Funding Opportunities

With 80% of their budget invested in grants and contracts focused on promoting healthcare, AHRQ is one of 12 agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services. With a FY12 budget of $405 million, the mission of AHRQ is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare for all Americans.

Funding eligibility is for profit and nonprofit organizations, domestic institutions, eligible federal agencies, public or private nonprofit institutions (university, clinic, college, or hospital), unit of a state or local government, faith- or community-based organizations, tribe, or tribal organization.

Priority populations to consider include children, elderly, inner city and rural areas, low-income groups, minorities, women, chronic diseases, and people with special healthcare needs.

Deadlines for PHS 398 Research Grants:
Cycle I - January 25
Cycle II - May 25
Cycle III - September 25
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Focusing on science, technology, and economic institutions, the Foundation seeks proposals for original projects led by outstanding individuals or teams. The Foundation is interested in projects expected to strongly benefit society, and those for which funding from the private sector, government, or other foundations is not widely available.

Among initiatives offered include The Sloan Research Fellowship which is a program that seeks to recognize the achievements of outstanding young scholars in science, mathematics, economics, and computer science. Past recipients have gone on to win 38 Nobel Prizes.

Eligibility requirements include:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in chemistry, computational or evolutionary molecular biology, computer science, economics, mathematics, neuroscience, ocean sciences (including marine biology), physics or a related field.
• Be members of a teaching faculty (i.e. tenure track) of a college, university or other degree-granting institution in the US or Canada.
• Be no more than six years from completion or their most recent PhD (or equivalent) as of the year of their nomination.

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Established in 1993, ARDF funds and promotes the development, validation, and adoption of non-animal methods in biomedical research, product testing and education. ARDF works with partners in the science community to bring alternative technology and compassion to modern laboratories and classrooms.

To date, ARDF had awarded over $1.5 million in grants and funded dozens of research projects in education, testing, basic research such as 3-D computer programs to teach surgical techniques, development of organotypic human cell cultures, and in vitro efficacy tests for AIDS vaccines.

Available to members only, the AAAAI grants approximately $1 million each year for allergy and immunology research projects that include:

• ARTrust Mini Grant which provides a maximum of $15,000 for projects advancing the knowledge and/or treatment of allergy, asthma, and immunology for small clinical or research projects.
• Hope APFED/ARTrust Pilot Grant Award allows investigators to initiate new projects related to eosinophilic disorders (excluding asthma, rhinitis, and eczema).
• AAAAI Food Allergy Initiative Howard Gittis Memorial 3rd/4th Year Fellowship/Junior Faculty Research Award supports the development of an academic research career and provides support for researchers who have completed their first two years of Allergy/Immunology training and those involved in education and basic and/or clinical research on the mechanisms and treatment of food allergies.

With a shortage of investigators and 50 million Americans suffering from a neurological disease, the AAN awards up to 10 fellowships focusing on recruiting and training clinical researchers in neurology.

Opportunities include Clinical Research Training Fellowships designed for investigators in early-to-mid stages of their training in clinical research methodology, Practice Research Training Fellowships which are two-year awards to support training in clinical practice research and are intended to create unique training opportunities previously difficult to access for neurologists, and AHA/ASA/ABF Lawrence M. Brass MD Stroke Research Postdoctoral Fellowships, two-year awards to support a post-doctoral fellow with preference for trainees in vascular neurology, stroke, neuro-critical care, or outcomes research.

A professional organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical sub-specialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the physical, mental, and social health and well being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults, the AAP offers the Resident Research Grant Program. Applications are reviewed each spring and up to $2,000 is available.

Applications require a statement of purpose, a research plan, and a proposed budget. They must also identify a project advisor who has an appropriate research background. Projects must be completed during residency training and should be completed within two years.

Founded in 1848 and serving 261 affiliated societies and academies of science and serving 10 million individuals, AAAS also publishes Science as well as scientific newsletters, books and reports, as well as spearheading programs that raising the bar of understanding science.

AAAS offers a number of prizes awarded each year for contributions to both science and the public's understanding of science including the Eppendorf and Science Prize for Neurobiology, AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility, AAAD Philip Hauge Abelson Award and the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction.

Promotes and supports the highest quality of cancer research by providing funding opportunities for postdoctoral or clinical research fellows working in an academic, medical, or research institution.

Fellowships support the salary and benefits of the fellow with up to 25% of the total grant permitted to be designated to direct research expenses.

- Pathway to Leadership Grants - Support postdoctoral or clinical research fellows in the first five years of their fellowship at the start of the grant term who have not secured a full-time tenure track assistant professor position.

