NAF: Research Seed Money Grant

The NAF Research Seed Money Grant supports innovative studies to advance understanding of ataxias, offering $50,000 for one year as seed funding for early research phases or to supplement ongoing projects. Priority is given to research that enhances scientific discovery and outcomes for individuals with ataxia. Both common and rare ataxia forms are targeted, ensuring diverse research contributions that may lead to significant advancements in treatment and understanding of disease mechanisms.

Overview
The NAF Research Seed Money Grant provides support for new and innovative studies that advance understanding of the cause, pathogenesis, or treatment of hereditary, sporadic, and acquired ataxias. These $50,000, 1-year grants serve as seed funding to assist investigators during the early or pilot phases of research, or as supplemental funding for ongoing innovative projects demonstrating a critical need. It is expected that funded projects will generate preliminary data to support applications for larger grants from other funding sources.
Research Seed Grant Funding Priorities
NAF is committed to supporting research that advances scientific discovery and improves outcomes for all individuals living with ataxia, regardless of disease subtype. During this funding cycle, equal priority will be given to the following research focus areas:
For proposals targeting more common and better-characterized forms of ataxia (e.g., SCA types 1,2,3,6, FA), funded projects are expected to have strong translational potential. These projects should aim to:Advance clinical trial readiness,Support or accelerate the development of treatments,Significantly alter our understanding of disease mechanisms or pathogenesis,Or meaningfully impact clinical care and patient outcomes (speech, physical therapy, and other supportive therapies studies encouraged).For proposals focused on rare, less characterized, unknown or newly identified forms of ataxia, NAF encourages research that builds critical foundational knowledge. These projects may focus on:Addressing fundamental mechanistic questions,Developing or validating novel disease models, without necessarily demonstrating immediate translational application.
Amount: $50,000
In rare circumstances, these priority projects may be eligible for increased funding amounts based on their scope of inquiry. Requests for increased funding amounts are judged on a case-by-case basis and must be approved before submitting a letter of intent. Please email for further details.

Eligibility

At the time of application, an applicant must have an appointment as a faculty member or senior scientist at a research institution.Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.Grant applications are accepted from U.S. and international institutions. Applications from for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, public or private institutions, and institutions both inside and outside the United States will be considered.

Ineligibility

No funds provided by the National Ataxia Foundation may be used for indirect/F&A costs.