Frequently Asked Questions

Am I allowed to apply for neuroscience grants designated invitation-only? If so, how?

Only those invited by the foundation are allowed to apply for invitation-only neuroscience grants, through the Clinical Neuroscience Research Program. Please see the description of that program.

Are all Science and Health grant programs open to international institutions?

The Clinical Neuroscience Research program accepts preliminary proposals from clinical researchers at international institutions. The Brain and Immuno-imaging program  program does not accept applications from institutions outside the United States.

Are the grant programs intended for senior or junior investigators?

It depends on the program. The Brain and Immuno-imaging program looks for outstanding investigators who are early in their research careers. The Clinical Neuroscience Research program invites junior and senior level investigators.

Can Foundation funds be used toward overhead costs? Are there any budget restrictions?

Foundation funding covers only direct costs and cannot be used to cover indirect expenses.  However, up to ten percent of grant funds may be used to purchase equipment needed for the study.

Can I apply directly to the Brain and Immuno-imaging program if the RFP is not posted at my institution?

All proposals received for the Brain and Immuno-imaging program must be submitted with the endorsement of the dean of a U.S. medical school, or the president of a research institution that receives a letter of invitation from the Foundation. This endorsement ensures that no more than one application is submitted per institution. You must go through your institution’s selection process.  If your institution is not a U.S. medical school or a specifically invited research institution, you are not eligible to apply.

Can I apply for consideration under the Clinical Neuroscience Research Program?

Full proposals under the Clinical Neuroscience Research program are considered on an "invite-only basis". Foundation consultants will review preliminary proposals (up to two-page project description with an attached NIH-style abbreviated CV) from investigators who wish to be considered to receive an invitation to submit a full proposal.

Can I reapply if my application is not selected?

Written feedback provided will indicate whether you are invited to reapply. Refer to the correspondence you received; encouragements to resubmit will be clearly indicated.

Does the Foundation fund for-profit institutions?

No, the Foundation only funds 501(c)(3) organizations.

Does the Foundation fund science education grants?

Rarely, and only by invitation.

Does the Foundation provide funding to individual scientists?

No, the Foundation provides no grants to individuals. Grants are provided to medical schools, research institutions, and other 501(c)(3) organizations to support scientists' research.

Does the Foundation support basic research?

 No. The Clinical Neuroscience Research program focuses on patient research. The Brain and Immuno-imaging program focuses on patient-oriented studies (research with patients or patient tissues). Research that does not involve patients or patient tissues is supported only when the investigation is directly applicable to human health and functioning but is not yet feasible in humans.

How do I know under which program my research would best fit?

Please visit the pages for each program and read the descriptions. For additional guidance, please view the descriptions of studies funded in each program.

How do I know whether my institution is invited/eligible under the Brain and Immuno-imaging RFP?

All U.S. Medical Schools receive invitations to submit applications. The RFPs are sent to the deans of those schools, and for distribution to relevant departments in the school. Some institutions distribute the RFP internally or post it on their Web site; it varies from school to school. Select research institutions are also invited by a letter to the institutions president. If you are unsure, please have your sponsored research officer contact:Mary Lucas 505 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor New York, NY 10017 (212) 223-4040 ext. 669

What amount of funding is provided?

Research grants typically range from $100,000 to up to $300,000 per institution, depending upon the program.  Please see each program page for specific information.

What is the duration of grant funding for any specific study?

Typically, studies are funded for up to three years.

When and how often are applications accepted? Are there specific deadlines?

It depends on the program. The Brain and Immuno-imaging program issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) with a specific deadline. Preliminary proposals for the Clinical Neuroscience Research program may be submitted at any time. Please see the program pages for each program’s process and deadlines. 

Who is eligible to apply for grants? Are post-doctoral fellows eligible to apply?

Applicants must be tenure track faculty. Emphasis in the Brain and Immuno-imaging program is on junior-level faculty (investigators at the assistant professor level and those who are in the first few years of their associate professor appointments). Post-doctoral fellows are only eligible to apply if they will have a junior faculty appointment by the time grant funding would begin.