Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a public charity that funds epilepsy research. The organization’s website says it has raised more than $100 million and funded over 300 research projects worldwide.
Key facts about Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
In short: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy gave $1.3M across 14 grants in 2025 (avg $92K), top state California. 46% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 36-4253176
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,289,863
- Grants made (2025)
- 14
- Average grant
- $92,133
- Median grant
- $100,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 46% first-time grantees (6 of 13, 2025; small sample)
- Total assets
- $10,409,120
- Primary geography
- California (39% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The available materials describe a letter-of-intent and full-proposal process for the Taking Flight Award. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$10.4M
-2.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
-35.8% YoY
Grant Count
14
+7.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$92K
-40.4% YoY
Is Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy open to new grantees?
46%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 13 grantees (46%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $118K; repeat grants $81K. How we count
Medians: $113K first-time, $50K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
CURE Epilepsy states its mission is to fund breakthrough research that will transform the lives of people with epilepsy as it leads the search for a cure. Its investigator-initiated research priorities include basic mechanisms of epilepsy, acquired epilepsies, pediatric epilepsies, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), treatment-resistant epilepsies, and sleep and epilepsy. Its website also identifies foundational research, unmet needs, and early-career investigators as areas of investment.
The organization supports research grants to academic institutions and other research organizations. Examples among its 2025 grantees include the University of Pennsylvania, whose stated mission includes pioneering research and providing patient care; Seattle Children’s Hospital, which describes its mission as leadership in pediatric health and wellness; and the American Epilepsy Society, whose stated mission is to promote research and education related to epilepsy prevention, treatment, and cure. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, CURE Epilepsy reported 14 grants totaling $1,289,863. The grants ranged from $6,300 to $258,324, with a median of $100,000. Examples include Stanford University ($258,324), Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene ($250,000), the University of Pennsylvania ($125,000), University of California Riverside ($125,000), the University of Southern California ($125,000), Seattle Children’s Hospital ($100,000), Northwestern University ($100,000), and The Jackson Laboratory ($100,000). It also reported $15,000 grants to Gordon Research Conferences and the American Epilepsy Society for research conferences.
The website describes the Taking Flight Award as support for early-career investigators developing an independent research focus. The award permits requests of up to $125,000 for 18 months. Eligible applicants include specified early-career researchers, such as postdoctoral fellows and certain junior faculty and clinical fellows; international applicants are welcome. The 2026 guidelines describe a letter-of-intent phase followed by a full-proposal phase, state that the award is not intended to support clinical trials, and encourage collaborative and multidisciplinary research. The website says Scientific Advisory Council members may not apply for funding or participate in grant-funding recommendations while serving on the council.
The Rare Epilepsy Partnership Award supports development of research tools, techniques, model systems, and data-collection platforms for rare epilepsies. It is co-funded with rare epilepsy advocacy groups, is available to researchers at academic and non-academic institutions, and has a one-year duration. Its listed deadline of September 1, 2026, has passed.
How to Apply
The available materials describe a letter-of-intent and full-proposal process for the Taking Flight Award.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
CURE Epilepsy Award
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
CURE Epilepsy: Catalyst Award
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Rare Epilepsy Partnership Award Grant
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
Amount
Up to US $100,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization is based in Chicago, Illinois. Its 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states: California accounted for 39%, New York 19%, Pennsylvania 14%, Illinois 9%, and Washington 9%. The website reports that it has funded research projects worldwide, and the Taking Flight Award welcomes international applicants.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2025) to $4.5M (2020). In 2025 it made 14 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Stanford University ($258K). Together the top 10 received $1.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
75 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 27 grants of 75 (36%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University Los Angeles, CA | Research Grant | $258,324 |
| Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene Menands, NY | Research Grant | $250,000 |
| Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | Research Grant | $125,000 |
| University of California Riverside Riverside, CA | Research Grant | $125,000 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA | Research Grant | $125,000 |
| Seattle Children's Hospital Seattle, WA | Research Grant | $100,000 |
| Northwestern University Evanston, IL | Research Grant | $100,000 |
| The Jackson Laboratory Bar Harbor, ME | Research Grant | $100,000 |
| Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | Research Grant | $50,000 |
| Gordon Research Conferences East Greenwich, RI | Research Conference | $15,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $10,409,120 | $4,989,172 | $5,529,185 | $1,289,863 |
| 2024 | $10,689,964 | $6,050,647 | $6,196,609 | $2,010,562 |
| 2023 | $10,587,072 | $6,183,163 | $5,993,350 | $1,878,201 |
Grant counts were 14 in 2025, 13 in 2024, and 18 in 2023.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $10,409,120 | $10,689,964 | $10,587,072 |
| Revenue | $4,989,172 | $6,050,647 | $6,183,163 |
| Expenses | $5,529,185 | $6,196,609 | $5,993,350 |
| Net Investment Income | $567,508 | $492,012 | $355,902 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 27, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 2, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 23, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 8, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Beth Dean as CEO; Laura Lubbers as CSO; Alysha Biehl as Director of Development; Dana Vielmetti as Director of Marketing and Communications; Priya Balasurbramanian as Director of Research; Elaine O’Loughlin as Associate Director of Research Initiatives; John Anderluh as CFO; Angela Mota as Director of Major Gifts; Lisa Cotton as Immediate Past Chair; and Shalee Cunneen as Secretary.
