Laerdal Foundation Grant Program

The Laerdal Foundation supports research and development efforts that contribute to saving lives at birth in low-resource settings. Rooted in the Foundation’s broader mission to reduce preventable deaths globally, this specific grant initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: reducing maternal and newborn mortality by two-thirds between 2010 and 2030. The Foundation has allocated 50% of its annual funding to support practically oriented research projects that directly contribute to this objective, with a strong emphasis on field applicability and measurable impact. This funding opportunity prioritizes interventions that occur on the day of birth, with special attention to stillbirth prevention. Projects that demonstrate potential to extend beyond localized outcomes and contribute to global health improvements are especially encouraged. Applicants are expected to present innovative methods for improving education and the implementation of life-saving techniques. Additionally, the Foundation is keen on collaborative efforts that focus on scaling up proven interventions, particularly in its six focus countries: Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Eligibility is restricted to research-oriented projects that fall within the Foundation's defined areas of interest: preventing avoidable deaths due to cardiac arrest, trauma, or birth complications. Furthermore, a project must meet both criteria—a research component and relevance to one of the focus areas—to be considered eligible. Applicants must also have practical experience working in low-resource environments, and projects must exhibit strong partnerships with local collaborators, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing contextual challenges. The Foundation sets clear expectations regarding budget preparation and financial responsibility. Budgets must be realistic and account for all relevant project costs, including up to 10% of overhead or administrative expenses. If a project's total budget exceeds the maximum grant award, applicants must demonstrate how they will secure additional funding to ensure successful implementation. Only two applications per institution are accepted per cycle. The grant offers a maximum of USD 50,000 per project, with an average award size of approximately USD 30,000. The Foundation expects to support up to 20 projects annually under this category. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online platform by one of two annual deadlines: April 1 and October 1. Projects are reviewed through a structured application process facilitated by a digital form system that guides applicants through each section of the proposal. For inquiries or clarifications, applicants may contact the Foundation via email at [email protected] or by phone at +47 90 28 28 55. All correspondence is handled from the Foundation’s office in Stavanger, Norway. Confirmation of submission is provided by email after completing the application process. The grant cycle is recurring, offering applicants regular opportunities for consideration.

Budget realism, practical experience in low-resource settings, and local partnerships are emphasized.