Cleaner Air and Better Health (CABH) | 72038621RFA00004

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72038621RFA00004

Cleaner Air and Better Health (CABH) is a USAID/India funding opportunity focused on helping India reduce air pollution and the related health burden by strengthening systems that support pollution mitigation and exposure reduction in selected regions of the country. The activity is designed to contribute to a cleaner environment and improved public health outcomes by working with the Government of India and other Indian counterparts to build more effective approaches for managing air quality and protecting people from harmful exposure.

At the core of CABH is support for better governance and regulatory action on air pollution. The opportunity emphasizes helping Indian institutions identify, design, and advance regulatory interventions that can improve how air pollution is controlled and how health impacts are addressed. This includes strengthening the underlying science and evidence base that informs policy and practical solutions, so that interventions are not only well-intentioned but also measurable, credible, and effective.

CABH also highlights the role of innovation, financing, and technical expertise from both the United States and India. Rather than relying on a single tool, the activity aims to leverage a mix of ideas and resources to implement air pollution mitigation measures and reduce exposure, recognizing that solutions often require coordination across sectors, from government and industry to health systems and communities. Another key component is raising awareness among stakeholders and encouraging social and behavioral change, suggesting an interest in communication strategies and partnerships that can shift practices, build public demand for cleaner air, and sustain long-term improvements.

From an administrative standpoint, CABH was released by USAID/New Delhi under the Agency for International Development, India. It is listed as an earmark opportunity in the environment sector, with funding provided through a cooperative agreement, meaning USAID expects to remain actively involved in implementation rather than acting only as a pass-through funder. The funding opportunity number is 72038621RFA00004, and it is associated with CFDA number 98.001. Eligibility is described as unrestricted, open to any type of entity, subject to any additional eligibility details that may be specified in the full notice.

The opportunity requested Concept Notes as the initial step, indicating a staged application process where applicants first submit a shorter, high-level project idea for review before potentially being invited to submit a full application. The posting date was March 24, 2021, with an original closing date of September 30, 2021. The award ceiling was set at $15,000,000, and USAID anticipated making up to 10 awards, suggesting support for multiple implementing partners or regional efforts under the broader CABH objective.

• The Agency for International Development, India USAID-New Delhi in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cleaner Air and Better Health (CABH)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 24, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 30, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $15,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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