Funding Opportunities
The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to announce an RFA for new research and training grants. General descriptions are provided below. For dates and more specific information, download the request for applications.
Apply Today
To apply, you will need to go to proposalCENTRAL, our online application process. You will need to register with proposalCENTRAL and complete the letter of intent form online. If approved, you will be given access to the full online application. Notification will be sent to you no later than September 3, 2009. Application guidelines are on proposalCENTRAL in the link to the right of the award type
About the Awards
Established Investigator Grants – The Foundation’s research strategy is focused on stimulating new approaches to solving osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis.
In 2009, the Foundation will accept proposals for Innovative Research Grants in OA, JA and risk/benefit assessment. These awards provide up to $100,000/yr (including no more than 8% indirect costs) for a period not to exceed two years. Research proposals that involve an especially high degree of innovation and novelty or represent a special opportunity to address unique and relevant research questions are encouraged. Although preliminary data that supports the feasibility of the study is appropriate, such information is not essential.
Innovative Research Grants in Osteoarthritis – Proposals that address relevant scientific questions regarding OA are requested. Projects may focus on any aspect of OA including basic pathophysiological mechanisms, discovery and validation of biomarkers (such as molecular and imaging technologies that reflect disease presence and/or progression), treatment strategies (such as medical interventions, physical measures, surgical approaches, and treatment outcomes), the epidemiology of OA, and societal impact of OA. Applications that address questions related to the pathogenesis and/or treatment of post-traumatic arthritis such as that which follows ACL rupture are especially encouraged.
Innovative Research Grants in Juvenile Arthritis - Proposals that address relevant scientific questions in all forms of juvenile arthritis are requested. Projects may focus on animal models relevant to JA or be based on human studies. Studies should be designed to clarify the etiologic and pathophysiological mechanisms of JA, or to identify better diagnostic and treatment strategies, or to lead to a better understanding of the epidemiology and societal impact of JA. Studies that utilize the CARRA network are especially encouraged.
Innovative Research Grants in assessment of risk vs benefit interventions in arthritis. A special grant from Pfizer pharmaceuticals enables the Foundation to request proposals for the study of how patients perceive relative risk and relative benefit of agents that they might consider using for alleviation of arthritis. Projects may focus on patient perception and educational needs. Studies may also be designed to develop better strategies for measuring and describing risk vs benefit of specific treatments or seek approaches for improving communication of risk vs benefit to patients.
Training and Career Development Awards - These awards are designed to expand the number of individuals who devote their careers to the solving arthritis. The training project may be based on any rheumatic disease.
Postdoctoral Fellowship - Provides salary plus fringe benefits for MDs, DOs, PhDs, or equivalent for a two-year period. A third year may be issued on a competitive basis. Third year renewal criteria will be based on scientific progress, evidence that the Fellow is advancing toward independence, and level of institutional support. Ninety percent time must be devoted to arthritis-related research. The award amount is $50,000 per year for salary and fringe benefits. Indirect cost not allowed.
Doctoral Dissertation Award for Arthritis Health Professionals - Provides one or two years of salary and/or research support for individuals seeking a doctoral degree. The research project must be related to arthritis management and/or comprehensive patient care in rheumatology practice, research or education. Not for laboratory research. The award amount is $30,000 per year. Indirect cost not allowed.
New Investigator Grant for Arthritis Health Professionals - This grant is offered to encourage individuals in health care to carry out innovative research projects in areas related to arthritis and the rheumatic diseases. It is a two-year award. A third year may be issued on a competitive basis encompassing research progress, publications and demonstration of professional advancement. Not for laboratory research. MDs are not eligible. The award amount is $50,000 per year. Indirect cost 8%
Chapter Grants - These grants are offered by chapters for specific local initiatives.
Award types and eligibility are at the discretion of the chapter offering the program. Please refer to local chapter announcements for types of awards and definitions of eligibility. Application for these awards must go through proposal central and are evaluated by a special study section of the National Peer Review Council.
Support for research in rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a major research focus for the Foundation. We are pleased to announce our support of the American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation Within Our Reach campaign in pursuit of this objective.
The Within Our Reach campaign was launched in 2006, and is the largest private fundraising campaign in the REF’s history. So far the campaign has funded $18 million to accelerate the innovative research necessary to find a cure for RA. The campaign has received tremendous support from the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, physicians and patients, raising nearly $26 million to date.
The Arthritis Foundation has committed $1 million to the Within Our Reach campaign to support this important research. Interested applicants should visit the REF Web site for more information on how to apply through the Within Our Reach grants mechanism. The next RFA will be released September 15, and applications will be due December 1. For more information, please visit the REF Web site at www.rheumatology.org/REF.
