HNF Research Funding Program

Geographic Scope: Global

Focus Areas: Preclinical research aligned with HNF's key objectives, including but not limited to:

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease research
• Mitochondrial disorder research
• Gene therapy development
• Drug development for inherited neuropathies

Eligibility

• Researchers and Clinicians: Eligible globally
• Organizations: Academic medical centers, universities, nonprofit research organizations, and for-profit research organizations encouraged to apply
• Biotechnology Companies: Typically funded as venture philanthropy collaboration with return on investment based on agreed deliverables

Award Details

• Typical Award Amount: $50,000 to $100,000 per year in direct costs
• Duration: One year of support with potential for a 12-month no-cost extension with prior written HNF approval; multi-year proposals may be considered depending on research project and met milestones
• Exceptional Proposals: Higher budgets may be considered
• Indirect Costs: HNF will NOT provide indirect institutional support per Foundation policy
• Multiple Funding Sources: Encouraged; applicants should identify other funding sources in their Letter of Intent

Contact Information

• Research Questions: Dr. Lucia Notterpek, HNF Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) - [email protected]
• Letter of Intent Submission: Allison Moore, HNF CEO - [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation, PO Box 1922, Midlothian, VA 23113
• Website: hnf-cure.org

Background

HNF advances preclinical research as quickly as possible and considers its application process interactive, encouraging collaboration and discussion prior to formal submission.

Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) Review

1. Format: 1-2 page Letter of Intent in PDF format
2. Submission: Email directly to Allison Moore, HNF CEO at [email protected]
3. Required Content in LOI:
   • Specific aims of the project
   • Milestones expected to be reached after each phase
   • Expected timelines
   • Any collaborations with companies or institutions that may advance findings or co-fund the project
4. Evaluation: HNF will evaluate alignment of project with Foundation's mission and objectives
5. Response Time: Generally within four weeks
6. Next Step: If LOI is accepted, applicants will be asked to submit a full proposal for evaluation by the TRIAD Council

Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission

Format: PDF format

Required Proposal Components:

1. Lay Summary
2. Scientific Summary
3. Rationale and Overall Objectives
4. Specific Aims
5. Background
   • Supporting literature
   • Preliminary results (if available)
6. Availability of Tools and Personnel
   • Description of tools and personnel available to conduct proposed research
7. Experimental Plan
   • Measurable milestones
   • Quarterly progress reports to HNF (required)
8. Gantt Chart
   • Timeline for completion of Experimental Plan
9. Budget Justification
   • Personnel effort on project
10. Funding Disclosure
    • Proposed work already funded by other advocacy groups and/or funding agencies
11. NIH Biosketches
    • For key Research Team members
12. Letters of Support
    • Two letters of support required

Pre-Submission Collaboration

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to reach out to HNF via Dr. Lucia Notterpek, HNF CSO ([email protected]), prior to submitting an LOI and/or formal application to discuss the project and ensure alignment with HNF's objectives.