Ekhaga Foundation Grants to Promote Human Health

The Ekhaga Foundation, based in Sweden, supports scientific research and projects that aim to improve public health, particularly through enhancing self-healing abilities, sustainable agriculture, and natural medicine. Rooted in the vision of its founder, Gösta Videgård, the foundation takes a holistic view of health and well-being. Videgård was skeptical of conventional medical science, especially synthetic pharmaceuticals, and prioritized natural and ecological approaches. The foundation reflects these values in its funding priorities, promoting research that aligns with organic and holistic principles. Each year, the Ekhaga Foundation distributes grants totaling between 10 and 25 million SEK, typically funding 10 to 20 projects. The application system opens on April 1 and closes at midnight on May 20. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s web-based portal, either in Swedish or English. The application includes basic project information and a detailed project description. The latter must address the problem being studied, the hypothesis, methodology, expected outcomes, timetable, and a detailed budget, along with the applicant’s and co-applicants’ CVs. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the project’s relevance to public health and the Foundation’s mission, particularly in terms of promoting self-healing capacities and sustainable practices. Applications are evaluated by the Scientific Council for relevance to the Foundation’s purpose, scientific merit, and feasibility. The board makes final funding decisions, typically in October or November. Projects that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are favored, and funding is generally not granted to conventional environmental or animal husbandry research unless a clear connection to human health is demonstrated. Projects that involve clinical animal testing are discouraged unless absolutely necessary and must minimize animal suffering. There is no formal limit on the amount that can be requested, but the Foundation’s total annual budget should be kept in mind. Projects that secure additional funding from other sources are allowed but must provide clarity on the roles of each funder. Overlap in funding is discouraged, and if the Foundation perceives that its contribution is redundant, the grant amount may be reduced accordingly. Budgets must exclude standard overhead costs and should only include expenses directly tied to the project. Grants are paid out in installments aligned with the project timeline. The final 20% of the grant is withheld until the final report is submitted and approved. Reporting guidelines and disbursement rules are available on the Foundation’s website. Contact information includes an email (info@ekhagastiftelsen.se), phone number (070-240 81 81), and mailing address (Box 113, 182 12 Danderyd, Sweden).

Avoid generic relevance claims; ensure budget excludes overhead; align project with public health and self-healing focus; plan project start after October; avoid requesting funding for ineligible research (e.g., animal testing without justification).