- Fellows Grants - Support innovative research by a young investigator by presenting the fellow with research funds to pursue an independent line of investigation within the context of current fellowship placement.

More than $4 million in funding is available through five grants mechanisms for research directly applicable and relevant to pancreatic cancer including Stand Up to Cancer Research Funding Opportunities which have awarded nearly $111 million to support 290 research projects since the beginning of the program in 1993.

Providing more than $4.3 million in funding for more than 278 fellowships in the 2012-13 academic year, AAUW is one of the world's largest funding sources for graduate women.

- American Fellowships - The oldest and largest of AAUW's fellowship and grant programs and provided more that $90 million to more than 11,000 fellows and grantees, this fellowship supports women scholars completing doctoral dissertations, conducting postdoctoral research, or finishing research for publication. Recipients must be US citizens or permanent residents.

- International Fellowships - Support graduate or postgraduate studies at accredited institutions for full-time study or research to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents.

- Selected Professions Fellows - Provide opportunities for women to pursue graduate and first professional degrees in designated fields that are traditionally underrepresented. Fellowships in architecture, computer and information sciences, engineering, mathematics, and statistics are currently available to women in various stages of graduate training. To encourage cultural diversity and to address an under-representation, fellowships for business administration, law, and medicine have only been available to women of color since 1991.

An association of professionally trained scientists from all over the world dedicated to advancing the knowledge of immunology and its related disciplines, fostering the interchange of ideas and information among investigators, and addressing the potential integration of immunologic principles into clinical practice.

AAI Career Awards honor individuals for outstanding research and career achievements including:

• AAI Public Service Award - Given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advocacy and support of basic biomedical and immunologic research who have distinguished themselves in such diverse fields as public affairs and policy making, journalism and scientific writing, scientific research, research administration, minority recruitment and education in the sciences and disease research advocacy.
• AAI Life Technologies Meritorious Career Award - Recognizes career scientists for outstanding research for contributions to immunology.
• AAI Steinman Award for Human Immunology Research - Recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the understanding of immune processes underlying human disease pathogenesis, prevention, or therapy.

Dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to promote the highest quality of patient care.

Supported grants and awards include:

• Codman Neurotrauma and Critical Care Fellowship - $40,000 is awarded annually to a neurosurgery resident in training or within two years of finishing, in the area of basic applied clinical research in the field of neurotrauma and/or critical care.
• Van Wagenen Fellowship - Provides residents graduating from a North American training site with private, non-governmental funding to be used toward overseas travel for medical enrichment prior to beginning an academic career in neurosurgery
• NREF Research Fellowship - Sponsored by the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation, $70,000 is awarded for a two-year commitment and provides training for neurosurgeons preparing for academic careers as clinical investigators. Applicants must be MDs who have been accepted into or are in approved training in neurological surgery.

Founded in 1973, ABTA is the first nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumors. For nearly 40 years, ABTA has provided comprehensive resources that support the needs of patients and caregivers by funding research for breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and care.

- Discovery Grants Program - Awards one-year, $50,000 grants for high-risk, high-impact projects deemed to have potential to change current diagnostic or treatment paradigms. Investigators outside of traditional biology fields are encouraged to apply.

- Basic Research Fellowship Program - Supports new and early career scientists entering the field of brain tumor research with two-year, $100,000 grants.

- Translational Grant Programs - One-year, $75,000 grants awarded to researchers working to transition research for the laboratory into patient treatment and care.

- Medical Student Research Fellowship - To motivate talented medical students to pursue careers in neuro-oncology, $3,000 stipends grants are awarded to medical students who wish to spend the summer conducting brain tumor research.

For more than 60 years, research has been at the heart of the American Cancer Society's mission. From lifestyle changes to new approaches in quality-of-life therapies, there is no other non-governmental, not-for-profit organization in the US that has invested more to find both causes and cures for cancer.

The American Cancer Society focuses funding on investigator-initiated, peer-reviewed proposals, ensuring that scientists are involved with projects that focus on technique and knowledge rather than those designed by administrators.

Research grants for independent investigators include research scholar grants for investigators in the first six years of an independent career or faculty appointment. Awards are for up to four years and for up to $200,000 per year in direct costs plus 20% allowable in indirect costs.

Institutional research grants are also available which average $90,000 per year for three years given to institutions as seed money for the initiation of projects by promising junior investigators.

Looking to prevent and cure diabetes as well as improve the loves of those affected, the American Diabetes Association Research Program spans the full spectrum of research and supports investigators in all stages of their careers.

