J-WAFS Grant for Water and Food Projects in India
Check back in the Fall of 2024 for the next request for proposals
The J-WAFS Grant for Water and Food Projects in India is a funding opportunity for current members of the MIT community interested in addressing a water or food-related challenge in India.
Typically, applicants may request up to $15,000 in funding. J-WAFS usually awards one to three grants based on proposals. The grants are intended to further work being pursued by individuals as part of their MIT research, innovation and entrepreneurship, coursework, or related activities. Support for teams will also be considered, though at least 50% of the team must be from MIT.
The grant is for development projects or projects benefiting low-income populations. Examples of relevant challenges may include but are not limited to:
- Economically appropriate water purification technologies, esp. for rural areas
- Water distribution and management strategies, esp. for rural areas
- Other water quality issues, e.g. sanitation, monitoring, etc.
- Food safety issues
- Food preservation and waste reduction
- Water for agriculture, especially smallholder farms
- Agricultural innovations and improvements
Eligibility: Faculty members, full-time research staff, currently matriculated MIT graduate and undergraduate students, or small teams with at least 50% MIT participation and an eligible individual in the leadership role will be considered for funding. Grants can be used over the course of up to one year to support travel, technology pilots, scale-up studies, community outreach and education, etc. Funds may not be used for MIT equipment purchases.
Click below to view the 2023 request for proposals (RFP), or check back in the Fall of 2024 for the next RFP for the India Grant.