The EPIC AQ Fund supports air quality monitoring projects that connect real-world data to national policy. With proposals due by 30th April 2026, now is a good time to check your application and ensure it's ready. Based on AirGradient's experience working with EPIC-funded projects, we've put together a checklist to help you identify any gaps before you submit. For a deeper look at what makes a strong proposal, see our full guide to the EPIC AQ Fund application.
Note: This is not an official EPIC document or guideline. It is based on AirGradient's experience as a supplier for many EPIC projects. Learn more at https://aqfund.epic.uchicago.edu
1. Policy impact and national relevance
A strong proposal isn't only about deploying sensors. Rather, it needs to tell a credible policy story. Your project should have a clear national policy goal or outcome, and the proposal should explain how the monitoring data could realistically influence a real policy process. It helps to connect the project to institutions that can actually act on the data, and to make the case for why the work matters at the national level, even if monitoring is concentrated in one location.
2. Data openness and project implementation
EPIC places a strong emphasis on open data. The proposal should clearly explain how PM2.5 data will be shared openly, and that data will be programmatically accessible, machine-readable, and linked to monitor locations. Reviewers will also want to see a realistic plan for deploying and maintaining the network, ensuring data quality, and keeping to a timeline that fits within the 18-month grant period.
3. Monitoring strategy and technical design
The number and placement of monitors should be clearly explained and tied to the policy goal. Furthermore, location choices should be strategic (think capital cities, pollution hotspots, or areas relevant to regulatory discussions) and the proposal should justify why the selected monitoring equipment is appropriate. Credibility and data quality matter too, whether through network scale or the inclusion of a reference-grade monitor.
4. Team, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement
Finally, the project should be led by a local actor with strong ties to the country or region. The proposal should name the specific stakeholders relevant to the policy goal and explain how the project will engage with them. Reviewers will also look for demonstrated team experience in monitoring deployment, data management, or policy engagement.
Download the checklist
If you want to check that your proposal covers the most important aspects of what an EPIC AQ Fund application should, you can download our free checklist here.
