Call for
Laerdal Foundation Grant for Saving Lives at Birth in Low-Resource Settings
About Organisation
The Laerdal Foundation, established in 1980 in partnership with the University of Oslo, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting practical, impactful research aimed at reducing preventable deaths caused by sudden cardiac arrest, trauma, and complications during birth. With a mission aligned with the Laerdal company—helping save lives—the Foundation functions independently and is regulated under the Norwegian Foundation’s Act. Its strategic funding focus emphasizes projects that can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes, particularly in low-resource environments. Recognizing the urgency of maternal and newborn health issues, the Foundation has earmarked 50% of its grants to address life-saving interventions at birth in these regions. It aims to drive innovation and implement scalable, evidence-based practices that support the reduction of mortality rates in alignment with global health priorities. The Foundation is committed to supporting research that not only addresses local health challenges but also has the potential to influence healthcare improvements on a broader, global scale. With a practical and inclusive approach, the Laerdal Foundation encourages collaboration, sustainability, and long-term impact in all funded initiatives, particularly those in its priority countries: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Malawi.
About the Grant
The Laerdal Foundation allocates 50% of its annual grant funding to support practically oriented projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on reducing maternal and newborn mortality by two-thirds between 2010 and 2030. Special priority is given to initiatives that improve outcomes on the day of birth, including projects that aim to prevent stillbirths. The Foundation is particularly interested in research that demonstrates long-term practical value, has potential for replication in other regions or countries, and contributes meaningfully to health system improvements in low-resource settings.
Projects featuring innovative educational methods, effective implementation strategies, and collaboration for scaling proven concepts are strongly encouraged. Proposals should ideally focus on the Foundation’s target countries—India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Malawi. The grant supports up to 20 projects annually, with a maximum award of USD 50,000 per project and an average grant size of around USD 30,000.
Applications will be evaluated on budget feasibility, project sustainability, and the applicant’s capacity to address challenges typical of low-resource environments. Local partner involvement and a solid plan for additional funding (if needed) are also crucial evaluation factors. Overheads may be included up to 10% of the total project cost.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must submit a proposal that incorporates a research component and aligns with one of the Foundation’s core focus areas: preventing avoidable deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest, trauma, or complications during childbirth. Proposals must aim for measurable, practical impact and have the potential for scalability and long-term application beyond a single locality.
The Foundation prioritizes projects taking place in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Tanzania, especially those targeting maternal and newborn health on the day of birth. Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute toward achieving SDG 3, particularly reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
Eligible applicants include institutions, researchers, healthcare professionals, and project teams with a track record of working in low-resource settings. The Board places significant value on the applicant’s practical experience in such environments, along with strong collaboration and commitment from local partners.
All proposals must clearly outline the project’s objectives, methodology, budget, potential impact, and sustainability plan. The Board will assess whether the applicant can realistically secure additional funding if project costs exceed the requested grant. A maximum of 10% of the grant amount may be used for institutional overheads. Applications lacking a research focus or falling outside the defined areas of interest will not be considered.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted through the Laerdal Foundation’s official application platform. The process involves preparing a detailed project proposal that aligns with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, demonstrates research relevance, and addresses maternal, newborn, or emergency care challenges. Ensure the proposal includes a realistic budget, clear objectives, and evidence of collaboration with local partners. Submission must be made within the designated deadlines for review by the Foundation’s Board.
Application Deadline
The Laerdal Foundation accepts applications twice annually. The submission deadlines are April 1 and October 1. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s designated platform.
Last Date To Apply
For each grant cycle, proposals must be submitted by either April 1 or October 1. Late submissions will not be considered for funding under the current cycle.
Grant Amount
The Foundation funds up to 20 projects annually under this category. Each project may receive a grant of up to USD 50,000, with the average award being approximately USD 30,000.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
