The Halton Foundation is providing funding to non-profit groups around the world that are working on indoor environmental quality and how it affects people's health. They're looking for projects that can make a real difference in improving air quality, making buildings more comfortable, and creating healthier spaces for people to live and work. In the past, they've supported a wide range of projects, from helping kids with asthma to improving cooking stoves in the Himalayas, and even university research on indoor environmental quality. What's great about this funding opportunity is that it's open to anyone, anywhere in the world, without any restrictions. This makes it a unique chance for non-profits, universities, and research institutions in Africa to get support for their work.
Key Details
The deadline to apply is strict, with the application portal opened on July 1 and closing on September 1 - if you miss this date, you're out of luck, as late submissions won't be accepted. Once you've applied, the Board of Directors will review your application between September and October, and you can expect to hear back from them by November 1. As for the grant itself, the amount you could receive varies widely, ranging from a few thousand dollars to a maximum of $30,000 per year, depending on the scope of your project.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, universities, research institutes, registered charities, and NGOs, anywhere in the world. The Halton Foundation is explicit that there are no geographic limitations, they've supported projects across multiple continents and genuinely welcome applications from organizations in any country.
To qualify, projects need to focus on making indoor spaces healthier and more comfortable. This means they should look at things like the air we breathe, how hot or cold it is, and illnesses that can happen because of indoor conditions. It's not just universities or research centers that can apply - any group working on practical ways to improve indoor environments can be eligible too.
There are two key rules to keep in mind when applying. Firstly, only non-profit organizations are eligible, so you need to have registered non-profit status to be considered. This rule is strict, and for-profit companies or commercial businesses cannot apply under any circumstances.
Secondly, there's a limit on how much of your project budget can go towards administrative and overhead expenses - it's capped at 10% of your total project costs. This is a hard rule, and the Foundation enforces it strictly, so you should factor it into your budget planning from the start, rather than trying to negotiate or adjust it later on.
Grant Types Available
When it comes to funding your project, you've got three different options to choose from, depending on what your project is all about.
First, there's the One-Time Grant, which gives you a single year of funding, up to $30,000, for a specific research purpose or project deliverable - this is great for projects that have a clear goal in mind and just need a bit of cash to get it done.
Then, there's the Multi-Year Grant, which offers funding for longer-term research programs, up to $30,000 per year, for a maximum of two years - but you'll only get this if the Board of Directors thinks your project really needs that much time to get everything done. This is perfect for bigger projects that need a bit more time and money to really make an impact.
Lastly, there's the Start-Up Program Grant, which provides seed funding to help launch new programs or initiatives focused on indoor environmental quality - and the amount of funding you'll get will depend on what your new initiative actually needs to get off the ground.
This is a great way to get a new project started, especially if you're just beginning to explore the world of indoor environmental quality. Each of these funding structures has its own unique benefits, and the right one for you will depend on the specifics of your project - so be sure to take a close look at each option and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Application Timeline
- 1 July: The online application portal opens, the Foundation recommends starting early to allow time for internal review before submitting
- September 1st is the final deadline for submitting your application, and it's crucial that all required documents are completed and attached by then. Please note that late submissions will not be accepted, so make sure to get everything in on time.
- September–October: The Board of Directors reviews all eligible applications, and may request additional information during this period
- On November 1st, the decisions are made and the successful applicants are personally notified, while the awards are publicly announced on the Halton Foundation's website. After that, a formal Grant Agreement is signed with the organization that received the award. This is how the whole process unfolds, with the foundation being transparent about the winners and the details of the grant.
Major Considerations
The strict 10% overhead cap is worth taking seriously from the very start of budget planning, not adjusted after the fact. Since indirect costs like general administration often creep past 10% in typical project budgets, applicants should think carefully about how to structure their budget so the bulk of funds visibly flow into direct research or program activities rather than overhead, this is likely something reviewers scrutinize closely given how explicitly the Foundation flags it.
When we think about indoor environmental quality, we're talking about air quality, how comfortable the temperature is, and even illnesses that can be linked to these factors. In Africa, universities and research institutions are doing important work on topics like indoor air pollution from cooking fuels, ventilation in schools and clinics, and designing homes that are comfortable in terms of temperature.
This kind of research isn't just about fancy heating and cooling systems, but about making sure people have healthy and comfortable spaces to live and work. It's a broad field that can include many different areas of study, and it's not limited to just one narrow approach.
Should You Apply?
This opportunity is perfect for African universities, research centers, and charities that are working on projects related to indoor air quality, comfort, and health. If you have a real project or idea that can make a difference, we want to hear from you. Just keep in mind that you need to be a non-profit, as we don't work with companies that are looking to make a profit. Also, be sure to keep your administrative costs low, we have a strict limit of 10% for these types of expenses.
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