A small grants programme for local projects that address today’s built environment challenges.
Apply now for the 2024-2025 INTBAU Grassroots Grants Programme!
INTBAU is excited to launch a new round of its Grassroots Grant Programme in November 2024. Grassroots grants provide funding for projects that test ideas rooted in local responses to climate and context. This second round follows the success of the 2023-2024 Grassroots Grant Programme through which £25,000 GBP in seed funding was awarded to 5 inspirational and innovative projects.
According to UN-Habitat and World Bank figures, by 2030 up to three billion people will need new housing and basic infrastructure. Indigenous, traditional, local, and vernacular design solutions have the potential to create built environments that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. However, many of the best ideas never make it to the mainstream.
We are looking for proposals for new or existing plans that support, advance and adapt building traditions around the world with the aim of creating better places for people to live.
Are you a researcher, designer, entrepreneur, architect, start-up or small business owner?
Do you have a solution that responds to today’s built environment challenges but need funding to take it further?
We want to hear from you! INTBAU will be awarding small grants of up to £5000 to applicants with the greatest potential to create positive impact on the future of our built environment.
For inspiration, please see the list of projects awarded in our first round, awarded in early 2024. Below are some other examples of the kind of projects we would love to hear from. This list is not exhaustive. We want to hear your ideas!
Demonstration projects
• the construction of a community centre with local and renewable materials,
• a prototype for a seismic resistant school,
• experiments in turf cladding,
• a home extension using biomaterials such as straw, cob or hempcrete.
Training and workshops
• workshops imparting a skill or building technique such as adobe construction,
• the creation of online tutorials for youth groups that raise the awareness of the benefit of traditional, contextual and climate-resilient design,
• training events for resident-led collectives seeking to implement a community retrofit strategy,
• apprenticeships that will train recipients in a relevant construction technique
Research
• a research project looking at adapting a local vernacular housing typology to a changing climate or changed availability of materials,
• analysis of the lifecycle and embodied energy for a traditional building,
• research that demonstrates the benefit of using natural materials in a structural capacity,
• travel to conferences to support the dissemination of research already completed,
• the creation of additional resources to tell the story of your research findings more effectively.
How to Apply!
To apply, interested parties must complete the Expression of Interest (EoI) form below by 12am UTC on 19 January 2025.
Expression of Interest Application Form
At this stage, we do not expect your EoIs to express fully developed ideas, you can write about them as concepts. However, if we invite you to submit a full application you will have just a few weeks to convert the EoI into a full application, so it is worth planning ahead where possible. You can find more information about what we expect from you in the form.
The deadline to submit this form is 12am UTC on 19 January 2025.
The Selection Process
The above constitutes the first phase of the application process. EoIs will be reviewed after the deadline with the aim to shortlist applications by the end of January 2025. Should your proposal and ideas meet our criteria, you will be invited to the second phase of the application process.
For phase II of the application process, you will be asked to submit a full proposal by 6 March 2025 based on your EoI and our feedback. All applications will be reviewed by an international committee with members from the INTBAU network. Between mid-March and mid-April, selected projects will be invited to interview with a member of the selection committee to discuss their proposal and overall application. Application outcome and finalists will be announced by 30 April 2025.
Evaluation Criteria
For applicants invited to submit a full application in phase II, the evaluation will focus on these five criteria:
1. Concept: A clear idea that directly addresses built environment challenges.
2. Local Relevance: How your idea offers a solution to built environment challenges that incorporates local context.
3. Capability: Who you are and why you’re the right person/people to take this forward.
4. Funding Use: How much funding you need, and what you’ll spend it on.
5. Long-term Impact: The potential for your idea to create longer term impact on the built environment challenges of today.
For any questions, please email grassroots@intbau.org or review our FAQ below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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1. Who can apply to the Grassroots Grants Programme?
Anyone who has relevant and substantial experience in the field of architecture, building and urbanism with a passion and drive for traditional, durable and sustainable architecture and design. We welcome applicants at any stages of their career, from established architects to graduate students, and from all backgrounds.
2. Can applicants come from any country?
INTBAU cannot fund projects or individuals based in countries sanctioned by the UK government.
3. What is the maximum funding available for one project?
The maximum funding available for one project is £5,000 GBP.
4. Can I submit a proposal or idea that I have already submitted for another grant programme, for which I am still awaiting a response?
You can submit a proposal or idea that you have already submitted for another grant programme, but we will request information and an update on the outcome of this previous application.
5. I already applied to INTBAU’s Grassroots Grants Programme last year. Can I re-apply?
Yes, you can re-apply for funding on the same project or a new one. Due to the limit in funds, the selection committee may dedicate more focus and time to new proposals.
5. As a group / a team with one proposal, how should we apply and submit an application?
If you are applying as a group, please submit one application only. We would encourage you to briefly describe your team and designate one member as the liaising contact with INTBAU to ease communications.
6. I have two different proposals to submit. Can I submit two separate applications for the Grassroots Grants Programme?
Yes, you can submit two different proposals for the programme. You should submit these separately with different project titles.
7. I need help completing my application form.
Please write to grassroots@intbau.org describing what exactly you need help with.
8. What were the most common reasons for not funding a shortlisted project?
Most commonly applications were not funded because they were irrelevant to the grassroots grants programme’s mission and objectives, incomplete or did not give enough consideration to the long-term impacts of its proposal and engagement with the community.
9. How and when do we receive the funding?
Should your project be awarded, we will share with you a grant agreement document to be completed and signed. We will transfer the funds by bank transfer shortly after.
10. When would I be expected to complete my proposed project and finalise the grant spending?
We expect projects to be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. Extensions are possible in exceptional circumstances, by discussion with INTBAU.
11. Will you provide feedback on my application?
Due to the volume of applications, we are not able to provide individual feedback at EOI stage. We will do our best to give feedback to shortlisted applicants.
12. If I am successful, when can I start my project?
You can start your project as soon as you receive the funds, which would be late April/early May 2025.
13. Will you run a new Grassroots Grants Programme during the second half of 2025?
This will be determined later in the new year. If so, we will announce the new opportunity across our channels.
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