Small grants

Small grants is sponsored by Fondation Mérieux. The Mérieux Foundation's small grant program supports local initiatives in developing countries aimed at fighting infectious diseases, with a particular focus on maternal and child health. Projects must be implemented by local actors and demonstrate strong local anchoring.

Small grants – Fondation Mérieux You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. The Mérieux Foundation has a grant program designed to support local initiatives aimed at fighting infectious diseases in developing countries, particularly projects relating to maternal and child health.

Selected projects will receive financial support of up to 5000 euros. Two annual sessions are organized to study the applications. Eligibility criteria for organizations Have a status equivalent to that of a non-profit association or a foundation recognized as being in the public interest.

Have been registered with the authorities in the country of operation for at least three years. Non-profit and independent management. Carry out an exclusive public interest mission related to the Mérieux Foundation’s mandate: to fight infectious diseases that affect vulnerable populations in developing countries, especially mothers and children.

Be able to demonstrate at least two years of activity related to the project’s area of intervention. Respect the ethical principles of the Mérieux Foundation’s Charter: transparency, professionalism, quality, independence, non-discrimination, respect. Not have been subject to a conviction (against the organization or any of its members) for actions contrary to the principles stated above.

Not be in a state of bankruptcy or receivership. Eligibility criteria for projects Be implemented by local actors: projects must be submitted by the local structure in charge of implementing the project. Demonstrate strong local anchoring: links with local authorities, local associations and beneficiaries.

Harmonized with existing initiatives in the area concerned. Consider ethics and gender equality in the implementation and activities of the project. Based on a local assessment of the needs of the beneficiaries.

Demonstrate long-term focus. Take place in one of the following countries Student associations and individual applications (scholarship projects). Projects involving only research activities.

Projects involving only education and awareness-raising activities. Projects that do not provide a complete application (see documents to be enclosed below). Projects whose overall budget, excluding the grant requested, exceeds €50,000 Copy of the organization’s official articles of association.

Copy of the declaration of registration with the competent authorities in the country of operation. Activity report of the organization for the previous two years. Budget and financial accounts for the organization’s previous financial year – certified by the relevant authorities.

Detailed project budget in accordance with the following model . Any references to the organization’s financial and operational partners. Documents to be enclosed must be provided in English or French (with the exception of the official articles of association and declaration of registration).

Project evaluation criteria Anchorage in the country of intervention Quality of the project structure and its implementing partners Application submission period: From December 1st to March 1st Application submission period: From May 1st to August 1st No later than December 1st Thank you for your interest in the Mérieux Foundation grant program. The application period for the second session of 2026 is now closed.

The application form will be available again from December 1, 2026.