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy is led by Beth Lewin Dean, CEO on every filing since 2020; 8 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Beth Lewin Dean
CEO
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$261K (2020) → $344K (2025)
Justin Gover
Chair
Director → Chair Elect, 2024
Chair Elect → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Priya Balasurbramanian
Director of Research
Associate Director of Research → Director of Research, 2025
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$107K (2020) → $138K (2025)
Alysha Biehl
Director of Development
Senior Director Development → Director of Development, 2024
On filings since 2022
37.5 hrs/week
$149K (2022) → $170K (2025)
Dana Vielmetti
Director of Marketing & Communications
Director & Marketing → Director of Marketing & Communications, 2025
On filings since 2023
37.5 hrs/week
$147K (2023) → $164K (2025)
Angela Mota
Director of Major Gifts
New on the 2025 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$101K (2025)
Carrie Garman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Reifman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Cervantes
Director
Chair Elect → Chair, 2021
Chair → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Schneider
Director
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kim Borden
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steve Austin
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Irina Colon
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maureen Flood Rabus
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Alexrod
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Walter Kelly
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Mayes
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Tuteur
Director
New on the 2025 filing
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Anderluh
CFO
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$105K (2020) → $106K (2025)
Laura Lubbers
Cso
Chief Scientific Officer → Cso, 2024
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$286K (2020) → $344K (2025)
Elaine O'Loughlin
Associate Director of Research Initiatives
New on the 2025 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$134K (2025)
Lisa Cotton
Immediate Past Chair
Chair Elect → Chair, 2023
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shalee Cunneen
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roger Heldman
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2024
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Kathy McKenna (2020–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Hannah Whitten (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Marilynn Gardner (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Mike Axelrod (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Tina Sacks (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Debby Hecht (2020–2022) — Senior Director & Market Coms
- Former: Lauren Harte-Hargrove (2022) — Dod & Associate Director of Res
- Former: Alsyha Biehl (2020–2021) — Senior Director & Development
- Former: Brian Gorczynski (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Kimberly Borden (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Lauren Harte (2020–2021) — Dod & Associate Director of Res
- Former: Stacey Pigott (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Ann Benschoter (2020) — Past Chair
- Former: Blake Cunneen (2020) — Director
- Former: Celia Huber (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $344K, to Beth Dean (CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 420 N Wabash Ave Ste 650, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 255-1801
Website: https://cureepilepsy.org
Frequently asked questions about Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
How much does Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy give each year?
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy gave $1.3M across 14 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $2.0M across 13 grants.
What is Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's typical grant size?
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's median grant in 2025 was $100,000, and its average grant was $92,133, across 14 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy that year got $118K on average.
Where does Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy give grants?
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's top state is California, with 39% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were New York (19%) and Pennsylvania (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (2 grants), Philadelphia, PA (2 grants) and Seattle, WA (2 grants).
Does Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 14 grants with a stated purpose on Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research Grant" (12 grants).
Who are Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's largest grantees?
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's largest 2025 grantees include Stanford University ($258,324), Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene ($250,000) and Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania ($125,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy?
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy reported $10.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.0M.
What does Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy fund?
CURE Epilepsy states its mission is to fund breakthrough research that will transform the lives of people with epilepsy as it leads the search for a cure. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy?
The available materials describe a letter-of-intent and full-proposal process for the Taking Flight Award. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's EIN?
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4253176. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy by hand.
Explore Open Grants
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