Available awards include:

• Basic Science Award - Designed to support basic research in any area relevant to the etiology or pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications.
• Clinical Science and Epidemiology Awards - Support patient-oriented clinical research and epidemiology research in diabetes.
• Translational Science Awards - Support research that accelerates the transition of scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
• Innovation Awards - Support creative proposals that hold significant promise for advancements in the prevention, cure, or treatment in diabetes.
• Core training Awards - For postdoctoral fellows and students working towards doctoral degrees.
• Target Awards - Provide grant support for research focused on a specific topic area
• Collaborative Co-Support Awards - May include any basic or clinical research relevant to diabetes and diabetes-related disease states or projects for the development of public research resources relevant to diabetes research.

Since 1981, AFAR has awarded over 680 research grants to investigators studying a variety of both bio-medical and clinical topics including the role of estrogen in the development of osteoporosis, genetic factors associated with Alzheimer's Disease and the effects of nutrition and exercise on the aging process.

AMFAR provides up to $100,000 for a one- or two-year junior faculty (MDs and PhDs) to conduct research that will serve as the basis for longer-term research efforts.

Awards include New Investigator Awards in Alzheimer's Disease, Paul Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program, Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research. Glenn/AFAR Breakthroughs in Gerontology Award and Glenn/Afar Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging.

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amFar utilizes formal requests for proposals to solicit grant applications for both targeted and general HIV/AIDS research. Proposals are then peer reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee on the basis of their relevance, scientific merit, and promise. amFar has invested $307 million to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.

amFar uses a peer-reviewed process much like those used by other major scientific research institutions, including the National Institutes of Health. This process ensures the quality and relevance of research and maintains the scientific objectivity and credibility of the grant-making program.

All investigators are required to submit a pre-application letter of intent.

Founded in 1987, AFSP has encouraged and supported scientific research on suicide causation, prevention, and treatment.

The AFSP research rants program seeks to encourage established investigators to explore new direction in suicide research, encourage new investigators to enter the field of suicide research through grants providing training support and mentoring, and provide seed money for pilot projects showing promise in opening up new areas of suicide research.

Since 2000, AFSP has given grant support totaling over $10 million to scientists for studies on neuro-biological, genetic, epidemiological, clinical, psychological and sociological aspects of suicide. More than 85 percent of grantees have received further funding from public and private sources to continue their research.

Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include more than 16,000 members from around the globe involved in all aspects of the science, practice, and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research, and educational programs of the organization.

Funding opportunities include:

• AGA-Elsevier Gut Microbiome Pilot Research Award - For new and established investigators, offering $25,000 for up to one year to support pilot research projects pertaining to the gut microbiome.
• AGA Emmet B. Keeffe Award in Translational or Clinical Research in Liver Disease - Enables investigators to productive research careers in translational or clinical research related to liver disease. $85,000 is offered for one year for a young investigator to pursue research in viral hepatitis, liver transplantation, or other liver-disease themed areas.
• AGA-Caroline Craig Augustyn and Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer - $40,000 is awarded to a young investigator currently holding a federal or non-federal career development award devoted to conducting research related to digestive cancer.

Deadline for applicants is January 13.

Since 1949, the AHA has spent more that $4.3 billion on research to increase the knowledge of cardiovascular disease and strokes, the No. 1 and No. 4 killers in America today.

Research is a major weapon in the fight against cardiovascular disease and the AHA currently funds over 2,000 researchers and scientists. Not only have some made significant discoveries in this fight, some have also been awarded the Noble Prize.

Research grants and fellowships are offered in two cycles: summer and winter.

The following opportunities are offered for Winter 2013:

• AHA/Myocarditis Foundation Award - Supports an investigator proposing basic, clinical, or translational research projects relevant to the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, and/or prevention of myocarditis.
• AHA/CCF Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Joint Research Award - The Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation awards $35,000 per year for two years for investigators conducting research specific to pediatric cardiomyopathy.
• AHA/Gerontological Society of America National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowship Award - Supports an investigator proposing basic, clinical, or translational research relevant to gerontological nursing, aging, cardiovascular disease/stroke. Applicants must have an RN in addition to a PhD, DN.Sc or equivalent.

Additional AHA Programs include: Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellowships, Clinical Research Programs, Scientist Development Grant, Medical Student Research Program and Fellow-to-Faculty Transition Award.

The AICR funds research exploring the effects of food, nutrition, physical activity, and body weight on the development, treatment, and survival of cancer, contributing more than $91 million for research at universities, hospitals, and research centers across the country.

Due to current economic conditions, ACIR will not issue a call for applications in the 2012-13 academic year. Instead priority will be given to pending applications held over for funding consideration this fiscal year.

