks to:

• Reduce maternal and newborn mortality in low-resource settings.
• Support day-of-birth interventions, including stillbirth prevention.
• Promote innovative approaches for education, implementation, and scale-up of proven interventions.
• Encourage collaboration with local partners to maximize practical impact.
• Fund projects in the Foundation’s focus countries: Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
• Align 50% of annual funding with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, targeting a two-thirds reduction in maternal and newborn deaths by 2030.

Who Can Apply

• Research institutions, NGOs, and organizations with experience in low-resource maternal and newborn health initiatives.
• Applicants must have practical experience and the capacity to collaborate with local partners.
• Each institution or organization may submit up to two applications per funding cycle.

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant: USD 50,000 per project
• Average Award: USD 30,000
• Number of Projects Funded: Up to 20 per year
• Eligible Costs: Project activities, institutional overheads (up to 10%), and research-related expenses.
• Budget Expectations: Clear, realistic, and feasible, even if additional funding is required beyond the grant amount.

Key Focus Areas

• Day-of-birth interventions to reduce maternal and newborn deaths
• Prevention of stillbirths
• Projects that demonstrate scalable, long-term impact
• Innovative methods for efficient education and implementation
• Collaborative projects that strengthen local health systems

How to Apply

1. Prepare Proposal: Include a strong research component addressing maternal or newborn health challenges.
2. Develop Budget: Include project costs and institutional overheads up to 10%.
3. Collaborate Locally: Demonstrate partnerships with local institutions or organizations.
4. Submit Application: Apply through the Foundation’s official online platform, completing structured forms and reviewing before submission.
5. Selection Process: Applications are evaluated for feasibility, innovation, alignment with focus areas, and potential for long-term impact. Confirmation is provided via email after submission.

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on practical interventions with measurable impact.
• Demonstrate innovation in education, implementation, or scaling proven practices.
• Highlight collaboration with local partners in target countries.
• Provide a realistic budget and timeline, including potential for additional funding.
• Align project objectives with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without a strong research component.
• Ignoring the focus on day-of-birth interventions.
• Exceeding the institutional overhead limit of 10%.
• Submitting more than two applications per organization.
• Failing to include local partnerships or scalable impact plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to apply?
   Research institutions, NGOs, and organizations with practical experience in low-resource maternal and newborn health settings.
2. What is the maximum funding per project?
   USD 50,000, with an average award of USD 30,000.
3. Which countries are eligible for projects?
   Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
4. Can an institution submit multiple applications?
   Yes, up to two applications per institution per funding cycle.
5. What types of interventions are prioritized?
   Day-of-birth interventions, prevention of stillbirths, and scalable approaches with long-term impact.
6. Are overhead costs covered?
   Yes, up to 10% of the total project budget.
7. How are applications submitted?
   Through the Foundation’s official online application platform.

Why This Program Matters

• Reduces maternal and newborn mortality in low-resource settings.
• Supports evidence-based interventions and research.
• Promotes innovation and collaboration with local health systems.
• Contributes to global health goals, particularly SDG 3.

Conclusion

This research grant provides a vital opportunity for organizations to develop and implement practical, scalable interventions that improve maternal and newborn health. By funding innovative projects in focus countries and fostering collaboration with local partners, the program advances long-term impact and sustainable health outcomes in low-resource settings.

For more information, visit Laerdal Foundation.