Opportunity Funds for Lead Poisoning Prevention

Supporting high-impact, short-term projects in low- and middle-income countries 

As part of the Bloomberg Lead Poisoning Prevention Initiative, partners LEEP, Pure Earth, and Vital Strategies are offering Opportunity Funds to support short-term, high-impact projects that reduce lead exposure in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Grants typically range from $10,000–$100,000 for projects up to 12 months in duration, depending on the fund. 

Despite increased global awareness of the dangers of lead, many LMICs continue to face gaps in detection, regulation, enforcement, and resources for prevention and treatment. With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, six implementing partners (CDC Foundation, LEEP, Pure Earth, Resolve to Save Lives, Vital Strategies, and the World Health Organization) are expanding efforts across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to address these challenges. 

To further accelerate progress, the three implementing partners have launched Opportunity Funds to support strategic, innovative work that advances our collective understanding of lead exposure and effective prevention strategies.  Please note varying application deadlines by opportunity fund. 

LEEP Opportunity Fund 

The LEEP Opportunity Fund supports practical, research-driven projects that reduce lead exposure—particularly from paint and lead chromates—and advance scalable solutions in LMICs. 

Focus areas include: 

• Activities that reduce lead exposure from paint or lead chromates
• Research to design, test, or evaluate practical and scalable interventions
• Studies that strengthen understanding of lead sources or prevention strategies 

Learn more about the LEEP Opportunity Fund.

Pure Earth Opportunity Fund 

The Pure Earth Opportunity Fund supports short-term, strategic projects that address non-paint sources of lead exposure and help close priority knowledge or intervention gaps in LMICs. 

Focus areas include: 

• Assessments or screening of consumer goods, foods, or other exposure sources
• Piloting new lead detection technologies or mitigation approaches
• Community awareness activities, industry engagement, or seed funding for coordination groups
• Research or policy analysis that advances lead exposure prevention 

Learn more about the Pure Earth Opportunity Fund.  

Vital Strategies Opportunity Fund 

The Vital Strategies Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $75,000 for projects that strengthen public health systems’ ability to detect, monitor, and respond to lead exposure in LMICs. 

Focus areas include: 

• Improving lead surveillance, clinical response, or data systems, including opportunities to leverage existing representative surveillance data Strengthening national or subnational public health capacity for lead prevention
• Supporting programs or approaches that enhance detection, response, or coordination efforts 

Learn more about the Vital Strategies Opportunity Fund.