Next call for applications will be announced in Fall 2013.

For nearly 11 years, the American Lung Association has funded quality research to improve lung health and prevent lung disease. The American Lung Association, in addition to supporting their research program, they are also looking to increase funding at the National Institutes of Health to find cures for lung cancer, COPD, asthma, and all other lung diseases.

Grant offerings include:

• Lung Health Dissertation Grant - Awards $21,000 per year for two years in predoctoral support for nurses or students with an academic career focused on the various areas of social science. Areas of particular interest to the American Lung Association include psychosocial, behavioral, health services epidemiological, and biostatistical matters related to lung disease.
• Senior Research Training Fellowship - Awards $32,500 per year for two years in postdoctoral support for MDs and/or PhDs receiving further academic training as scientific investigators. Areas of interest include adult and pediatric pulmonary medicine, and lung biology.
• Biomedical Research Grant - Provides $40,000 per year for up to two years for investigators researching lung disease and general lung biology.
• Clinical Patient Care Research Grant - Provides $40,000 per year for up to two years for investigators working on clinical studies involving patient care and/or treatment of lung disease.
• Social-Behavioral Research Grant - Provides $40,000 per year for up to two years for investigators examining epidemiological and behavioral studies for risk factors affecting lung health. The grant also includes studies concerning the ethical, legal, and economic aspects of health services and policies.

While promoting public health, AOA recognizes the advancement of scientific research that plays a vital role in improving health care through osteopathic medicine.

AOA Research and Grants Fellowships fund original research within the osteopathic profession with the dual purpose of generating and supporting research developing and promoting the understanding of the philosophy, concepts, efficacy, and mechanisms of osteopathic medicine while building and maintaining the research capacity of the profession through support and training for new and developing researchers.

The Research Grants Program is partially funded by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, and awards up to $50,000 per year for up to two years for research that investigates unique aspects of osteopathic medicine. Applications are accepted on an annual basis and the deadline is December 8.

AOA Research Fellowship Program awards up to $10,000 for conducting a basic science or clinical research project that will make a significant contribution to osteopathic medicine. Applications are accepted on an annual basis and the deadline is January 30.

AOA/ONCOR Orthopedic Resident Research Fellowships award up to $10,000 for clinical projects that help facilitate research in osteopathic orthopedic residency training programs. Deadline for application is January 30.

While APS and SPR are two different associations with different goals and members, they share one common vision: promoting advances in pediatric health.

APS advances academic pediatrics through promoting research and scholarship while serving as a strong and effective advocate cultivating excellence, diversity, and equity in the field of pediatrics through support, scholarship, education, and leadership development.

SPR fosters the research and career development of investigators engaged in the health and well-being of children and youth. SPR also encourages young investigators that are invested in research beneficial to young children.

The ARCF is dedicated to promoting respiratory health through research, education, and patient-focused philanthropic activities in respiratory care. Research grants are available through three different programs:

• The Helmholz, Jr. Grant awards up to $3,000 and is directed toward processes and methodologies related to education and credentialing of respiratory care practitioners.
• The Parker B. Francis Respiratory Research Grant provides financial assistance for research programs focusing on respiratory care and related topics.
• The Jerome M. Sullivan Research Fund - Established to stimulate original research contributions by respiratory care practitioners to the field of respiratory care.

All applications are available online and must be submitted by December 31.

A non-profit organization founded in 1964 and comprised of nearly 30,000 oncology practitioners, American Society of Clinical Oncology looks to both prevention and the improvement of cancer care. Their Conquer Cancer Foundation has contributed $70 million to more than 800 researchers in 14 countries.

Funding opportunities include:

• Career Development Award - A three-year, $200,000 grant that provides funding to clinical investigators who have received initial faculty appointment to establish an independent clinical cancer research program.
• Improving Cancer Care Grant - Funded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, this is a three-year cancer research grant totaling $1.35 million. The goal is to encourage multi-disciplinary programs that provide extramural cancer research funding to address issues with general applicability to breast cancer. Proposals must be research-focused rather than requests for program support.
• Young Investigator Award - To fund physicians during the transition from fellowship program to faculty appointment, a one-year $50,000 grant is awarded to a physician within the last two years of final subspecialty training. Applicants should be planning on an investigative career in clinical oncology.

The world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatments of blood disorders. Their mission is to promote research, care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology.

With a mission to advance the microbiological sciences as a vehicle for understanding life processes and to apply and communicate this knowledge for the improvement of health, environmental and economic well being worldwide, the American Society for Microbiology is the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world.

