Tl;DR — The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) is now accepting applications for its Air Quality Fund, a vital initiative aimed at improving global air quality monitoring. This funding is particularly targeted at addressing PM2.5 data gaps in 75 priority countries. The deadline for applications is September 10, 2024, so don’t miss out on this crucial opportunity to obtain funding for your air quality measurement project — contact Clarity today to learn more about this funding opportunity and get a quote for your air quality measurement equipment!
Who is EPIC?
EPIC, the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, is dedicated to researching and addressing energy and environmental challenges. EPIC’s work spans various domains, including climate change, energy markets, and pollution. By leveraging rigorous research, EPIC aims to inform and shape policy decisions to achieve a sustainable and equitable energy future. The Air Quality Fund is a testament to EPIC’s commitment to using scientific data to drive impactful environmental policies.
The rationale for the EPIC Air Quality Fund
Air pollution is the leading health risk globally, with EPIC’s Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) showing it reduces life expectancy more than malaria, HIV/AIDS, and transportation injuries combined. Research indicates that installing air quality monitors and sharing real-time data significantly improves air quality. However, nearly 40 percent of countries — many of them highly polluted — lack open air quality data.
Thanks to a $1.5 million donation from Open Philanthropy, the EPIC Air Quality Fund supports local groups in setting up monitors and providing open data. On July 31, EPIC’s Clean Air Program director Christa Hasenkopf and project manager Farah Kazi introduced the Fund and its application process.
The primary goal of the Air Quality Fund is to bridge the gap in PM2.5 data, particularly in countries where air quality monitoring is limited. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is a significant pollutant that poses severe health risks. By providing funding for air quality monitoring projects, EPIC aims to enhance data availability, enabling governments and organizations to make informed decisions and take effective action against air pollution. This initiative not only supports environmental health but also contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Air quality monitoring funding details
- Who Can Apply: The fund is open to governmental and non-governmental organizations, including universities, non-profits, for-profits, corporates, NGOs, and CSOs.
- Funding Amount: Applicants can receive up to $50,000 for lower-cost sensors and $75,000 or more for regulatory-grade equipment.
- Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by September 10, 2024.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be capable of legally receiving funds from a U.S. institution and must have a working bank account.
Air pollution measurement project criteria
- Focus on PM2.5: Projects must aim to measure and share outdoor PM2.5 data to create national-level impacts.
- Data Transparency: Applicants must commit to providing open access to their air quality data.
- National Impact: Projects should aim to influence air quality policies or standards, raise awareness, or catalyze financial investments toward reducing air pollution.
How to apply?
To apply, fill out the application form available on the EPIC Air Quality Fund page. The application process includes a detailed project proposal outlining the scope, impact, and methodology of the air quality monitoring initiative. Be sure to highlight how your project meets the fund's criteria and its potential for significant national impact.
Planning a successful application for EPIC Air Quality Funding
To maximize your chances of securing EPIC Air Quality Funding, consider the following tips for crafting a strong application:
- Align with EPIC’s Goals: Clearly demonstrate how your project addresses PM2.5 data gaps and aligns with EPIC’s objective of improving national air quality monitoring.
- Showcase Impact: Provide a compelling narrative on how your project will influence air quality policies, raise public awareness, or drive financial investments. Highlight any past successes or relevant experiences.
- Detailed Methodology: Outline a comprehensive and feasible plan for measuring and sharing PM2.5 data. Include specifics about the equipment, locations, and strategies for data collection and dissemination.
- Emphasize Transparency: Commit to open access for the collected air quality data. Explain your data sharing plans and how it will benefit public health and policy-making.
- Focus on Priority Countries: EPIC will prioritize applications that address air quality issues in 75 countries identified as high and medium-high opportunities for closing nationwide PM2.5 data gaps. Check the list of these countries here and tailor your application to target these regions.
- Strong Budget Justification: Provide a detailed budget breakdown, justifying each expense. Ensure that your budget aligns with the funding limits and demonstrates efficient use of resources.
- Support Letters: Include letters of support from relevant stakeholders, demonstrating broad backing and the potential for collaboration.
This funding is an excellent opportunity for organizations to initiate air quality monitoring projects that can lead to significant improvements in public health and environmental policy. Don't miss this chance to contribute to a cleaner, healthier future.
For more detailed information and to apply, contact Clarity today to learn more about this funding opportunity and get a quote for your air quality measurement equipment, visit the EPIC Air Quality Fund page, or view the webinar recording below.
What air quality monitoring equipment is eligible for funding?
The EPIC Air Quality Fund has specific requirements for eligible air quality measurement equipment and the air pollution data generated from funded projects. Applicants need to choose monitors from air quality monitoring organizations that permit purchasers to own the generated data and legally share it on public platforms. Additional criteria include:
- All air quality data generated from funded projects be shared openly and programmatically.
