For those programs with “invited-only” application processes, 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. Prospective applicants should indicate the specific invitation-only program for which they would like to be considered and see the "How to Apply" page of the program.
The Human Immunology program accepts preliminary applications from investigators at research institutions outside the United States. The invitational Clinical Neuroscience Research program accepts preliminary proposals from clinical researchers at international institutions. The Neruoimmunology program considers international candidates recommended by EDAB members (please see www.dana.org/edab/). The Brain and Immuno-imaging program does not accept applications from institutions outside the United States.
It depends on the program. Brain and Immuno-imaging and Neuroimmunology are looking for outstanding investigators who are early in their research careers. The Clinical Neuroscience Research and Human Immunology programs invite junior and senior level investigators.
No. Foundation funding covers only direct costs and cannot be used to cover indirect expenses. In addition. only up to ten percent of grant funds may be used to purchase equipment.
All proposals received for the Brain and Immuno-imaging program must be submitted with the endorsement of the dean of a qualifying school, or the president of a research institution that receives a letter of invitation from the Foundation. This endorsement ensures that no more than two applicants (one per track A and B) are 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.
Written feedback provided will indicate whether you are invited to reapply. Refer to the correspondence you received; encouragements to resubmit will be clearly indicated.
No, the Foundation only funds 501(c)(3) organizations.
Rarely, and only by invitation.
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.
No. In the Clinical Neuroscience Research program, solely human research (in patients) is considered. In the other programs (Brain and Immuno-imaging, Neuroimmunology, and Human Immunology) patient-oriented research (research with patients or patient tissues) is the primary focus. 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 possible in humans.
Please visit the pages for each program and read the descriptions. For additional guidance, please view the descriptions of studies funded in each program.
All U.S. Medical Schools receive invitations to submit applications. The RFPs are sent to the deans of those schools, and usually the chairs of relevant departments in the school. Some institutions distribute them internally or post them on their Web site; it varies from school to school. Select research institutions are also invited. If you are unsure, please have your sponsored research officer contact Foundation staff.
Research grants typically range from $100,000 to up to $300,000 per institution, depending on the program. Please see each program page for specific information.
Typically, studies are funded for up to three years.
It depends on the program. Please see the program pages for each program’s process and deadlines. The Brain and Immuno-imaging program usually issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) twice yearly, with specific deadlines. The Neuroimmunology program typically invites applicants once a year. Preliminary proposals for the Clinical Neuroscience Research and Human Immunology program may be submitted at any time, but proposals are reviewed four times a year.
Applicants must be tenure track faculty. Emphasis in the Brain and Immuno-imaging and Neuroimmunology programs is on junior-level faculty (investigators at the assistant professor level and investigators 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.