Project selection criteria 

In order to be presented to the Project Selection Committee for examination, every file submitted to the Air Liquide Foundation must meet the following selection criteria:

1. The project is in one of the Foundation's intervention areas

  • Scientific research in the area of the protection of the environment
  • Scientific research in the area of the healthcare
  • Support for micro-initiatives encouraging proximity actions and local anchoring such as projects on education, training, medical emergencies, entrepreneurship or the safeguarding and preservation of the industrial heritage.


2. The project proposes an innovative initiative and contributes to local development

The Air Liquide Foundation pays particular attention to initiatives of a new nature and development projects requiring a "helping hand" to get their activity started.


3. The project is precise, structured and complete

The Foundation examines projects that include concrete objectives, permitting later evaluation, a precise definition of planning and execution time, a precise definition of the budget, the location of the project.


4. The project is located in a country where Air Liquide is present

The Air Liquide Foundation, whose scope is international, favors the financing of projects that come from countries in which the Air Liquide Group is present, preferably near its sites. See the Group locations.


5. The project is initiated by a structure with a legal status and that is not-for-profit

The Foundation finances projects initiated by associations, foundations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or teaching structures (schools, universities, training organizations).


6. The project has a durable character

The Air Liquide Foundation subsidizes medium-term projects (the minimum duration is usually more than a year) through financial or material support over a one-year period. The Foundation's grant has a "lever effect" making it possible to "launch" a project so that it develops durably.


7. The project leads to an observable and concrete result

The Air Liquide Foundation subsidizes concrete projects whose results can be observed and evaluated: construction of a building, results of scientific research, scientific or pedagogic publications, creation of a new workshop, a training program…

The Air Liquide Foundation does not support projects that are not in line with its social objective. The following are excluded:

  • Occasional and ephemeral actions: events, sponsoring, raids, galas…;
  • Personal projects: scholarships, financing of post-doctoral studies, travel projects, including those in the healthcare and environmental areas;
  • Projects, activities or competitions that are cultural or involve sports;
  • Projects of an obviously professional nature;
  • For-profit projects;
  • The everyday activity and operating expenses of an organization (rent, payroll…);
  • Projects whose only resource is the aid provided by the Air Liquide Foundation;
  • Study missions;
  • Two projects presented in the same year by the same project initiator.