Pilot Study Grants

Focus: Investigation of new research topics in retina research

RRF funds pilot study grants on an annual basis. These smaller scale experimental studies are designed to "test the waters" or break new ground, and findings may lead to larger ongoing studies in the future.

Award Details:

• Typical Award Amount: $25,000 - $50,000 per grant
• Duration: Grants awarded for one year only; may be renewed up to three times (for a maximum of 3 years) if satisfactory progress is demonstrated on annual review
• Note: The number and size of grant awards varies depending on RRF's income from donations and investments

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must hold a medical degree (MD) and/or a doctorate (PhD)
• Applicants must have a long-term commitment (at least 3 years) to a project
• Research must be conducted in the United States at a university, medical school, or eye institute
• Applications from for-profit centers or industry-sponsored research centers will not be considered
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or green card/permanent U.S. residents

Focus Areas

• Retina research ONLY
• Preliminary data generation to support future NIH or other major funding source submissions

Budget Guidelines

• Eligible costs: Salaries (excluding principal investigator), equipment, and supplies
• NOT eligible for funding:
  • Principal investigator salary
  • Travel expenses
  • Publication-related expenses
  • Indirect costs
• Budget range: Usually limited to $25,000-$50,000 per grant unless supported by another funding source for a higher amount

Application Requirements

• Grant re-applications are subject to repeat review on an individual basis each year
• If plans extend beyond one year, applicants may propose a project plan to be implemented over a three-year grant period (longer-range plans are encouraged), but the initial application must include aims and budget specifically for the initial year's research
• If proposing a three-year study, information about the longer-term plan may be included in an addendum to the application

Review and Notification

• Applications reviewed by RRF Grants Selection Committee and approved by RRF Board of Directors
• All applicants notified of grant decisions in mid-January following the application deadline

Contact Information

Retina Research Foundation

• Address: 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 810, Houston, Texas 77027
• Phone: 713-797-1925
• Website: retinaresearchfnd.org

Organization Mission

RRF Mission: To reduce retinal blindness worldwide by funding programs in research and education. As a public charity, RRF raises funds from the private sector and the investment of its endowment funds.

Application Process

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: August 19 (annually)
• Notification Date: Mid-January (following year)
• Grant Period: January 1 - December 31

Required Application Materials

Detailed application requirements are available on the RRF website under "Grant Application". The completed application should convey how the grant will serve to further the purpose of your research project.

Application Steps

1. Review the grant guidelines and eligibility requirements
2. Prepare complete application with all required components
3. Submit application by the August 19 deadline
4. Application reviewed by RRF Grants Selection Committee
5. Board of Directors approval
6. Applicants notified of decisions in mid-January

Grant Renewal Process

• Grants must be renewed annually; renewal applications are subject to repeat review on an individual basis each year
• Continued funding based on satisfactory progress demonstrated during annual review