Rally for Research Pilot Grant Program

Geographic Scope: International (United States, Argentina, and other countries)

Focus Areas:

• APBD (Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease) research
• GSD IV (Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV) research
• Biomarker discovery and development
• Drug discovery initiatives
• Enzyme therapy development
• Disease mechanism research

Award Details:

• 2025 campaign raised $150,000 from 287 donors
• Funds support 1-year APBD pilot research studies
• Board provides dollar-for-dollar matching (up to $50,000)
• Recent award example: UCLA researchers funded for biomarker discovery

Eligibility:

• Academic researchers at universities and medical centers
• International collaborations encouraged
• Multidisciplinary teams with clinical and research expertise

Program History:

• Since 2005, foundation has raised and awarded nearly $2 million in pilot research grants
• Recipients include researchers at Columbia University, Duke University Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, University of Florida, Newcastle University, and Hadassah Medical Organization
• Previous partnership with University of Pennsylvania's Million Dollar Bike Ride (MDBR) program (2016-2025)

Contact Information:

• Email: info@APBDRF.org
• Phone: 646.580.5610
• Mailing Address: APBD Research Foundation, 2257 East 63 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11234
• EIN: 20-3609790

Background:

• APBD is a rare neurological glycogen storage disorder
• Research aims to expand knowledge of APBD, discover biomarkers, identify treatments, and make therapies a reality for individuals living with APBD

Application Process

Submission Management: In partnership with UPenn Orphan Disease Center's JumpStart program

Application Steps:

1. Submit research proposal through designated portal/process
2. Proposals reviewed by scientific advisory board and independent reviewers
3. Projects selected based on research merit and potential impact

Required Materials:

• Research proposal with project objectives and methodology
• Budget justification
• Researcher credentials and CVs
• Institutional affiliation documentation
• Collaboration agreements (if multi-institutional)

Proposal Focus Areas (Based on 2025 Award):

• Novel biomarker identification
• Disease progression measurement
• Clinical diagnostic improvement
• Therapeutic efficacy assessment
• Brain-based biomarker research in blood samples
• International collaboration with clinical experts

Review Process:

• Scientific merit review
• Reviewer feedback provided
• Grant agreements finalized before funds disbursed

Timeline:

• Annual funding cycle
• 2025 campaign period: Through June 30
• Announcements made as grant agreements are finalized