- This data must be easily accessible to the public at no cost, ideally through an API and under a CC-BY-4.0 license.
- The data should be structured in a machine-readable format such as CSV and must be provided at the monitor level with precise geographic coordinates.
- Data should be granular and timely, reported in near-real-time, and in physical units like micrograms per cubic meter for PM2.5.
Refer to the table below for eligibility criteria for the air quality measurement equipment that can be employed with EPIC air quality funding. For example, the data ownership requirement disqualifies organizations such as PurpleAir and QuantAQ who retain ownership of the data produced by their air quality measurement equipment rather than allowing their customers to own the data, and TSI Blue Sky who co-owns the data with consumers.
EPIC Air Quality Fund FAQs
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include government entities, universities, non-profits, and for-profit organizations capable of receiving U.S. funds.
What kind of projects are funded?
Projects that focus on measuring and sharing PM2.5 data, with an emphasis on transparency and national impact, are prioritized.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from $50,000 for lower-cost sensors to $75,000 or more for regulatory-grade equipment.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications is September 10, 2024.
What are the project requirements?
Projects must provide open access to air quality data and aim to influence national air quality policies or raise public awareness.
How will the funds be distributed?
Funds will be allocated based on the project's scope, potential impact, and alignment with the fund's goals.
Which are the 75 countries that will be prioritized for funding?
To determine an air quality monitoring opportunity score for each country, EPIC considered several factors including the population size, the concentration of PM2.5 in the air, the amount of international funding allocated for outdoor air pollution, the number and density of government air quality monitors, the availability of open data, evidence of government-sponsored air quality monitoring, and the presence of ambient air quality standards. These criteria collectively assess each country's capacity and need for improved air quality monitoring and interventions.
As a result, applicants with projects of the following categories will be prioritized for funding:
- Air quality monitoring in Burundi
- Air quality monitoring in Zambia
- Air quality monitoring in Angola
- Air quality monitoring in Central African Republic
- Air quality monitoring in Republic of the Congo
- Air quality monitoring in Bolivia
- Air quality monitoring in Malawi
- Air quality monitoring in Iraq
- Air quality monitoring in Rwanda
- Air quality monitoring in Zimbabwe
- Air quality monitoring in Côte d'Ivoire
- Air quality monitoring in Afghanistan
- Air quality monitoring in Gabon
- Air quality monitoring in Djibouti
- Air quality monitoring in Nicaragua
- Air quality monitoring in Belarus
- Air quality monitoring in Haiti
- Air quality monitoring in Benin
- Air quality monitoring in Cambodia
- Air quality monitoring in Yemen
- Air quality monitoring in Swaziland
- Air quality monitoring in Eritrea
- Air quality monitoring in Sierra Leone
- Air quality monitoring in Gambia
- Air quality monitoring in Tajikistan
- Air quality monitoring in Botswana
- Air quality monitoring in El Salvador
- Air quality monitoring in Guinea
- Air quality monitoring in Burkina Faso
- Air quality monitoring in Argentina
- Air quality monitoring in Bahrain
- Air quality monitoring in Qatar
- Air quality monitoring in Liberia
- Air quality monitoring in Turkmenistan
- Air quality monitoring in Saudi Arabia
- Air quality monitoring in Sudan
- Air quality monitoring in Timor-Leste
- Air quality monitoring in Namibia
- Air quality monitoring in Kuwait
- Air quality monitoring in Papua New Guinea
- Air quality monitoring in Guatemala
- Air quality monitoring in Sri Lanka
- Air quality monitoring in Mozambique
- Air quality monitoring in Egypt
- Air quality monitoring in Armenia
- Air quality monitoring in Albania
- Air quality monitoring in Singapore
- Air quality monitoring in Laos
- Air quality monitoring in Togo
- Air quality monitoring in South Sudan
- Air quality monitoring in Somalia
- Air quality monitoring in Uzbekistan
- Air quality monitoring in Kazakhstan
- Air quality monitoring in Tanzania
- Air quality monitoring in Turkey
- Air quality monitoring in Azerbaijan
- Air quality monitoring in Jordan
- Air quality monitoring in Chad
- Air quality monitoring in Mali
- Air quality monitoring in Niger
- Air quality monitoring in Nepal
- Air quality monitoring in Morocco
- Air quality monitoring in Uganda
- Air quality monitoring in Costa Rica
- Air quality monitoring in Paraguay
- Air quality monitoring in Nigeria
- Air quality monitoring in Mauritius
- Air quality monitoring in Guinea-Bissau
- Air quality monitoring in Thailand
- Air quality monitoring in Tunisia
- Air quality monitoring in Libya
- Air quality monitoring in Bangladesh
- Air quality monitoring in Oman
- Air quality monitoring in Algeria
- Air quality monitoring in Pakistan