Mérieux Foundation Small Grants Program 2026

The Mérieux Foundation is now accepting applications for its Small Grants Program 2026. This program supports small, locally embedded organizations addressing infectious diseases that disproportionately impact mothers and children. The grants aim to help community groups implement practical, life-saving interventions tailored to local health realities.

📝 About the Program

The Mérieux Foundation Small Grants Program provides funding to organizations working to combat infectious diseases affecting vulnerable populations, particularly mothers and children. The program emphasizes community-based, practical interventions that address local health challenges.

🎁 Benefits of the Program

• Project Scale: The total project budget must not exceed €50,000 (excluding the requested €5,000 grant).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, organizations must meet the following requirements:

• Organization Type: Must have non-profit status or a public-interest equivalent.
• Legal Registration: Must be legally registered for a minimum of three years.
• Relevant Experience: At least two years of work related to infectious diseases or maternal and child health.
• Geographic Scope: Eligible regions include Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America, and other developing regions.
• Mission Alignment: The organization’s mission must align with the Foundation’s mandate to fight infectious diseases affecting vulnerable populations.

🚫 Ineligible Activities

The following activities are not eligible for funding:

• Pure research without implementation.
• Projects limited to awareness-raising or education without intervention.
• Proposals not led by local actors or lacking local collaboration.

📅 Application Date and Process

Steps to Apply:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your organization 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: Applications must be submitted via the Mérieux Foundation platform before the deadline.

⏰ Application Deadline

• 01 March, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

For more details about the program, visit the Mérieux Foundation Small Grants Program page.

To apply, complete the Small Grants Application Form.

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