The Ann Theodore Foundation is launching a new funding cycle for the Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative in partnership with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC).
The Ann Theodore Foundation Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative (ATF-BSI) is now accepting applications for two-year research projects that seek to increase our foundational understanding of sarcoidosis through projects focused on the biology and epidemiology of sarcoidosis.
ATF-BSI intends to award four to six two-year research grants led by doctorate-level investigators at qualifying research-based institutions around the world. Projects led by individual researchers will be eligible for up to US$200,000 in funding for direct costs per year plus 15 percent in indirect costs, totaling US$230,000 per year, and US$460,000 over two years. Interdisciplinary teams will be eligible for up to US$250,000 in funding for direct costs per year plus 15 percent in indirect costs, totaling US$287,000 per year for a total of $575,000 over two years. Interdisciplinary teams are defined here as either a team of two principal investigators (PIs) comprising a sarcoidosis expert and a researcher from a separate field relevant to the project, or a team submitting a proposal with one basic science expert and one clinical expert that incorporates both clinical and basic science aims. Funded investigators will be eligible for a third year of funding with satisfactory progress within the first 18 months.
Sarcoidosis is a disease hallmarked by clusters of immune cells, known as granulomas, forming in various organs throughout the body. Sarcoidosis is often observed in the lungs, but many other organs can be impacted. In some cases, the granulomas resolve spontaneously, but for others, the condition can become chronic and debilitating. The symptoms can include difficulty breathing, fatigue, and arrhythmia, and if the granulomas persist, they can cause severe organ damage and death. Approximately 0.5 percent (1 in 200) of the US population is affected by sarcoidosis; however, it impacts African-American women at higher rates than other demographics.
Deadlines:
- Optional Letter of Intent: Oct. 23, 2024
- Full Proposals: Jan. 20, 2025
- Each applicant organization must be a nonprofit academic or research institution, including domestic and non-US nonprofit organizations, domestic and non-US public/private academic universities or institutions of higher learning (including colleges, universities, medical schools, and other related academic research institutions); certain qualified governmental agencies with active biomedical research programs may also apply.
- All proposed research projects must be led by a PI who holds a doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD, or related research doctorate degree). The PI must be an independent investigator.
- Institutions may submit more than one proposal, but each proposal must be led by a unique PI.