Round 2: Up to $5 Million for Research on Global Lead Poisoning
Funds interdisciplinary research to identify lead exposure sources, improve measurement, and assess policy effectiveness to reduce global lead poisoning, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.
Funder: Open Philanthropy
Due Dates: August 2, 2026: Expression of Interest (EOI) submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $5 million total available; individual grants may range from small ($25k–$50k) to large multi-year awards (up to 2 years).
Summary: Supports multidisciplinary research to understand and mitigate global lead poisoning, focusing on source identification, measurement, policy effectiveness, and solutions relevant to low- and middle-income countries.
Key Information: 10% overhead cap; strong encouragement for Global South applicants; EOI required before full proposal.
Description
Open Philanthropy, in partnership with Coefficient Giving and the Center for Global Development (CGD), is offering up to $5 million to support research that advances understanding and mitigation of lead poisoning globally. This initiative seeks multidisciplinary projects that address critical knowledge gaps in measurement and monitoring, source identification and attribution, informal used lead-acid battery recycling, and policy effectiveness related to lead exposure. The call prioritizes research with potential for meaningful policy or programmatic impact, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Both field and desk-based research are eligible, and the fund encourages proposals from a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to economics, environmental science, public health, chemistry, supply chain analysis, and policy studies.