What began with 59 members in 1899, has grown to more than 39,000 members in 26 disciplines of microbiological specialization, in addition to a separate division for microbiology educators, today.

Within the 20th century, a third of all Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been awarded to microbiologists.

The leader in global ALS research, more than $67 million has been allocated to finding effective treatments and a cure for Lou Gehrig's Disease. This research effort has increased the number of scientists, made new discoveries and treatments, as well as distinguishing genetic and environmental factors involved in the fight against ALS.

Significant research milestones have been made including the discovery of a genetic abnormality that is the most common cause of ALS and the discovery of the ALS gene responsible for 20 percent of all inherited ALS cases.

Named after the well-known Notre Dame football coach, the Foundation looks to fight against Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NP-C), which three of Parseghian's grandchildren were diagnosed with in 1994.

NP-C is a genetic cholesterol storage disorder that mainly affects children (although there is an adult onset form), with death occurring before or during adolescence.

Funding supports an international research program to study this disease, expedite treatment, and promote collaborative research efforts amongst the world's leading experts in genetics, pharmacology, neurobiology, and other areas of science.

The Foundation's research program is directed by a Scientific Advisory Board of internationally acclaimed scientists. Ninety percent of every dollar contributed is directed towards medical research. The Foundation currently funds 12 labs across the US.

Grants are awarded up to $100,000 per year.

Focused on an aspects of humanism in medicine, the Gold Foundation perpetuates the tradition caring doctor by emphasizing the importance of the relationship between doctor and patient. Their objective is to help physicians in training combine the high-tech skills of medicine with effective communication, empathy, and compassion.

The Gold Foundation funds unsolicited projects such as research, lectures, community outreach, and curriculum development related to the practice of humanistic medicine. There is no funding limit - as little as $250 or up to $25,000 - but the Foundation is interested in innovative programs which include a strong evaluation component.

Recent faculty-initiated grants included $25,000 for "Improving Empathy and Relational Skills in Resident Physicians: A Randomized Control Trial," and $25,000 for "Promoting Mindful Practice in Medical Students and Residency Education."

Founded in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation is the largest national nonprofit organization that supports more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. It is the largest nonprofit contributor to arthritis research in the world with more than $450 million in research grants awarded since its founding.

The Foundation provides public health education, pursues public policy and legislation, and conducts evidence-based programs to improve the lives of those living with arthritis. The three principle disease areas the Foundation looks to make the most impact in research are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis.

Funding opportunities include:

• Innovative Research Grant - Supports basic and clinical research of independent investigators. Funding is provided for up to $100,000 per year for no more than two years. Applicants must be independent researchers for whom the institution provides space and other resources. Applicants must also be a US citizen or permanent resident at the time of application. Individuals with doctoral degrees at the assistant professor level or higher in a US institution are eligible to apply.
• Clinical to Research Transition Award - Awards $60,000 per year for MDs/DOs clinically trained in adult or pediatric rheumatology. US citizenship is not required but applicant must hold a full-time appointment at a US institution.

AIR is the world's largest professional organization for institutional researchers, providing educational resources, best practices and professional development opportunities for more than 4,000 members.

With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the National Post-Secondary Education Cooperative (NPEC), the AIR grant program provides professional development opportunities to doctoral students, institutional researchers, educators, and administrators.

Institutional researchers, faculty, and other higher-education professionals affiliated with a U.S. post-secondary institution, US government agency, public or private policy research organization, or foreign institution working cooperatively with a U.S. institution may submit proposals. Regardless of citizenship, all persons affiliated with a post-secondary institution are eligible.

Research grants up to $40,000 for one year of independent research are available for faculty and practitioners affiliated with a U.S. post-secondary institution or relevant non-profit higher education organization.

Dissertation grants are eligible for doctoral students for up to $20,000 for up to one year to support dissertation research and writing under the guidance of a faculty dissertation advisor.

Deadline for application is January 10.

One of the goals of Autism Speaks is to identify and support promising research in hopes the results will produce significant findings to be reported in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, the organization hopes that grants that are funded will lead to further research support from government or other agencies.

Since 1997, Autism Speaks and other organizations combined have contributed more than $89 million, funding more than 737 research projects and fellowships. The investment in these research grants has leveraged into nearly $153 million in NIH and other funding for the contribution of these studies.

Autism Speaks holds a variety of investigator-initiated grant calls including pilot grant, basic and clinical grants, and treatment and technology grants. Autism Speaks is able to support many different types of projects, each critical for advancing all phases of autism research. Grants are crucial for allowing investigators to gather enough data to be able to attract even larger, multi-year commitments from the NIH and other medical research organizations.